Veterans and military families: find the right help
Separate VA claims, health care, housing, education and family support, with official contacts and a manageable next step.
Practical options and next steps
You do not need to solve every VA question in one call. Choose the need that matters today. For a veteran in emotional crisis, call 988 and press 1, or text 838255; VA enrollment is not required.
Start with this
Write one sentence: “Today I need help with ___.” Match it to one section below.
Who this helps
Veterans, service members, family members, survivors and people helping them navigate services.
Where this guidance applies
This is a national entry guide. Federal VA benefits, state benefits and local services have separate requirements. External pages are often in English; ask the service about interpretation.
What to prepare
- Your question and any letter or application reference already received.
- Service or relationship records you already have; ask what is needed if something is missing.
- A safe way and time for the service to contact you. Keep personal records off this page.
Steps to take
- Choose the service Claims help, medical enrollment and emergency housing use different teams. Start with the matching route.
- Confirm the contact Use the official VA page or directory. Ask whether the office handles your situation and is taking appointments.
- Leave with one next step Record the exact form, requested evidence, contact name and next check-in. Keep a copy of any submission.
Find accredited help with a VA claim
Use VA’s representative search to find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), accredited attorney or claims agent. Contact the person before appointing them.
What to prepare
- Have your question, existing VA decision and any current representative’s name; ask before sending the full file.
Steps to take
- Confirm accreditation, availability and whether the service charges. VSO claims help is free.
- Follow VA’s appointment instructions for the chosen representative and retain the signed authorization.
What to check before relying on this: A new appointment can replace your existing representative. Accreditation does not promise a successful claim.
If that route does not work: If nobody is available, try another accredited VSO or ask the state veterans office for a verified referral.
Official and service sources: VA: accredited representatives · VA directory of state veterans offices
Continue with a related guide: Find civil legal help
Ask about access to VA health care
Open VA’s health care application page and check whether you need a first application or an update to an existing record.
What to prepare
- Gather service history or DD214 if available, insurance information and the household information VA requests for your situation.
Steps to take
- Choose the official online, telephone, mail or in-person application route that you can complete.
- For application help, call 877-222-8387 and ask what to do about missing documents before starting again.
What to check before relying on this: Submitting an application does not confirm enrollment, an appointment or coverage for every service.
If that route does not work: Ask a VA medical center’s enrollment staff for assistance, and check other health coverage routes if you need care while waiting.
Official and service sources: VA: apply for health care
Continue with a related guide: Find your state Medicaid agency
A veteran has nowhere safe to stay
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. It operates around the clock and can connect you with the nearest VA support.
What to prepare
- Be ready to describe where you are, whether you have a place tonight and any access needs; do not delay a call to collect paperwork.
Steps to take
- Ask for a local homeless-program worker or Community Resource and Referral Center.
- Confirm the address, intake hours and whether a placement is actually available before travelling.
What to check before relying on this: A referral is not a reserved bed or an award of permanent housing.
If that route does not work: If a VA placement is unavailable, ask the worker for the community shelter route and a concrete next contact.
Official and service sources: VA: outreach for veterans without housing
Continue with a related guide: Help with rent and utilities
Choose education, training or work support
Decide whether your immediate question is paying for education or finding and keeping suitable work. VA uses different routes for these needs.
What to prepare
- List your training goal, school or course if known, service history and previous education-benefit use.
Steps to take
- For study funding, use the VA education application page and choose the form for your own role, including dependent or survivor when relevant.
- For work barriers, ask about career guidance and, when a service-connected disability affects employment, VR&E.
What to check before relying on this: Do not assume a school, course or expense is approved because it advertises veteran support.
If that route does not work: Ask VA to clarify the program before committing money, and request another training or employment route if it does not fit.
Official and service sources: VA: apply for education benefits · VA: careers and employment
Continue with a related guide: Common paperwork, one task at a time
Support for caregivers, relatives and survivors
Start at VA’s family and caregiver hub. Choose the relationship that fits you and the need, rather than submitting the veteran’s own benefit application.
What to prepare
- Have the veteran’s identifying or service records you may lawfully use and relationship documents already available; ask which proof is needed.
Steps to take
- Caregivers can call 855-260-3274 to ask about support and the appropriate local team.
- For a death or education question, select the survivor or dependent route and record the exact benefit name.
What to check before relying on this: Being related to a veteran does not make every family benefit available. Each program decides separately.
If that route does not work: Ask an accredited representative or state veterans office to identify another relevant family program.
Official and service sources: VA: family and caregiver benefits · VA: accredited representatives
Continue with a related guide: Plan ongoing mental health support
Find your state veterans affairs office
Open VA’s external resources directory with the state Veterans Affairs office filter. Choose the state where you need help, then open the listed agency.
What to prepare
- Note your county, ZIP code and whether your question concerns a federal claim, state benefit or local service.
Steps to take
- Ask whether the state office or a county veterans service officer handles that task.
- Confirm appointment rules, documents, language assistance and any fees with the receiving office.
What to check before relying on this: This directory verifies an entry route, not every state program, local office or current opening.
If that route does not work: If the state route is unresponsive, return to the relevant federal VA service or accredited representative search.
Official and service sources: VA directory of state veterans offices · VA: accredited representatives
Continue with a related guide: Find your state’s benefit routes
Words you can use when asking for help
I need help with ___. Is this the correct program? What do I need first, is there a charge, and can you help in my language?
Prepare my next task
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Follow up
- Check that the receiving office actually received your request.
- If redirected, ask for the new office’s name and the question to ask there.
Common questions
Is all help with VA claims free?
Accredited VSO claims representation is free. Attorneys and claims agents may charge under applicable rules. Confirm accreditation and fees before agreeing.
Does a family member use the veteran’s application?
Not necessarily. Caregiver, dependent and survivor benefits have their own routes. Identify your relationship and need before choosing a form.
Official and service sources
These sections explain access using the sources below. They do not confirm that a provider has openings, that you qualify, or that a professional has reviewed your case. Professional language and reader review of this edition remain pending.