I was just wondering how had was it to get your benifits changed over after your transition?

"Bump" U.S. Retired?

Yes my bad U.S. military.

Anyone who can do that must have balls! 

"Bump"

Your benefits will not change. I have worked for the VA before and there are many TG/TS who are retired. The medical benefits remain the same. A person can also get free psychological therapy however it may be difficult to find a therapist who deals specifically with gender issues only.

I'm retired US military.  When I changed my name, it was as if I changed my address or something - no big deal.  I haven't changed my gender yet, but military insurance is paying for most of my hormones, counseling, and doctor visits, so I don't expect there to be a problem.

- Kate

Thanks Genevieve and Kate. I was wondering if it was worth sticking it out a few more years and get that retirement check and bennies or not.

I don't know how many years you have to go, but I enjoy the benefits and the retirement check, while not big, is a nice cushion.

And for some reason, it always tickles me to to go over to the base to the commissary now that I'm Kate.

- Kate

If I don't get a medical retirement soon I only have a few years left. I know its not a big check by any means but right now its nice to know it will be there. 

I never bought a house when I was in because I had to move so often, but when I got out I bought my first house.  I made sure the mortgage payment was less than my retirement, so that no matter what I would have a place to live.  (I might have to dumpster dive for food, but at least I'd have a home.)  It gave me a lot of confidence.

Good luck sticking it out.

- Kate

Same here no house yet I want to wait till I don't have to move so much. I can't wait for that day to come. My very own home thats mine.

If my medical stuff goes threw I won't have to much longer to stick it out but thanks for the encouragement. Makes me feel way better to know its not as hard as I expected it to be to retire and keep bennies.

As a Guard member I would have to wait till I'm 65 would it just make my while to go Active when m contract is up?

You'd have to talk to a career specialist (or whatever they call them - like a recruiter, but they know you are already in).  I had some friends who were active and then went Reserve, but I don't remember anyone going the other way.  Plus, you can get a lot of bad information from a barracks lawyer (are you familiar with that expression?), which is what I'd be.

Being in the service worked for me, but it definitely isn't for everyone.

- Kate

Gen B,

A reservists retirement begins at age 60. Name and gender changes do not effect your retirement.

Also, many reservists go active duty all the time. One plus is that an active duty retirement starts after 20 years of active duty service.

I know several service members who transitioned after retirement and I have heard of a few who transitioned while in the service. Army regulations do not prohibit transitioning, but you commander can make life miserable or not.

Dani,

4 years active and 18 in the reserves