Coastline Transition Program (CTAP)
Leaving active-duty service is a major life transition. Here you'll find information, tools, and resources to help you navigate this season.
At one time, you were a civilian entering a military culture unfamiliar to you. As a veteran, this process is reversed and the community you return to may feel unfamiliar. You are not alone and there are many resources available to you, to help.
Claims and Compensation
Applying for Benefits
Apply within 180 days of your separation date.
Before Leaving Military Service
- Obtain a copy of your medical records.
- If you have less than 90 days left on active duty, you have multiple options:
- Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Program - work with an accredited veterans service organization (VSO) to file your claim.
- File a Fully Developed Claim or Standard Claim. The difference in these claim types is based on how you gather evidence (supporting documents like a doctor's report and medical test results) to support your claim.
- Obtain a copy of your Joint Services Transcript.
California Benefits
- CalVet Home Loan Program
- College Fee Waiver
- Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver
- State Parks and Recreation Pass
- California Veterans Home: Long Term Care
Each state offers benefits for veterans that reside in its state. Request a VA State Benefits Resource Sheet (digital PDF) for more information and links.
Federal Benefits (VA links)
Protecting your Benefits
Resources are compiled from Veterans Administration and CalVet.
Coastline's Veterans Resource Center is here to help. Please visit our Veterans page or email vet2vet@coastline.edu for further assistance. Interested in Coastline's Military Program? Prospective and current students may proceed to the Military Program website for more info.
Career Exploration
The military has clearly defined career paths. However, within the civilian sector, there are many routes that people can take to obtain their desired job. As you prepare to transition, you will have a lot of decisions to make what career would best match your skills, interests, experience, and personal/professional goals. Contact Coastline’s Career Services Office at careercenter@coastline.edu or (714) 241-6311 to explore career options and get support.
iGrad - Financial Literacy System
Program for Coastline students designed to help you make informed financial choices and build the necessary financial skills to be successful throughout life.
Mainstream Support Services
Services include but are not limited to: interpreting, note taking, registration assistance, special counseling, materials/equipment, test proctoring, tutoring and vocational guidance.
Coastline Basic Needs Support
Assistance with food access, housing, mental health services, hygiene products, student success supplies/equipment, transportation, and emergency funding.
Key steps in your plan:
- Build a social support network. You will need them as you prepare to transition
- Enroll in VA healthcare.
- File an unemployment claim with the EDD and start looking for a job.
- Apply for GI Bill benefits
- Apply for Financial Aid
- Secure housing (family, friends, temporary, permanent).
- Save money by making a financial plan, which should be done a year beforehand.
- Seek out networks for veterans in your city to keep you connected.
CalVet. (n.d.). Identity Reboot Your Civilian Life. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from Core10-Module Overview PDF
Programs
Mental Health
Hotlines
- Veterans Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Veteran Call Center
- Women Veterans Call Center
- National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Additional Resources
Military OneSource - 24/7 connection to information, answers and support for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. You can also set up an individualized Military OneSource's Transitioning Veterans Consultation.