Free help with the VA,
close to home.

Help with claims and benefits

Accredited Veterans service organization (VSO) representatives help you file claims and appeals. Their help is always free, and you don’t have to be a member of the organization.

1. Find one near you with the VA’s search tool. Find a representative
2. Make it official with VA Form 21-22, which appoints the organization to represent you. You can end the appointment at any time by telling the VA in writing. VA Form 21-22
3. Before you share anything, check that they’re accredited. If someone isn’t listed, they aren’t authorized to help with VA claims. Check accreditation

Accredited attorneys and claims agents (appointed with VA Form 21-22a) may charge, but only after the VA decides your first claim and with a fee agreement on file.

Never pay anyone to help you file a first claim, and be wary of anyone promising a 100% rating or faster processing. How to spot claim sharks

Your state’s veterans affairs office

Every state and territory has its own veterans affairs department, separate from the federal VA. Many help with claims and also run state benefits such as property tax relief, education and veterans homes.

Find your state’s office (VA list)

Vet Centers: someone to talk to

Free, confidential counseling for Veterans, service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their families, on readjustment, trauma and life after service. Many staff are Veterans themselves.

Vet Center Call Center: 877-927-8387, 24 hours a day, free and confidential.

VA phone lines

Benefits and claims

800-827-1000

Health care enrollment and benefits

877-222-8387 (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET)

Any VA question (MyVA411)

800-698-2411

Problem at a VA location

Steps, contacts and ready-to-send letters

In crisis? Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA care.