Veterans Organizations Near Me in Maine: Full 2026 Guide

Maine veterans have access to the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) with accredited VSOs in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Machias, Portland, and Springvale; VA Maine Healthcare System (Togus VAMC and CBOCs); five Vet Centers; and major VSOs including American Legion, VFW, DAV, and VVA. All VSO assistance is free.

Quick Facts

What Veterans Organizations Exist in Maine?

Maine has three layers of veterans support: a state bureau with paid, accredited Veterans Services Officers (VSOs); federal VA health care and benefits facilities; and nonprofit Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that provide claims help, camaraderie, and community programs. The strongest starting point for most veterans is the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS), because its VSOs are state employees, accredited by the VA, and provide free assistance regardless of which congressionally chartered VSO a veteran belongs to.

The Three Layers at a Glance

Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS): The Starting Point

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services is the state agency responsible for veterans’ benefits and services, established in 1947. Its VSOs help veterans and families with VA claims, state benefits, health care enrollment, education, employment, housing, and discharge upgrades.

What MBVS VSOs Can Help You With

• VA benefits assistance — disability compensation, pensions, survivor benefits

• Health care enrollment — VA health care, eligibility, TRICARE, CHAMPVA

• Education and employment — GI Bill, vocational rehabilitation, job placement

• Maine state benefits — lifetime park passes, hunting and fishing licenses, property tax exemptions

• Military records — obtaining or correcting DD-214 discharge paperwork

• Housing and homelessness — connection to veteran housing programs

• Burial and memorial benefits — state and federal burial benefits, Maine Veterans’ Cemeteries

MBVS VSO Office Locations and Contacts

Source: MBVS VSO contact sheet

Why MBVS VSOs Matter

MBVS VSOs are paid state employees, not volunteers. They are accredited by the VA and submit hundreds of claims each month. In 2025, MBVS VSOs filed 3,162 claims on behalf of Maine veterans and families. Because they are state employees, they can represent veterans before the VA and connect them to both federal and state programs in a single visit.

What Veterans Should Do Next

1. Call the MBVS office nearest you or the Central Office at 207-287-7020.

2. Bring your DD-214 and any VA decision letters you have.

3. Ask for a benefits review — a VSO can identify claims you may be eligible for but have not filed.

4. If you are not enrolled in VA health care, ask the VSO to help you enroll. Enrollment increases federal funding for Maine VA facilities.

VA Maine Healthcare System: Togus and Community Clinics

VA Maine Healthcare System is the federal health care provider for eligible Maine veterans. It is anchored by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta and supported by eight full-time Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and part-time access points.

Togus VA Medical Center

Togus is a full-service VA medical center and the only VA hospital in Maine. It provides primary care, specialty care, mental health care, surgery, and residential services. The Togus campus also hosts the VA Regional Office, which processes disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, education, insurance, and home loan benefits.

Contact: 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330 | 1-877-421-8263

Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

CBOCs bring VA primary care and mental health services closer to veterans’ homes. All CBOCs provide at least primary care and mental health; specialty care is increasingly delivered through telehealth.

Sources: VA Maine Healthcare System and MBVS resource guide

Women Veterans Health Care

VA Maine Healthcare System has a full-time Women Veterans Program Manager and provides gynecological care, maternity care, infertility evaluation, menopause management, osteoporosis screening, cancer screening, and mental health care tailored to women veterans.

Contact: 1-877-421-8263 ext. 4017

Vet Centers: Readjustment Counseling for Combat Veterans

Maine has five Vet Centers that provide free, confidential readjustment counseling to combat veterans, service members, and their families. Vet Centers are part of the VA but operate separately from VA medical centers and do not require VA health care enrollment.

Services Offered at Vet Centers

• Individual, group, and family readjustment counseling

• Counseling for military sexual trauma (MST)

• Bereavement counseling

• Substance use counseling

• Employment and education referrals

• Community outreach and connection to VA benefits

Maine Vet Center Locations

Sources: VA Vet Center listings and Maine veterans resource guides

Who Qualifies for Vet Center Services

Vet Center eligibility is based on combat service or military sexual trauma, not on VA disability rating or income. Veterans who served in a combat theater or experienced MST can receive counseling at no cost, even if they are not enrolled in VA health care.

Major Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in Maine

Maine has active chapters of every major congressionally chartered veterans service organization. These organizations provide free claims representation, camaraderie, and community service. Several maintain service officers at the Togus VA Regional Office.

