Veteran Resources
VA Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Stop Soldier Suicide - 1-.800-273-8255 #1
Compensation Claim Status
Personal Contact and Direct Deposit
VA Payment History
VA Letters
Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan
Supporting Document Upload for Claims
VA Medical Records
VA Prescription Refills
VA Medical Appointment Scheduling
Hearing Aid Batteries and Prosthetic Socks
VA Medical Provider Messaging
DoD TRICARE® Health Insurance
VA National Resource Directory
Housing and Homelessness
VASH Program - The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.
SSVF - Under the SSVF program, VA awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that can provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which may include: Health care services - Daily living services - Personal financial planning services - Transportation services - Fiduciary and payee services - Legal services - Child care services - Housing counseling services. In addition, grantees may also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed childcare providers) if these payments help Veteran families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis. List of SSVF Providers by State (Excel Doc)
Homeless Veteran Stand Downs - Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, and VA Social Security benefits counseling to homeless Veterans. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, and mental health counseling. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies, and community-based homeless service providers.
PATH – PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) provides the support homeless Veterans need to successfully transition from living on the street to thriving in homes of their own. High-quality supportive services are critical to ensuring the people we serve are able to not only move into permanent homes but stay in those homes long-term.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state, and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training, and placement assistance, legal aid, and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless Veterans each year.
Employment
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Home - Veterans may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
VA Employment Programs for Homeless Veterans - VA’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program is a national vocational program comprised of three unique programs which assist homeless Veterans in returning to competitive employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in CWT are paid at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
American Job Centers - America’s Service Locator connects individuals to employment and training opportunities available at local American Job Centers. The website provides contact information for a range of local work-related services, including unemployment benefits, career development, and educational opportunities.
National Veterans Foundation Job Board – A listing of jobs across the country at companies interested in hiring Veterans.
Work for Warriors (Guard and Reserve) - Job Postings & Unit Vacancies. The California Military Department is a diverse, community-based organization comprised of four pillars: the California Army National Guard, the California Air National Guard, the California State Military Reserve, and the California Youth and Community Programs.
Small Business (SBA Veteran & Disabled Veterans) - If you are a Veteran or service-disabled Veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business.
Health
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Valor Program - The program provides specialty services to our Veterans through the Veterans and Loved One's Recovery (VALOR) program.
VA Care Providers Program – For Caregivers of Veterans. “VA values your commitment as a partner in our pledge to care for those who have "borne the battle," and we have several support and service options designed with you in mind. The programs are available both in and out of your home to help you care for the Veteran you love and for yourself.”
Addiction
SAMHSA - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. SAMHSA leads efforts to ensure that American servicemen and women and their families can access behavioral health treatment and services. For Addiction Support 24/7 Call SAMHSA: 800-662-4357 (HELP).
Addiction Resource - Veterans and Substance Abuse: The Many Sides of the Problem - Addiction Resource was founded in 2014 to provide a community for those recovering from addiction and to help patients find the highest quality care for a successful recovery. Their goal is to provide resources to help patients and their loved ones so that they may stay on the road to recovery, and can successfully overcome addiction for life.
Social
QL+ Quality of Life+ -- Greater independence for injured and ill veterans and first responders to overcome daily challenges and get back to the activities they love. Program Overview and Flyer
The Mission Continues – “The Mission Continues empowers Veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy Veterans in their communities so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Through the Mission Continues, Veterans serve their country in new ways by engaging in our innovative and action-oriented programs. The first, The Mission Continues Fellowship, harnesses Veterans’ strengths, skills, and compassion and empowers them to volunteer with non-profit organizations in their community on a daily basis. The second, The Mission Continues Service Platoons brings teams of Veterans who are working together with partners at the local level to build stronger communities and tackle pressing issues.”
Team Red, White, and Blue – “Team RWB’s mission are to enrich the lives of America’s Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) – “Founded in 2004 by an Iraq Veteran at a time when there were little to no resources available for post-9/11 vets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has quickly become the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new Veterans and their families. Now, with nearly 300,000 Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide, IAVA is the only 21st Century Veterans’ service organization (VSO) dedicated to standing with the 2.8 million Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives.”
Make the Connection – an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.
Team Rubicon – “Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military Veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.”
Student Veterans of America – Mission: “To provide military Veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.”
American Legions – “Focusing on service to Veterans, servicemembers, and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.”
VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars USA – Mission: “To foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our Veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all Veterans.”
Feed Our Vets - Since 2008, Feed Our Vets has provided free food assistance to more than 20,000 Veterans and their family members, distributing 445,000 lbs. of food. Feed Our Vets' mission is to help Veterans in the United States, their spouses, and children, whose circumstances have left them on the battlefield of hunger.
Next Step Service Dogs - Mission: "to empower positive change for Veterans with invisible disabilities such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through the use of expertly-trained service dogs."
Veterans Moving Forward - They provide service dogs to Veterans with physical and behavioral health concerns.
Veterans Legal Institute - “Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) seeks to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless and low-income current and former service members so as to eradicate barriers to housing, education, employment and healthcare, and foster self-sufficiency.”
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) - “The NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1980 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation's 25 million Veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.”
Transportation
Recycled Rides™ - a military/Veteran support program designed to help ease the transportation burden for current military and veterans. They provide refurbished vehicles to deserving recipients. Their technicians restore these vehicles to proper driving conditions.
