Complete Veterans Support Guide 2026

Veterans support includes crisis intervention, health care, benefits assistance, peer networks, and family resources. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 988 (press 1). VA medical centers, Vet Centers, and Military and Family Readiness Centers offer counseling, benefits guidance, and community connections .

Quick Facts

Immediate Crisis Support

The Veterans Crisis Line is the most critical resource for Veterans in distress. It provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use it .

How to Reach the Veterans Crisis Line

• Call: Dial 988 then Press 1

• Text: 838255

• Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat 

What Happens When You Reach Out

Trained responders—many of whom are Veterans themselves—listen without judgment . They can:

• Help you create a safety plan

• Connect you with a local Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) at your nearest VA medical center 

• Refer you to counseling, benefits assistance, or peer support 

Confidentiality: Information you share is not shared without your permission unless you want follow-up care or are in immediate danger .

COMPACT Act: Free Emergency Care

The COMPACT Act allows eligible Veterans in acute suicidal crisis to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency care . This includes:

• Inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days

• Outpatient care for up to 90 days

• Transportation and prescription medications related to the crisis

You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use this benefit .

Signs of Crisis

Learn the signs to watch for in yourself or another Veteran :

• Feeling hopeless or trapped

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Increasing alcohol or drug use

• Talking about being a burden

• Giving away belongings

• Sudden calmness after a period of depression

If you see these signs, reach out. The Veterans Crisis Line can help you start the conversation .

Mental Health and Counseling Services

VA offers comprehensive mental health care regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to access certain services.

VA Mental Health Care

Covered services include:

• Treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling

• Depression and anxiety treatment

• Substance use disorder treatment 

Copay relief: VA announced on May 29, 2024, that Veterans no longer pay copays for their first three outpatient mental health care and substance use disorder visits each calendar year through 2027 .

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling for mental health and substance use disorders . They also offer bereavement services for family members of Veterans who die by suicide.

Key facts:

• No VA enrollment required

• Community-based locations across the country

• Mobile Vet Centers serve rural areas 

• Call 1-877-927-8387 to find a location 

Community Care

Veterans Community Care Program: Veterans can access care from local providers when VA services are unavailable. This is particularly helpful for rural Veterans and those with specialized mental health and substance use needs .

Telehealth and Digital Tools

• Therapy-Assisted Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TA iCBT): Addresses barriers like geography and stigma 

• PTSD Coach Canada: Mobile app for managing trauma symptoms 

• Self-Check Quiz: Private, anonymous assessment that takes about 10 minutes. You can submit answers and get a personal response from a trained responder 

VA Benefits and Health Care Enrollment

Getting started with VA is the first step toward accessing comprehensive support. The VA Welcome Kit guides you through benefits at every life stage .

How to Apply for VA Health Care

1. Create a VA.gov account using Login.gov or ID.me

2. Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 10-10EZ

3. Complete a financial assessment (most Veterans need to do this, but income is not the only factor) 

4. Schedule your first appointment

Call for help: You can apply over the phone with VA enrollment specialists who can answer questions and process your application .

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility depends on:

• Disability rating

• Service history (including toxic exposure)

• Discharge status

• Medical need

• Income level 

Important: The 2022 PACT Act expanded eligibility to millions of Veterans exposed to toxins. Apply even if you were denied in the past .

What VA Health Care Covers

All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, with specific benefits depending on your Priority Group and your primary care provider’s recommendations .

Covered services include:

• Preventive care (health exams, immunizations, health education)

• Inpatient hospital services (surgeries, medical treatments, dialysis)

• Urgent and emergency care

• Mental health services (PTSD, MST, depression, substance use)

• Prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor

• Prosthetics, audiology, and cancer care

• Assisted living and home health care 

VA health care meets ACA requirements for minimum essential health coverage. Starting in 2026, you will need to download your 1095-B tax form from VA.gov rather than receiving it by mail .

Military and Family Readiness Centers (M&FRC)

M&FRCs are the installation hub for information, referrals, and resources serving all service members, Guard and Reserve members, DoD civilian personnel, military retirees, surviving spouses, and eligible family members .

Services Provided

Programs include:

• Air Force Families Forever (AFFF): Long-term support for family members of deceased service members 

• Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care: Non-medical services for wounded, ill, and injured service members 

• Heart Link: Orientation program for new military spouses 

Find your local M&FRC: Contact your installation’s Force Support Squadron.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides comprehensive information, referral, and counseling 24/7/365 to all service members, their families, and survivors .

Eligibility

• All component members of the Armed Forces

• Guard and Reserve members (without regard to activation status)

• Retired and discharged service members and their immediate families (until 365 days past ETS, retirement, or discharge date) 

Services

• Confidential non-medical counseling: Up to 12 sessions per issue, at no charge. Available face-to-face, by phone, online chat, or video 

• Financial and tax counseling

• Specialty consultations (health and wellness coaching, wounded warrior consultations)

• Translation of official documents in more than 150 languages

• Spouse relicensing reimbursement: Up to $1,000 for relocating military spouses 

• Peer support consultants available for service members and Veterans 

Contact: 800-342-9647 or MilitaryOneSource.mil

Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs help Veterans and their families understand and navigate VA benefit programs free of charge . Services include:

• Filing disability compensation claims

• Applying for non-service-connected pension

• Survivor benefits

• Health care enrollment

• Education and home loan benefits 

Find a VSO: Search the VA’s list of accredited representatives at VA.gov.

