Emergency: 911  •  City services: 311 (where available)  •  Crisis support: 988
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Veteran Help

VA health care, housing programs, benefits claims, employment services, and crisis support for veterans of all branches and eras. Many programs also serve veteran families.

Veterans Crisis Line: 📞 Call 988, press 1 · 💬 Text 838255 · Available 24/7 for veterans, service members, and their families.

What this covers

VA health care enrollment, veteran housing programs, veteran employment services, benefits claims assistance, peer support, veteran crisis services, and veteran service organizations.

Does not cover: Active duty military services or military family support during deployment (contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647).

Who is this for?

Veterans of any branch and era of military service. Many programs also serve veteran family members.

How help usually works

VA health care is available to most veterans — enrollment is based on service history and income. Veteran service organizations (VFW, American Legion, DAV) provide free benefits claims assistance. Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling.

schedule Typical timeline: VA health enrollment takes 1-2 weeks. Benefits claims take 3-12 months. Crisis services are immediate. Housing programs have varying waitlists.

Best first steps

  1. If you're a veteran in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1 (24/7).
  2. To enroll in VA health care, call 1-877-222-8387 or visit your local VA medical center.
  3. For benefits claims help, contact a VSO (VFW, American Legion, DAV) — their claims assistance is free.
  4. For housing help, contact your local HUD-VASH program through the VA or call 211.

What to bring

DD-214 (discharge papers), VA ID card, proof of income, and any service-connected disability documentation.

Emergency vs. standard help

Emergency: Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1. Standard: Enroll in VA health care and connect with a VSO for benefits claims.

Related help

People looking for this kind of help often also need:

healthmental healthhousingemployment

What kind of help is available?

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VA Health Care

Enroll in VA health care for primary care, specialty care, mental health, and prescriptions. Most veterans are eligible. Walk-in urgent care is also available at many VA facilities.

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Housing & Shelter

HUD-VASH housing vouchers, transitional housing, and homelessness prevention programs. If you are a veteran facing homelessness, call the National Call Center at 1-877-424-3838.

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Benefits Claims

Free claims assistance through Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, American Legion, DAV). They help you file disability claims, appeals, and pension applications at no cost.

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Employment

Job training, resume help, career counseling, and hiring programs specifically for veterans. Many employers actively recruit veterans through programs like Hire Heroes USA.

National resources — available everywhere

Veterans Crisis Line
Immediate crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
📞 Call 988, press 1 🌐 veteranscrisisline.net
VA Health Care Enrollment
Enroll in VA health care by phone or online. Covers primary care, mental health, prescriptions, and specialty services. Most veterans with any discharge other than dishonorable qualify.
📞 1-877-222-8387 🌐 va.gov
DAV Benefits Assistance
Free help filing VA disability claims and appeals from Disabled American Veterans. DAV has trained service officers in every state — all services are free.
📞 (877) 426-2838 🌐 dav.org