This year, millions of Americans have been impacted by an active tornado season, historic flooding, and other severe weather events. As we approach a forecasted strong hurricane season, it’s crucial for Veterans and their families to know that the VA is here to help. In the wake of a disaster, here are some resources available to you.
Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for Veterans in crisis by phone, text, or chat:
Phone: Dial 988 then Press 1
Text: Send a text to 838255
Chat: Chat Online
Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889
Housing Assistance
If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after a natural disaster, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, available 24/7:
Phone: 1-877-4AID VETS (1-877-424-3838)
VA Contact Information
For any VA-related questions or information, reach us through:
MyVA411 main information line 24/7: 1-800-698-2411
Ask VA: Visit the Ask VA website
Health Care
VA facilities are available to provide help, and some may offer mobile support vehicles in disaster areas to ensure easy access to health care and prescription refills.
Find VA locations: Use the Find VA locations tool
Public Contact Teams: These teams may be staged at local shelters or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to connect Veterans with needed health care and benefits, including housing case management.
VA health benefits hotline (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET): 1-877-222-8387
Natural disasters may impact your ability to reach us via phone. If your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-urgent questions, reach VA through My HealtheVet secure messaging for appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and to access your medical records.
My HealtheVet: Register for an account and opt-in to receive email notifications for Secure Messaging.
Caregiver Support: VA supports Caregivers. Contact your local facility or the Caregiver’s Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. Check out this toolkit to assist Caregivers in planning for and reacting to natural disasters.
Benefits and Compensation
If you’re unable to get a benefit payment after a disaster, contact the VA National Call Center to learn how to request a special one-time payment:
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
VA can also ask home loan lenders to put a 90-day freeze on foreclosure or encourage waiving late charges for VA home loans.
VA home loans: Visit the VA home loans webpage
If your school closes temporarily due to a disaster, VA may continue payments. Contact GI Bill specialists at:
Phone: 1-888-442-4551
If you are a displaced Veteran and receive employment services from VA, you may qualify for two additional months of Employee Adjustment Allowance (EAA).
Contact your local VA Regional Office to speak with your local Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Specialist.
The VA Specially Adapted Housing Program may be able to assist with funding home repairs after a disaster, following FEMA and insurance.
Reach Adapted Housing: 1-877-827-3702
If a disaster caused the loss of a previously adaptable automobile, VA may be able to help after insurance.
Contact: 1-800-827-1000
Mail Contingency
If natural disasters disrupt the timeliness of VA receiving your important claims paperwork or gathering information from you, know that VA will not penalize you for subsequent mail delays. You may also submit claims and upload any other relevant information through your VA.gov account
VA’s Office of Emergency Management ensures continuity of benefits and health care for Veterans during emergencies. While we’ve shared several resources above, it’s important to work with your local VA teams so they can fully support you following a natural disaster
Learn More
For more information on disaster assistance resources for Veterans, visit the VA disaster assistance webpage.
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