Get the Facts: Veteran Care

American Red Cross: Their Military and Veteran Caregiver Network provides mentoring, support groups, an online community and a Hero Care Resource Directory for caregivers of all eras, all relations, and across all locations.

Department of Veterans Affairs is the place to start when seeking services for veterans. VA support falls into three main categories listed below. Click here to find Toll‑free numbers for contacting the VA.

• Health Care: The VA offers a variety of services, information, and benefits. As the nation’s largest integrated health care system, VA operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including hospitals, community clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and various other facilities. The Toll‑free line for VA health care is 877‑222‑8387.
• Benefits & Services: The VA administers a variety of benefits and services that provide financial and other forms of assistance to Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Major benefits include Veterans’ compensation, Veterans’ pension, survivors’ benefits, rehabilitation and employment assistance, education assistance, home loan guarantees, and life insurance coverage. The Toll‑free line for VA benefits is 800‑827‑1000.
• Burial and Memorials: Burial and memorial benefits are available for eligible service members, Veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and eligible family members. Service includes internment, headstones and markers, and Presidential memorial certificates. The VA’s National Cemetery Administration operates 128 national cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico, together with oversight and management of 33 soldiers’ lots, confederate cemeteries, and monument sites. The Toll‑free line for scheduling a burial is 800‑535‑1117, option 1.

Department of Veterans Affairs’ Caregiver Support Program offers a robust set of resources for caregivers.

• The Program of General Caregiver Support serves caregivers of Veterans from all eras.
• The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers serves caregivers of seriously injured post-9/11 Veterans.
• National Caregiver Support Line which serves as a primary resource/referral center to assist all caregivers and those seeking to help in the care of our Nation’s Veterans. Trained mental health counselors answer 250‑350 calls a day. Toll‑free at (855) 260‑3274.

Disabled American Veterans assists veterans and their families in filing claims to access the healthcare, disability, employment, education, and financial benefits they’ve earned.

Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers offers family caregivers of veterans or service members access to free, short-term relief with the help of in-home care professionals who will be able to provide companionship, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and meal preparation, transportation, mobility support/transferring, exercise, toileting, bathing, and dressing and grooming. Created in 2021 by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, this new program is available nationwide.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation: the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans. They have mapped stages in the Military and Veteran Caregiver Journey https://caregiverjourney.elizabethdolefoundation.org/about/ and provide a wealth or resources for military and veteran caregivers.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Pension is a free resource for veterans, their surviving spouses, and their families who are looking for clear, concise information about the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension benefit and how to apply for it. Their senior care and home care directories help identify senior care options for veterans by zip code. Call Toll‑free at 866‑584‑7191.