What are the benefits of having a DD214?

A DD 214 is important because it provides all the most critical details of a veteran's military service in one document. It is most often used to verify eligibility for veteran's benefits. Disability compensation, VA home loans, GI Bill, and other VA benefits require a DD-214 as proof of service.

Does having a DD214 make you a veteran?

Even in the private sector, your DD214 proves you are a veteran, letting you apply with companies looking to support or hire vets.

Can I get on base with my DD214?

Only with a VHIC can the veteran get access to the base. All a veteran has to do is take their VHIC, along with valid state ID, driver's license or passport, to an installation's Pass and ID office. If this office isn't outside the base, call ahead to find out where to go.

Is a DD214 an Honorable Discharge?

Most individuals and employers want to see an Honorable Discharge indicated in line 24's Character of Service in the DD 214. This type of discharge also is key to being eligible for a host of veteran's benefits provided by federal, state and sometimes even local governments.

Do discharged veterans get benefits?

If you received an honorable discharge, which means you exceeded or met the military's standards for performance and personal conduct, you are eligible for all VA benefits and health care.

Explaining the DD214

How long do you have to serve in the military to get benefits?

Troops now on active duty become eligible after 90 days of service for as long as they remain on active duty. Reserve and National Guard members become eligible after six creditable years in service. Troops discharged for a service-connected disability are eligible regardless of service length.

How long do you have to be in the military to get veterans benefits?

To be eligible for most veterans benefits, a minimum period of active duty of 24 continuous months or the full period for which a person is called or ordered to active duty must be completed. This rule has been in effect since October 16, 1981 for new enlistees.

Are DD214 public record?

The Privacy Act of 1974 limits access to a veteran's DD214 to only the service member (either past or present) or the member's legal guardian; only these persons will have access to almost any information contained in that member's own record.

Are there different types of DD214?

There are two versions of the DD Form 214, usually referred to simply as "short" or "redacted" or "deleted" (edited), and "long" or "unredacted" or "undeleted" (unedited) copies.

What is a 5 point veteran?

A 5-point preference eligible is a veteran whose discharge or release from active duty in the armed forces was under honorable conditions and service meets the following criteria: During a war; or. During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or.

Can a veteran get a military ID?

A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you're eligible for a Veteran ID Card—and how to apply.

Can Veterans shop at the exchange?

The Exchange—the Department of Defenseʼs oldest and largest military retailer—is honored to serve all honorably discharged Veterans with a lifelong online military exchange shopping benefit. Your online shopping benefits include: Tax-free shopping.

Can Veterans still get on base?

The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan. 1 and established a standard for physical access to military installations. Veterans who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC.

What are the 4 types of veterans?

Why do I need my DD214 for Social Security?

You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road.. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001.

Does every veteran get a military funeral?

The law requires that, upon the family's request, every eligible veteran is entitled to receive a military funeral honors ceremony to include folding, presentation of the United States burial flag and the sounding of taps, at no cost to the family.

What information does a DD214 contain?

The information displayed on a DD-214 includes:

Date and place of release from active duty. Home address after separation. Last duty assignment and rank. Military job specialty (MOS)

What is the difference between DD214 member 1 and member 4?

Difference Between Long and Short DD-214 Discharge Forms

Service members receive two versions of the DD-214: Copy 1: Short form (aka the Deleted Form of Separation or Edited Form of Separation) Copy 4: Long form (aka the Undeleted Form of Separation)

What medical conditions will get you kicked out of the military?

Can I view my DD214 online?

Most veterans and their next of kin can obtain FREE copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) via online access. To use the system, you must be a military veteran, next of kin of a deceased member of the military, or former member of the military.

How can you tell if someone is lying about military service?

Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military.

Can you look up military records for free?

Request Recent Military Records (World War I - Present)

Most requests are free.

Do Veterans get free healthcare for life?

You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.

How do I know if I qualify for Veterans benefits?

What are the 5 types of Veterans?

Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a ''disabled veteran,'' ''recently separated veteran,'' ''active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,'' or ''Armed Forces service medal veteran. ''