VSOs with Accredited Service Officers at Togus

MBVS at Togus also represents several smaller organizations, including American Ex-Prisoners of War, Jewish War Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Statewide VSO Contacts

Source: MBVS resource guide and Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee

The Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee

The Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee was founded by the legislature in 1972 to give veterans organizations a forum to work together. Its membership includes AMVETS, DAV, Jewish War Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, VVA, WAVES, 40 and 8, and the auxiliaries of the American Legion, DAV, and VFW. The committee meets monthly at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta and receives updates from VA Health and Benefits, MBVS, and Maine Veterans’ Homes.

Which VSO Should a Veteran Choose?

• If you want a state-employed VSO with broad access to Maine programs: Use MBVS.

• If you want claims help from a specific national organization: Contact American Legion, VFW, DAV, or VVA.

• If you are a combat veteran seeking counseling: Use a Vet Center, not a traditional VSO.

• If you need emergency financial help: Start with MBVS and VEFAP (see below).

Housing and Homelessness Resources for Maine Veterans

Maine has a statewide network of housing programs specifically for veterans, coordinated by MBVS, Preble Street, Veterans Inc., Volunteers of America, and other partners. The goal is to prevent and end veteran homelessness.

Key Housing Programs

Sources: Preble Street, Volunteers of America, MBVS, and Maine CareerCenter veteran resource guide

How to Get Housing Help

1. Call the MBVS Homeless Veterans Coordination Team at 207-287-7019.

2. Contact Preble Street VHS for housing search and stabilization.

3. If you are a veteran with substance use disorder, ask about the Veterans Career House or Cabin in the Woods.

4. If you are a woman veteran with children, contact the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope.

5. If you are at risk of homelessness, ask about Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) through Veterans Inc. or another SSVF provider.

Financial Assistance: VEFAP and State Benefits

Maine offers direct financial assistance and state-level benefits that many veterans do not know about. MBVS administers or coordinates several programs.

Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program (VEFAP)

VEFAP provides emergency financial help to Maine veterans facing unexpected hardship. It is administered by MBVS in partnership with FEDCAP. Assistance can cover rent or mortgage payments, utilities, vehicle repairs, and other urgent needs.

Eligibility: Veterans must meet residency and service criteria. Contact MBVS at 207-287-7020 for current eligibility rules.

Maine State Benefits for Veterans

Sources: MBVS resource guide and Maine veterans benefits overview

What Veterans Should Do Next

• Call MBVS at 207-287-7020 and ask for a state benefits review.

• Ask specifically about VEFAP if you are facing a financial emergency.

• If you have a 50%+ disability rating, ask about the free lifetime hunting and fishing license.

• If you have a 100% permanent and total rating, ask about the excise tax exemption and dependent education benefits.

Employment and Education Resources

Maine’s CareerCenters provide specialized employment services for veterans and spouses through the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER).

CareerCenter Services for Veterans

• Job search assistance

• Skills training and career upgrades

• Connection to state and federal resources

• Priority of service for eligible veterans and spouses

CareerCenter Hotline: 1-888-457-8883 | Website: mainecareercenter.com

Education Benefits

• GI Bill — federal education benefits for eligible veterans and dependents

• Vocational Rehabilitation — VA Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E) for veterans with service-connected disabilities

• Maine dependent education benefit — free education for dependents of 100% permanent and total disabled veterans

MBVS VSOs can help veterans navigate GI Bill applications, VR&E, and state education benefits.

Common Mistakes Veterans in Maine Make

Mistake 1: Assuming the VA Will Contact You

The VA does not automatically enroll veterans in health care or contact them about benefits. Veterans must apply for VA health care using VA Form 10-10EZ and file claims for disability compensation. MBVS VSOs can help with both.

Mistake 2: Paying for Claims Help

Never pay for veterans benefits claims assistance. MBVS VSOs, American Legion, VFW, DAV, and other accredited VSOs provide representation free of charge. Paying a private company for claims help is unnecessary and may violate VA rules.

Mistake 3: Skipping the DD-214

The DD-214 is the key document for nearly every veterans benefit. If you have lost your DD-214, MBVS can help you obtain a copy or correct errors.

Mistake 4: Not Enrolling in VA Health Care Because You “Don’t Need It”

Even if you are healthy, enrolling in VA health care increases federal funding for Maine VA facilities. Every veteran who enrolls and uses VA care once in a 24-month period helps Togus receive additional funding for equipment, services, and staffing.

Mistake 5: Ignoring State Benefits

Many Maine veterans focus only on federal VA benefits and miss state park passes, hunting and fishing licenses, property tax exemptions, and dependent education benefits. Ask MBVS for a full state benefits review.

Mistake 6: Waiting Until a Crisis to Ask for Housing Help

Maine has prevention programs (SSVF, VHS) designed to help veterans before they become homeless. If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, call MBVS or Preble Street before you lose housing.

