Pre-Deployment Checklist: Get the Household Ready
Everything to lock down before a deployment — powers of attorney, finances, family care plan, and the emotional prep that matters.
- Get a power of attorney and an updated will done free through the legal office before you leave.
- Set up finances so the household runs without you: allotments, bill autopay, account access for your spouse.
- Build (and brief) a family care plan — especially for single parents and dual-military couples.
- Talk through the emotional cycle in advance; pre-deployment tension is normal, not a bad sign.
Plan My Deployment (official, free) — Deployment tools, checklists and counseling are free through the official program. Call 800-342-9647.
Frequently asked
What should I do before deploying?
Handle the legal (POA, will), the financial (access, autopay, allotments), and the family care plan — then prepare emotionally. Our pre-deployment checklist walks the whole list.
Tools that help
Personalized Benefit Finder
Tell us your role and situation; get a tailored, prioritized list of the benefits and programs that actually apply to you — with the exact next step for each.
Open toolBenefits Eligibility Checker
Answer 4 questions and get an instant, honest read on what you qualify for right now — including the 365-day veteran window and Guard/Reserve status rules the official sites make confusing.
Open toolMore on Deployment & Reintegration
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