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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.

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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.

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.

Can't find what you need? 211 · 911 — Call 211 where available — free and confidential. In an emergency, call 911.