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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Service members leaving the military are often told to prepare for civilian life long before their final day in uniform. But when it comes to filing for the benefits they earned, they must navigate a complicated system, which too often leads to delayed compensation and health care. For transitioning service members, timing matters. Delays in filing can mean months without disability payments, postponed medical appointments and access to mental health professionals, and added financial stress during an already significant life transition.

Under existing law, instructors in the military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life, are not permitted to help participants fill out benefits paperwork. As a result, troops nearing separation often receive information about their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them.

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the TAP Promotion Act to eliminate this hurdle by streamlining the benefits process for service members before they leave active duty. The bill would allow accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and similar entities to participate in TAP classes, help service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and complete medical evaluations before leaving service.

“The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military,” said Cramer. “But, of course, information alone isn’t enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that—they’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”

“Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans—just as they have served us throughout their careers.”

“No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig. “The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation.”

Members who cosponsored the TAP Promotion Act include U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Curtis (R-UT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-MA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Click here for bill text.