Direct Financial Assistance

Several organizations provide emergency financial assistance to Veterans and their families .

FINVET (National Veterans Financial Resource Center) is the VA’s one-stop website for financial tools, budgeting guides, and scam protection .

Peer Support and Community Connection

Peer support creates trusted connections between Veterans who understand each other’s experiences. These programs are available regardless of VA enrollment .

Peer Support Resources

Community Resources

• National Resource Directory: Search by city or zip code for local support (employment, housing, transportation, education, homeless assistance) 

• County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs): Local advocates who help with benefits claims and community connections 

Transition Support

The first year after separating from active duty is a particularly high-risk period. Several programs provide targeted support .

• InTransition: Free, confidential program from the Defense Health Agency that helps service members connect with mental health care during transition. Call 800-424-7877 

• Onward Ops: Veteran-led program offering personalized transition planning and community sponsorship 

• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Information, counseling, and training for service members and spouses 

Family and Caregiver Support

VA and DoD offer extensive resources for spouses, dependents, survivors, and caregivers.

VA Caregiver Support

• Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: Financial assistance and support for eligible caregivers 

• Caregiver Support Line: Resources, education, and services for family members caring for Veterans at home 

VA Benefits for Families

• CHAMPVA: Health care coverage for spouses and dependents

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly payments for surviving spouses

• Education benefits (Chapter 35): School and training for dependents

Military OneSource for Families

• Up to 12 free non-medical counseling sessions per issue

• Parenting support, relocation assistance, and financial counseling

• No CAC card needed for spouses 

How to Get Help: Step-by-Step

If you’re unsure where to start, follow this decision tree:

1. In crisis right now?

   • Call 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat 

2. Need mental health support?

   • Contact your local Vet Center (877-927-8387)

   • Schedule VA mental health care

   • Use Military OneSource counseling (800-342-9647) 

3. Need benefits help?

   • Apply at VA.gov

   • Contact a VSO for free assistance

   • Visit your local M&FRC 

4. Need financial help?

   • Contact emergency relief organizations like Air Force Aid Society or Operation Homefront 

   • Use FINVET financial tools 

5. Need community or peer support?

   • Join a Veteran group in your community 

   • Download Objective Zero or contact Vets4Warriors 

Common Questions

Can I use the Veterans Crisis Line if I’m not enrolled in VA?

Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line. It is free and confidential for all Veterans .

What is the COMPACT Act?

The COMPACT Act allows Veterans experiencing an acute suicidal crisis to receive free emergency care at any VA or non-VA health care facility. This includes inpatient care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care .

What’s the difference between a Vet Center and a VA medical center?

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide free, confidential mental health and substance use counseling. They do not require VA enrollment. VA medical centers offer full medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and inpatient treatment .

How do I find a local suicide prevention coordinator?

Every VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator. You can find one through the VA Resource Locator at VeteransCrisisLine.net or by calling the Veterans Crisis Line .

What is Military OneSource?

Military OneSource is a DoD program providing free, confidential counseling, information, and referrals to service members and their families. Services are available 24/7 and include up to 12 free counseling sessions per issue .

Can family members use the Veterans Crisis Line?

Yes. Family members, caregivers, and friends can call, text, or chat the Veterans Crisis Line if they are concerned about a Veteran. The responders are trained to help families get their loved ones the care they need .

How do I apply for VA health care?

Apply online at VA.gov. You will need to create an account and complete VA Form 10-10EZ. You can also apply by phone with VA enrollment specialists .

What is the PACT Act?

The PACT Act is a 2022 law that expanded VA benefits to Veterans exposed to toxins. It covers service in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones, plus Camp Lejeune. Many Veterans who were previously denied now qualify .

What is a VSO?

A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is an accredited organization that helps Veterans and their families understand and apply for VA benefits free of charge. They provide one-on-one assistance with claims, appeals, and navigating the VA system .

Where can I find local Veteran resources?

Use the VA Resource Locator at VeteransCrisisLine.net or the National Resource Directory. You can also contact your County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) .

Key Takeaways

• Crisis support is always available – Call 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online 24/7

• No VA enrollment needed – Crisis services, Vet Centers, and some counseling are available regardless of enrollment

• COMPACT Act provides free emergency care for Veterans in acute suicidal crisis

• Military OneSource offers 12 free counseling sessions per issue for service members and families

• VSOs provide free benefits assistance – use them for claims and appeals

• M&FRCs support families through deployment, relocation, and financial readiness

• Peer support programs create trusted connections with fellow Veterans

• Apply for VA benefits even if you were denied before – the PACT Act expanded eligibility

• Mental health care copays are waived for the first three outpatient visits per year through 2027

• FINVET provides free financial tools and emergency assistance resources

Official Resources

• Veterans Crisis Line – https://www.veteranscrisisline.net (Call 988, press 1)

• VA.gov – https://www.va.gov

• VA Health Care Enrollment – https://www.va.gov/health-care

• Vet Centers – https://www.va.gov/vetcenters

• Military OneSource – https://www.militaryonesource.mil (800-342-9647)

• FINVET – https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/gov/finvet

• Army Emergency Relief – https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org

• Air Force Aid Society – https://www.afas.org

• National Resource Directory – https://www.nrd.gov

• VSO Locator – https://www.va.gov/vso

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Benefit eligibility, rates, and requirements may change. For official guidance, visit VA.gov or consult an accredited VSO or mental health professional. If you are in crisis, call 988 (press 1) immediately.