Just like an honorable discharge, you're eligible for most veteran (and military benefits) if you receive a general discharge, including disability compensation, education assistance (except for GI bills), survivor pensions, VA health care, and TRICARE's Continued Health Care Benefit Program (military health insurance).
What benefits can you receive with a general discharge?
You must meet the following guidelines:
- 620 credit score
- 43% maximum debt ratio
- No federal defaulted loans
- Stable income and employment for the last 2 years
- Proof that you will live in the home as your primary residence
Can I receive VA pension with general discharge?
To receive VA benefits, the character of your discharge matters. If you have a general discharge, you qualify for several benefits. VA Compensation benefits include disability, dependency and indemnity compensation, and special monthly compensation. Also, those with this type of discharge qualify for a pension, home loan, and insurance benefits.
Do you lose VA benefits with a general discharge?
Veterans with a general discharge, or general discharge under honorable conditions, are also entitled to all the benefits under the VA. This character means that a service member may not have met all of the standards of honorable discharge, yet their military service met standards of adequacy.
Can I get a VA loan with a general discharge?
To receive VA home loan benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). Generally, there is no character of discharge bar to benefits to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance.
Can I get veterans benefits with a general discharge?
Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.
Can you get disability with a general discharge?
Types of Discharges and Benefits Eligibility If you received an Honorable Discharge, Medical Discharge, or General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions, you are eligible for both disability compensation and VA health care.
Is a general discharge considered honorable?
There are three main categories: Honorable Discharge. This means that the service member met or exceeded the conduct and performance standards of the military. General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.
What VA benefits do I qualify for with an other than honorable discharge?
Veterans with OTH discharges may be eligible for certain health care benefits without being required to enroll in VA health care, such as: Treatment for sexual assault or harassment experienced while in the military. Mental and behavioral health care. Counseling services at a VA Vet Center.
How does a general discharge affect civilian life?
1. It prevents future service. Individuals who receive a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions are not allowed to re-enlist once the dismissal has been completed. The discharge type prevents individuals from entering a different service of the armed forces as well.
How long after discharge can you apply for VA benefits?
180 to 90 daysBenefits Delivery at Discharge A joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) program gives service members the opportunity to file VA disability claims from 180 to 90 days prior to their separation or retirement from active duty.
Can I join USAA with a general discharge?
You must have separated with an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge. Call 800-531-USAA (8722), that's 800-531-8722 to see if you qualify.
Can you get a government job with a general discharge?
Eligibility for Federal Job Preference Veterans must generally have served during a period of war to qualify for preference for federal jobs, and must have been discharged under honorable conditions. This means you must have either a general or an honorable discharge.
What does a general discharge from the military mean?
A general discharge under honorable conditions means that your service was satisfactory, but did not deserve the highest level of discharge for performance and conduct. Many veterans with this type of discharge may have engaged in minor misconduct.
How often do discharges get upgraded?
within 15 yearsYou must apply for a discharge upgrade within 15 years of the date of your discharge-no exceptions to this time limit.
What's the difference between honorable and general discharge?
Recipients of General Discharges usually have engaged in minor misconduct or have received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, UCMJ. While the “under honorable conditions” terminology is slightly confusing, there is a clear disadvantage to receiving a General Discharge in contrast to an Honorable Discharge.
Can you get VA benefits with a less than honorable discharge?
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services, the Veteran's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).
What does general discharge mean?
Definition of general discharge : a formal release from military service given under honorable conditions and for satisfactory service to a member of the armed forces not qualifying for an honorable discharge — compare discharge.
How long does a general discharge take?
A general discharge can be completed in as little as 30 days but could take up to six months. Separation from the military can take longer than six months. It's vital that you don't procrastinate on starting the process.
Can you work at the VA with an other than honorable discharge?
Veterans with multiple periods of service may qualify for VA disability compensation and other benefits even though they have bad paper. If you received a discharge under conditions "other than honorable," you ordinarily are not eligible for most VA benefits.