OpenAI Just Handed Veterans a $240/Year Career Advantage—Here’s What You Need to Know About ChatGPT Plus for Veterans

How to Actually Get Access (Because Details Matter)

Veterans within 12 months of separation or retirement can access one free year of ChatGPT Plus through a secure verification process.

Here are some important details you need to know. Getting access to ChatGPT Plus for veterans is straightforward, but the eligibility window is specific.

Who’s Eligible

You must be a U.S. service member within 12 months of retirement or separation, OR a veteran who separated within the past 12 months. This isn’t for all veterans. There’s a 12-month window on both ends. If you’re outside that window, unfortunately, you won’t qualify for this program right now.

The Verification Process

Head to chatgpt.com/veterans-claim and log in to your ChatGPT account (or create one if you don’t have one yet). Make absolutely sure you’re logged in to the account you want this offer applied to. This is critical because you cannot transfer it to a different account later.

You’ll click “Claim Now” and be directed to SheerID, OpenAI’s trusted verification partner. SheerID is the same platform used by major brands for military verification. Fill out the verification form accurately. The verification is tied to your personal information (name and date of birth), not your email address.

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with a “Claim Now” button to activate your free year of ChatGPT Plus. No credit card required for the first year.

Important Things to Know

If you accidentally verify with the wrong ChatGPT account, you’re stuck with that account. OpenAI cannot reset the verification or transfer your eligibility. If you try to verify again with the same personal information, you’ll get a “Verification Limit Exceeded” message.

After your free year ends, your subscription will automatically renew at the standard $20/month rate unless you cancel. And here’s something crucial: if you cancel your subscription during the free year, your access will end immediately, and you cannot reinstate the promotional offer. So don’t cancel unless you’re sure you’re done.

What You Get

Access to OpenAI’s most advanced models, 100 example chats created by OpenAI veterans specifically for military-to-civilian transition scenarios, and a custom getting-started video on the OpenAI Academy hosted by a veteran. This isn’t just free software, it’s a complete support package designed by people who’ve walked in your boots.