Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, press 1 — or Text 838255
Free, confidential, 24/7. You don't have to be in crisis to call. They also help with benefits questions and referrals.
Key Hotlines & Contacts
Veterans Crisis Line
988 then press 1· Text 838255Free, confidential crisis support 24/7 for veterans, service members & families
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
1-877-424-3838Emergency housing and services for homeless veterans 24/7
Programs & Benefits by Category
Housing & Homelessness
HUD-VASH Program
Housing vouchers + VA case management for homeless veterans. Contact your local VA medical center to apply.
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)
Rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention grants. Find a local provider at va.gov/homeless/ssvf.
Grant & Per Diem (GPD)
Transitional housing up to 24 months with support services through VA-funded community programs.
Stand Down Events
One-day events offering shelter, food, clothing, and benefits enrollment. Find local events at va.gov.
Healthcare
VA Healthcare Enrollment
Most veterans qualify for free or low-cost healthcare. Apply at va.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-8387.
Community Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers serve veterans with no VA eligibility. Sliding-scale fees.
VA Telehealth Services
Video and phone appointments available. No travel required. Available through My HealtheVet.
Dental Care Programs
Free dental care for veterans who are 100% disabled, POW survivors, or homeless.
Mental Health & PTSD
Vet Centers
Free readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and MST support. No VA enrollment needed. 300+ locations nationwide. va.gov/find-locations.
PTSD Coach App
Free VA-developed app with PTSD education, tools, and coping strategies. Available on iOS and Android.
Make the Connection
Veterans sharing stories of mental health recovery. Resources and local programs at maketheconnection.net.
Caregiver Support Program
Mental health support for family caregivers. Call 1-855-260-3274.
Benefits & Compensation
Disability Compensation
Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected injuries or conditions. Apply at va.gov/disability/apply.
Pension Benefits
For wartime veterans with low income and limited assets. Includes Aid & Attendance for those needing daily help.
VSO (Veterans Service Organizations)
Free help filing VA claims. DAV, VFW, American Legion, and many others offer free claims assistance.
SNAP & TANF
Veterans can apply for food stamps and cash assistance at their local SNAP office or DSS office.
Employment & Training
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E)
VA-funded job training, education, and employment services for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
American Job Centers
Free employment services, resume help, and job placement. Priority services for veterans. Find yours at careeronestop.org.
Hiring Our Heroes
Corporate fellowship program and job fairs. Connects veterans and military spouses with employers. hiringourheroes.org.
USAJOBS for Veterans
Veterans get hiring preference for federal jobs. Create a profile at usajobs.gov and select veteran preference.
Education
GI Bill Benefits
Pays for college, trade school, and on-the-job training. Apply at va.gov/education/apply. Multiple versions: Post-9/11, Montgomery, etc.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (Ch. 31)
Full education support for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including stipends and books.
Student Veterans of America
Campus chapters offering peer support and resources. studentveterans.org.
VA Work-Study Program
Earn money while in school by working part-time in a VA-related job. Up to 25 hrs/week.
Legal Aid
Veterans Legal Services Clinics
Free legal help with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, housing, and family law. Many law schools run these clinics.
Discharge Upgrade
If you received a less-than-honorable discharge, you may be eligible to upgrade it, restoring access to VA benefits. See: veterans.law.yale.edu.
National Veterans Legal Services Program
Free legal resources and representation. nvlsp.org.
State Bar Lawyer Referral Services
Many state bars have pro bono programs specifically for veterans. Search your state bar website.
Substance Use & Recovery
VA Substance Use Disorder Programs
Inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment covered through VA healthcare. Call your VA medical center.
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find nearby free or low-cost rehab programs. Call 1-800-662-4357 or visit findtreatment.gov.
Veterans in Recovery AA/NA Meetings
Many areas have veteran-specific 12-step meetings. Search aa.org or na.org for veteran groups.
Peer Support Specialists
Veterans who are in recovery helping other veterans. Contact your local VA or Vet Center.
Key Organizations
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Free benefits claims help, rides to VA appointments, and more.
VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
Benefits assistance, community, and advocacy.
American Legion
Benefits help, employment programs, and local posts nationwide.
Team Red White & Blue
Social connection and community for veterans through physical activity.
Got Your 6
Veteran reintegration through film, entertainment, and community.
Student Veterans of America
Support for veterans in college.
