10/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 09:51
We are currently experiencing an unprecedented hurricane season, impacting millions of Americans. As we face this and other natural disasters like tornados and historic flooding, it's important for Veterans and their families to know that the VA is here to help. In the wake of a disaster, here are some resources available to you.
Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for Veterans in crisis by phone, text, or chat:
Housing Assistance
If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of a natural disaster, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, available 24/7: 1-877-4AID VETS (1-877-424-3838).
If you've relocated to a shelter or a disaster recovery center because of a natural disaster, we may have already deployed a team to connect you with the health care and benefits you need. If you need help finding housing, we'll assign you to a case manager.
Learn more about disaster recovery centers on the FEMA website
VA Contact Information
Reach us with any VA related questions or for information at:
Health Care
If you're enrolled in VA health care and a disaster has impacted you, we may already be in contact with you to learn how we can support you. If we haven't contacted you, call your nearest VA medical center to speak with the patient advocate team.
Benefits and Compensation
For life insurance
If you're affected by a natural disaster, we may offer instant loan approvals online or provide same-day processing for policy loans.
We also provide same-day processing and approval for these:
The Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) follows disaster alerts issued by each state's Department of Insurance in the event of a natural disaster. These alerts generally pause insurance coverage from lapsing for people in affected areas and extend the grace period for premium payments.
To learn more, call us at 800-669-8477. We're here from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
To contact OSGLI, call us at 800-419-1473. We're here from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Or, you can email us at [email protected] .
Fraud
Some predators use natural disasters and emergencies to target Veterans. This may include disaster response imposters and scammers claiming they're from charities offering fake emergency loans.
If you think you may be a victim of fraud, call us at 833-388-7233. We're here 24/7.
VA's Office of Emergency Management drives a comprehensive emergency management program at all VA facilities to ensure continuity of benefits and health care for Veterans. While we shared quite a few resources above, it is important to work with your local VA teams so they can fully support you following a natural disaster.
Learn more about disaster assistance resources for Veterans.