Transitioning To Civilian Life
Separating service members have a broad range of services available to help make the return to civilian life as smooth and trouble-free as possible. Below lists several programs and services that offer help to transitioning veterans.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is a confidential Department of Defense-funded program that provides information on deployment, reunion, relationships, grief, spouse employment, and education, parenting, and childhood services. Active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members and their families can take advantage of this comprehensive suite of services.
National Resource Directory
National Resource Directory is a federal government website that connects servicemembers, veterans, and their families to more than 16,000 services and programs at the national, state, and local level. This resource provides information on such topics as post-traumatic stress disorder, military and veterans benefits, healthcare, educational opportunities, homelessness assistance, employment, and more.
TAOnline
Founded by former military personnel, TAOnline is a recognized leader in providing transition support through career guidance. TAOnline provides a job search engine, job fair calendars, transition guidance, and resources, as well as financial planning tools, résumé writing assistance, interview tactics, and a military skills translation tool.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Veteran Employment Transition Roadmap
The Veteran Employment Transition (VET) Roadmap provides transitioning service members and veterans resources to navigate the employment landscape and succeed in the civilian workforce.
VFW's Benefits Delivery at Discharge
VFW's Benefits Delivery at Discharge is a great asset for transitioning servicemembers. This program ensures that separating and retiring active-duty servicemembers receive assistance in obtaining VA entitlements and benefits upon discharge.
Life At Home
Connect to support groups for help with a range of family, financial, legal, and other day-to-day living challenges.
American Legion Family Support Network
American Legion Family Support Network is ready to provide immediate assistance to service personnel and families whose lives have been affected by Operation Iraqi Freedom and America's War on Terror.
National Association of American Veterans
The National Association of American Veterans assists eligible servicemembers, veterans, and families experiencing financial hardship with emergency assistance referrals to help with counseling, financial aid, legal, housing, employment assistance, and medical care information, as well as caregiver assistance and training.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides assistance to active-duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veteran servicemembers during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance.
VA Family Support
VA Family Support includes a comprehensive list of support resources available for families serving nationwide. Vet centers, caregiver support, and other resources are all covered in this resource provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Health & Wellness
Find information about the physical, mental, and emotional health issues specific to separating servicemembers, veterans, dependents, and caregivers, along with programs and services.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7/365 service that connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
Brain Line
Brain Line is a no-cost educational website that offers information and resources about preventing, treating, and living with a traumatic brain injury. This site serves anyone whose life has been affected by TBI, including people with a brain injury, their families, and professionals in the field.
Give an Hour
Give an Hour is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of troops and families affected by the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Give an Hour provides counseling to individuals, couples and families, and children and adolescents for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, sexual health and intimacy concerns, and loss and grieving.
My HealtheVet
Designed for veterans, active-duty service members, dependents, and caregivers, My HealtheVet is the Department of Veterans Affairs' online personal health record. My HealtheVet provides opportunities and tools to help you make informed decisions and manage your health care.
iRest
Integrative Restoration or iRest was endorsed by the U.S. Army Surgeon General in June of 2010 as complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of PTSD and its various symptoms. iRest programs are currently in use at VA facilities in numerous states across the U.S.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront host a vast array of programs in support of the military community such as Homes on the Homefront, and Hearts of Valor. The organization assists military families with emergency financial assistance and also hosts a recognition program that awards a military child from each branch of service.
National Center for PTSD
The National Center for PTSD is a bank of mobile applications for veterans and their family members that provides self-help, education, and support for insomnia, parenting skills, moods, PTSD, and more. Apps for iOS and Android devices are listed, all of which are free of charge.
Educational Resources
One of the best things you can do for your future as a returning veteran is to earn a degree. We've listed services and organizations that can help you get started, provide information about your benefits and other educational options, connect you with direct assistance on a range of issues, and provide needed support and advocacy.
GI Bill®1
The GI Bill® site has the most up-to-date information on education and training benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You'll find information on choosing a school and applying for VA benefits, as well as VA locations, services, and special programs.
Education Lifelong Learning Resource Center
The Peterson's/DoD MWR Library Resource Center brings test prep resources to all servicemembers and their families. Students can take advantage of study materials for CLEP and DSST exams, math and English placement exams, industry certifications, and academic tests such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT, and GRE.
VFW 1 Student Veteran
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, in conjunction with the Student Veterans of America, developed 1 Student Veteran to offer direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits. 1 Student Veteran helps to ensure veterans and families receive their benefits in a timely manner.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides assessments and videos in areas of math, science, economics and finance, arts and humanities, computing, and test prep. This no-cost resource is a great study tool for math and English placement tests.
Alcohol Rehab Guide
Alcohol Rehab Guide is an informational web source dedicated to supporting and helping anyone battling alcoholism or co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders. Alcohol Rehab Guide is partnered with nationally recognized treatment centers that offer counseling, rehab referrals, and consultations on treatment payment options for anyone needing help.
Veteran Drinking Statistics
About 25 percent of soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan were diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety or chemical dependency after returning home. Almost 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lives. Between 11 and 20 percent of those who fought in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom suffer from PTSD in a given year.
Nearly 23 percent of male veterans have reported participating in binge drinking, while only 14 percent of female veterans have binged.
Cancer Resources
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource. It helps people suffering from asbestos-related cancer find medical specialists and support resources, free of charge.
An organization dedicated to educating families about cerebral palsy. Their team is committed to raising awareness about cerebral palsy. They also aim to provide important information and support for families affected by cerebral palsy. For more information connect with them here and download the Resources for children with cerebral palsy and their families.