Going It Alone: Post-9/11 Veteran Nonuse of Healthcare and Social Service Programs During Their Early Transition to Civilian Life

Abstract: Transitioning from military to civilian life is challenging for a substantial number of veterans.Successful transitions require veterans to function well in various well-being domainsincluding employment, education, financial, health, and social relationships. There are manyprograms and services designed to assist veterans transition to civilian life. However, veter-ans rarely avail themselves of supportive resources. This study examined veteran nonuse ofprograms and services within the first three months of their transition to civilian life. Resultsrevealed that male veterans often reported that they did not need programs. Femaleveterans and veterans from the lowest enlisted ranks were more likely to report that theydid not know if they were eligible for support programs. A small percentage of veteransindicated they had not found the right program or did not know where to go to get help.Veterans need clear information about available programs, eligibility requirements, where tolocate them, and how to identify which programs will benefit them. Future research shouldfocus on what predicts veteran use of programs and services, how use changes over time,and how programs and services should be advertised/marketed to different veteran popula-tions, particularly those at risk for poor transition outcomes.