The Veterans Wing · you served; here's the help

You don't have to be enrolled to get help.

For veterans, service members, the Guard and reserve, and their families — the real lines and the real benefits, in plain order. The most important one is first. Sourced & official; not affiliated with the VA. Verify specifics with the agency.

In crisis right now? Dial 988, then press 1 — the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255, or chat online. Free, confidential, 24/7, for all service members and veterans and their families — even if you're not enrolled in VA care. veteranscrisisline.net

If you're homeless or about to be

🏠 National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Free, confidential, 24/7 — trained counselors who can connect you to housing and services. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits. Call 1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-VET). More: va.gov/homeless.

Benefits you earned

🩺 Health, disability, pension

Enroll in VA health care, file a disability claim, check pension & survivor benefits — all start at va.gov. Even decades-old service can qualify; it's worth checking.

🎓 Education (GI Bill)

Tuition, housing stipend, and training benefits via the GI Bill: va.gov/education.

🤝 Free help filing — use a VSO

Don't file alone. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VFW, American Legion, DAV, county VSOs) help you file claims for free — never pay up front for basic claim help. Find one: va.gov — find an accredited rep.

🚗 More everyday help

Transportation, bills, food, and medical needs aren't veteran-specific — the rest of this house's wings apply too: Short on the Bills, Getting There, Medical Bills, and 2-1-1 for local veteran programs.

Thank you — and the honest fine print. Every line and link here is an official source; this wing is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and it's information, not legal or benefits advice — confirm eligibility and details with the VA or an accredited VSO. Watch for claim-shark scams that charge big fees for what a VSO does free (see the gift-card / scam note). You served the country; let the country serve you back.