I received a reader question this week:

Hi Patrick,

Let’s say an Individual put in 15 years active duty, then separated from the Army at his own request with a less than Honorable Discharge.  What would his entitlements be for the time he served in on Active Duty? Is he entitled to Partial Retirement Pay?  Or does he have to put in the 20 years to receive retirement pay?

Thanks,

A.T.
Veteran, US Army

Hello A.T. - Thanks for your service to our country.

In most cases one needs to serve 20 years to qualify for military retirement pay and benefits, except in some cases such as disability. If you are looking to get paid, here are your options:

Join the Guard or Reserves. Your 15 years will count toward retirement through the Guard or Reserves. You would then need to complete 5 more years of service before you would be eligible for retirement pay. Keep in mind that you will not be eligible to receive retirement pay until age 60. Here is more information about the Army Reserves.

File a disability claim. Assuming you have a qualifying disability and it gets approved, you may receive a monthly disability compensation check and possibly health care benefits as a result of your disability. Keep in mind you need to file your claim shortly after leaving military service and you will need your medical records. I highly recommend visiting your local VA representative for assistance with completing the paperwork for your claim. Here are the current disability rates. The rates receive an annual increase for cost of living.

You should still be eligible for other veteran benefits such as the VA Loan, GI Bill, Military Scholarships, or other veteran benefits (check with your state or the VA for more information.

Good luck.