Appeals and What to Do If You Are Denied

If the VA denies a claim for disability compensation, health care enrollment, or another benefit, veterans have the right to appeal. The denial letter explains the specific appeal rights and deadlines.

Appeal Options

What to do next: Contact an accredited VSO (MBVS, American Legion, VFW, DAV) immediately. Do not miss the deadline stated in your denial letter. VSO representation is free.

Common Questions

1. What is the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services?

MBVS is the state agency that helps Maine veterans and families access federal and state benefits. Its VSOs are paid state employees, accredited by the VA, and provide free assistance with claims, health care enrollment, DD-214 records, housing, and state benefits.

2. Are MBVS VSOs free?

Yes. MBVS VSO services are completely free. VSOs are state employees, not private claims agents. Veterans should never pay for claims assistance.

3. Where is the VA hospital in Maine?

The Togus VA Medical Center at 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330, is Maine’s full-service VA hospital. The toll-free number is 1-877-421-8263.

4. How many VA clinics are in Maine?

VA Maine Healthcare System has eight full-time CBOCs (Bangor, Calais, Caribou, Lewiston, Lincoln, Portland, Rumford, Saco) and three part-time access points (Fort Kent, Houlton, Presque Isle).

5. What is a Vet Center, and how is it different from a VA clinic?

A Vet Center provides readjustment counseling for combat veterans and veterans who experienced military sexual trauma. Vet Centers do not require VA health care enrollment and focus on counseling, not primary medical care. Maine has five Vet Centers.

6. Which veterans organization should I contact first?

Start with the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-287-7020. MBVS VSOs can assess your situation, connect you to federal and state benefits, and refer you to the right VSO or program.

7. Does Maine have financial help for veterans in crisis?

Yes. The Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program (VEFAP) helps eligible Maine veterans with rent, utilities, vehicle repairs, and other urgent expenses. Call MBVS at 207-287-7020.

8. How do I get help with veteran homelessness in Maine?

Call the MBVS Homeless Veterans Coordination Team at 207-287-7019 or contact Preble Street Veterans Housing Services. Maine also has transitional housing through Veterans Inc. and Volunteers of America.

9. Can women veterans get specialized care in Maine?

Yes. VA Maine Healthcare System has a full-time Women Veterans Program Manager and provides gynecological care, maternity care, cancer screening, mental health care, and MST counseling. Call 1-877-421-8263 ext. 4017.

10. What is the Maine Veterans’ Dental Network?

The Maine Veterans’ Dental Network (MVDN) provides free dental care to eligible veterans who may not qualify for VA dental benefits, through participating clinics across the state. Ask MBVS for a referral.

11. Do I need to be a member of the American Legion or VFW to get help?

No. Accredited VSOs provide claims assistance regardless of membership. You do not need to join an organization to receive free claims help from its service officers.

12. How do I get a copy of my DD-214 in Maine?

MBVS VSOs can help you request a copy of your DD-214 or correct errors on your discharge paperwork. Bring any military records you have to your local MBVS office.

Key Takeaways

• The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) is the best starting point for most Maine veterans. VSOs are free, accredited, and paid by the state.

• MBVS VSOs have offices in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Machias, Portland, and Springvale, plus mobile and central claims units.

• Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta is Maine’s only full-service VA hospital, supported by eight CBOCs and three access points.

• Five Vet Centers (Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, Sanford-Springvale) provide free readjustment counseling without requiring VA health care enrollment.

• Major VSOs — American Legion, VFW, DAV, VVA, AMVETS — maintain accredited service officers, many at the Togus VA Regional Office.

• VEFAP provides emergency financial help for rent, utilities, vehicle repairs, and other urgent needs.

• Maine has statewide housing programs through Preble Street, Veterans Inc., and Volunteers of America to prevent and end veteran homelessness.

• Maine state benefits include lifetime park passes, free hunting/fishing licenses, property tax exemptions, and dependent education benefits.

• Never pay for claims help. Accredited VSO services are free.

• Enrolling in VA health care helps all Maine veterans by increasing federal funding for Togus and CBOCs.

Official Resources

• Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services: https://www.maine.gov/veterans/

• MBVS Central Office: 207-287-7020 | mainebvs@maine.gov

• VA Maine Healthcare System (Togus): https://www.va.gov/maine-health-care/

• VA Health Benefits Hotline: 1-877-222-8387

• VA Form 10-10EZ (Health Care Application): https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez/

• Vet Centers: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

• Preble Street Veterans Housing Services: https://www.preblestreet.org/

• Veterans Inc.: https://www.veteransinc.org/

• Volunteers of America Northern New England: https://www.voanne.org/

• Maine CareerCenters: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/

• USA.gov — Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits

• SSA.gov: https://www.ssa.gov

• Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov