VA Contact Numbers: Disability, GI Bill, Health Care & More

Veterans Affairs Phone Number: Who to Call for Each Benefit

The VA benefits hotline is 800-827-1000 for disability compensation, claims, pension, and home loans. Call 888-442-4551 for GI Bill education benefits and 877-222-8387 for VA health care enrollment. The Veterans Crisis Line is reached by dialing 988, then Press 1, available 24/7.

Quick Facts

VA Main Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000

The VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000 is the primary number for disability compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, home loans, and claim status inquiries. It operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

This is the number to call for:

• Checking the status of a disability claim or appeal

• Filing a new claim or asking about VA Form 21-526EZ

• Questions about VA disability ratings and combined ratings

• TDIU eligibility and income limits

• VA home loan funding fee waiver questions

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors

• Adding dependents to an existing award (VA Form 21-686c)

• Updating direct deposit information or address

• Reporting the death of a Veteran or beneficiary

When you call, have your VA file number or Social Security number ready. You can also check claim status online through VA.gov, which often provides faster updates than the phone line.

TDD/TTY for Hearing-Impaired Veterans

The Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) number is 800-829-4833 for veterans who are deaf or hard of hearing. This line connects to the same benefits representatives as the main hotline. You can also use Telecommunications Relay Services by dialing 711, available 24/7.

GI Bill Hotline: 888-442-4551

The GI Bill hotline at 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1) handles all education and training benefit questions, including Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Call this number for:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility and entitlement questions

• Monthly housing allowance (MHA) rates and payment issues

• School certification problems

• Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) requests

• Chapter 35 DEA applications for dependents of 100% P&T veterans

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Chapter 31 benefits

• Verifying your monthly school enrollment

Students outside the United States should call +1-918-781-5678 for GI Bill assistance.

VA Health Benefits Hotline: 877-222-8387

The VA health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387 handles health care enrollment, eligibility questions, and benefit information. It operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

This number is for:

• Applying for VA health care enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ)

• Questions about Priority Groups and copay status

• CHAMPVA eligibility for dependents of 100% P&T veterans

• Pharmacy and prescription questions

• Community Care billing and referrals

• Dental benefit questions

• Paying a VA medical bill

You cannot check the status of your Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) by calling this hotline. VA medical centers process VHIC requests and will contact you if they need more information.

My HealtheVet Help Desk: 877-327-0022

The My HealtheVet help desk at 877-327-0022 assists with the online patient portal, including prescription refills, secure messaging, and appointment scheduling. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1

The Veterans Crisis Line is reached by dialing 988 and pressing 1. This connects veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, and Reservists in crisis with qualified responders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line. The service is free, confidential, and available to family members and caregivers concerned about a veteran.

Active-duty personnel stationed overseas can reach the Veterans Crisis Line through region-specific numbers:

Other Essential VA Phone Numbers

The MyVA411 line at 800-698-2411 is the VA’s main information line and is available 24/7. It can connect you with any VA program or service. If you need a language interpreter, call 800-698-2411 and select 0.

VA Homeless Veterans Hotline: 877-424-3838

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 (877-4AID-VET) provides free, confidential assistance 24/7 to veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The call center connects veterans with:

• Emergency housing through HUD-VASH

• VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics

• Veterans Justice Outreach specialists

• Substance use treatment services

• Legal service clinics

This is the number to call for housing assistance and stand down events. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to call.

CHAMPVA Help Line: 800-733-8387

The CHAMPVA help line at 800-733-8387 serves the spouse and dependent children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition. The line operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

CHAMPVA is the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Call this number for:

• CHAMPVA eligibility verification

• Claims filing and reimbursement questions

• Provider network and coverage questions

• Medicare and CHAMPVA coordination

• Mail order pharmacy services

You can also file CHAMPVA claims online through VA.gov. Claims must be filed within one year of receiving care.

VA Life Insurance Center: 800-669-8477

The VA Life Insurance Center at 800-669-8477 handles questions about VA-administered life insurance programs, including National Service Life Insurance (NSLI), Veterans’ Special Life Insurance (VSLI), and Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

For Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), call 800-419-1473.

VA Debt Management Center: 800-827-0648

The VA Debt Management Center at 800-827-0648 handles benefit overpayments and copay bills. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. If calling from outside the U.S., dial 1-612-713-6415.

Call this number to:

• Check the status of a VA debt

• Set up a repayment plan

• Request a debt waiver or compromise

• Dispute a debt you believe is incorrect

You can also manage VA debt online through the VA Debt Portal at va.gov/manage-va-debt. For health care debts, call the Health Resource Center at 866-400-1238.

VA Burial and Memorial Phone Numbers

For burial in a VA national cemetery, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.

For government-furnished headstones, markers, and medallions, call the Applicant Assistance Unit at 800-697-6947. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Surviving spouses and family members can also call 800-827-1000 for information about burial allowances, survivor benefits, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

Women Veterans Call Center: 855-829-6636

The Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 (855-VA-WOMEN) provides women veterans with information about VA services, resources, benefits, and eligibility. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Call or text this number for:

• Women’s health care services

• Mental health support

• Military sexual trauma (MST) resources

• Maternity care and reproductive health

• Connecting with a Women Veterans Program Manager

Specialized Support Phone Numbers

Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274

The VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 provides assistance to family members and caregivers of veterans. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. The line offers clinical consultation, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators, and information about the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

Gulf War Helpline: 800-749-8387

Veterans who served in the Gulf War can call 800-749-8387 for information about Gulf War Syndrome, undiagnosed illnesses, and PACT Act presumptive conditions.

Quit VET: 855-784-8838

Quit VET at 855-784-8838 connects veterans with counselors to help them stop smoking. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

Vets Center Call Center: 877-927-8387

The Vets Center call center at 877-927-8387 provides 24/7 support for combat veterans and their families. This line connects veterans with readjustment counseling services and Vet Center locations.

How to Contact VA Online

VA offers several online contact options in addition to phone support:

• Ask VA (AVA): Secure online messaging through va.gov/ask-va. A VA representative responds by email or through your AVA inbox. Response time is typically within 7 business days.

• My HealtheVet: Secure messaging with your VA health care team, prescription refills, and appointment scheduling.

• Claim Status Online: Check the status of a disability claim at va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status.

• Debt Portal: Manage VA debts at va.gov/manage-va-debt.

Common Mistakes When Calling VA

Calling the wrong number. Many veterans call the health care line for benefits questions or the benefits line for GI Bill issues. Use the table above to reach the right office faster.

Calling without your information ready. Have your VA file number, Social Security number, and date of birth ready before you call. This speeds up verification.

Calling outside business hours. The benefits, GI Bill, and health care hotlines are not 24/7. The MyVA411 line and the Veterans Crisis Line are the only 24/7 options.

Not using the TDD line. Hearing-impaired veterans should call 800-829-4833 instead of the standard hotline for faster service.

Expecting the chatbot to handle complex cases. The VA chatbot provides general information only. For claim-specific questions, call the benefits hotline or use Ask VA.

Common Questions

What is the main VA phone number for disability claims?
Call 800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. This number handles disability compensation, claim status, pension, TDIU, and dependency claims. Have your VA file number or Social Security number ready.

How do I check the status of my VA disability claim by phone?
Call the VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000. You can also check claim status online at va.gov, which often provides faster and more detailed updates than the phone line.

What is the GI Bill phone number?
The GI Bill hotline is 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Students outside the U.S. should call +1-918-781-5678.

How do I contact VA health care enrollment?
Call the VA health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. This number handles enrollment, eligibility, Priority Groups, and CHAMPVA questions.

What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?
Dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use this service.

What is the number for VA debt management?
Call the VA Debt Management Center at 800-827-0648 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT. From outside the U.S., call 1-612-713-6415. You can also manage debt online at va.gov/manage-va-debt[reference:32].

How do I contact CHAMPVA for dependents?
Call the CHAMPVA help line at 800-733-8387 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. This number serves spouses and dependent children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled.

What is the VA homeless veterans hotline?
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 (877-4AID-VET). Available 24/7, free and confidential. This connects veterans with emergency housing, HUD-VASH, and legal services.

Is there a VA phone number for life insurance questions?
Call the VA Life Insurance Center at 800-669-8477 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. For SGLI and VGLI, call 800-419-1473.

What is the MyVA411 phone number?
MyVA411 is 800-698-2411, available 24/7. It is the VA’s main information line and can connect you with any VA program. If you need an interpreter, call this number and select 0.

How do I contact VA about burial and headstones?
For burial scheduling at a VA national cemetery, call 800-535-1117. For government headstones and markers, call 800-697-6947 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

What is the Women Veterans Call Center number?
Call or text 855-829-6636 (855-VA-WOMEN). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Key Takeaways

• The VA benefits hotline is 800-827-1000, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

• The GI Bill hotline is 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1), open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

• The VA health benefits hotline is 877-222-8387, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

• The Veterans Crisis Line is reached by dialing 988, then Press 1, available 24/7 by phone, text (838255), or online chat.

• MyVA411 at 800-698-2411 is the VA’s 24/7 main information line with interpreter services.

• The CHAMPVA help line is 800-733-8387 for dependents of 100% P&T veterans.

• The VA Debt Management Center is 800-827-0648 for benefit overpayments and copay bills.

• The homeless veterans hotline is 877-424-3838 (877-4AID-VET), available 24/7.

• TDD/TTY users should call 800-829-4833 for benefits assistance.

• You can contact VA online through Ask VA at va.gov/ask-va or check claim status at va.gov.

Official Resources

• VA Contact Us: va.gov/contact-us

• VA Disability Compensation: va.gov/disability

• VA Health Care: va.gov/health-care

• GI Bill Education Benefits: va.gov/education

• Veterans Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net

• VA Homeless Programs: va.gov/homeless

• CHAMPVA: va.gov/champva

• VA Debt Management: va.gov/manage-va-debt

• Ask VA (online messaging): ask.va.gov

• Social Security Administration: ssa.gov

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