The key word in your post is retirement. Your dad retired from the military like I did. I get a check. your dad gets a check.
However, from what we see on the show Eric is more like my son and brother. They did an enlistment or two and got out. That means no money benefits. They get va loans and such but no rgular check. My brother did 4 years, my son 6. They dont even get an ID or medical..