🚨 Veterans Crisis Line — Available 24/7
For mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or substance use emergencies. Confidential. For veterans and their families.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and their families with qualified, caring VA responders around the clock. You don't need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to call.
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Staffed by VA employees — not general crisis line operators
- Completely confidential — no mandatory reporting for calling
- For mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or relationship crisis
- Family members and friends of veterans are also welcome to call
- Responders can connect you to local VA mental health resources and follow-up services
Emergency Housing for Veterans
If you're homeless or at risk of homelessness, multiple programs exist specifically for veterans. Call immediately — many offer same-day assistance.
Rental vouchers plus VA case management for homeless veterans. Contact your nearest VA medical center to apply. One of the largest homeless veteran programs in the country.
Call 877-424-3838 24/7. VA social workers answer and can connect you to emergency housing, shelter, and services immediately. Your first call if homeless.
Emergency financial assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness. Covers rent, deposits, utilities. Call 877-4AID-VET to find SSVF providers in your area.
Provides safe, affordable housing specifically for women veterans and their children. finalsaluteinc.org
National network of transitional housing, case management, and support services for veterans. voa.org/veterans
Emergency Financial Assistance
If you're facing a financial crisis, these programs provide one-time emergency grants and assistance — no repayment required in most cases.
Many local chapters offer emergency financial help for rent, utilities, and food. Contact your nearest chapter — availability and amounts vary by location.
SSVF can provide emergency grants for rent, utility payments, security deposits, and moving costs to prevent homelessness. Call 877-424-3838.
Up to $1,500 one-time emergency grant for basic life needs. Apply at unmetneeds.com. For active duty, Guard, Reserve, and veterans deployed since 9/11.
Financial and material assistance for military families and veterans. operationhomefront.org
Food Assistance
Veterans may qualify based on income. Apply through your state's SNAP program. Many veterans with service-connected disabilities receive expedited processing.
Find your nearest food bank at findhelp.org. Most food banks serve veterans and their families regardless of VA enrollment.
Many local posts provide emergency food assistance and know of local veteran-specific resources. Call your nearest post and explain your situation.
Healthcare in a Crisis
VA covers ER visits at non-VA facilities for life-, limb-, or eyesight-threatening emergencies. You must notify VA within 72 hours: call 1-866-606-8198. Enrollment required.
Access to non-VA providers when VA can't provide timely care. va.gov/community-care/
Vet Centers provide free readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and crisis support. No VA enrollment needed. Find one at va.gov/find-locations/
Legal Emergencies
📞 202-265-8305 · nvlsp.org
Free legal representation for denied VA claims, appeals, and veteran legal emergencies.
Veteran-specific legal aid for eviction defense, protective orders, and discharge upgrades. Contact your state's legal aid society or a law school veterans clinic for free representation.
Substance Use Crisis
VA offers comprehensive substance use treatment including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient, and outpatient programs. va.gov/substance-use-problems/
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service. Call 1-800-662-4357. Also at samhsa.gov.
Same-day mental health appointments are available at many VA facilities. Call 800-827-1000 to request same-day services at your nearest VA.
Natural Disaster Help
📞 800-621-3362 · disasterassistance.gov
Federal emergency assistance for housing, personal property, and disaster-related needs.
📞 800-733-2767 · Emergency shelter, food, and disaster relief for veterans and families.
VA activates special emergency services during declared disasters. Visit va.gov/opa/pressrel/ for updates during active disasters.
Quick Reference — Key Numbers
Save these numbers. Share them with fellow veterans.
📞 Emergency Contact Card
Frequently Asked Questions
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