Veteran Income Bridge

Military Separation Details

Severance pay: involuntary separation = 2 months base pay × years of service (§1174). Voluntary (VSP/SSB) varies. PDRL retirement = 2.5% × disability rating × base pay. TSP withdrawals before 59½ incur 10% penalty + tax unless separation at or after age 55 (Rule of 55, IRC §72(t)(2)(A)(v)). Source: 10 U.S.C. §1174; IRC §72(t); 38 CFR (VA disability).

Separation Type

Years of Service

Monthly Base Pay ($)

Age at Separation

Disability Rating % (0 if none)

VA disability — tax-free monthly compensation

Transition Gap (months before first civ paycheck)

Income Bridge Sources

Severance / VSP Lump Sum ($)

Leave blank to auto-calculate from §1174

TSP Balance ($)

TSP Monthly Withdrawal During Gap ($)

0 = don't touch TSP during gap

Spouse / Partner Monthly Income ($)

Monthly Unemployment Benefit ($)

UI varies by state. Average ~$1,200–$1,800/mo.

Bridge Employment Monthly Net ($)

Part-time or contract work during transition

Monthly Savings / Emergency Fund Available ($)

Monthly Household Expenses ($)

Target Civilian Role

Civilian Starting Salary ($/yr)

Effective Tax Rate (%)

Model Months Post-Separation

Monthly Income During Gap (All Streams)

Gap Coverage Ratio

Bridge income / monthly expenses

VA Disability / mo

Tax-free, based on rating %

Calculated Severance

§1174 / retirement / PDRL

Runway (months)

Before savings depleted

Month-by-Month Bridge

Month	Status	VA Disab ($)	UI / Bridge ($)	Spouse ($)	TSP ($)	Total In ($)	Expenses ($)	Net ($)	Savings ($)