Veteran Crisis & Support Resources
Support is available—right now.
You are not alone.
At EWS, we believe in meeting people where they are and helping connect them to the right support when it matters most. If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, there are trusted resources available 24/7.
Immediate Support — Veterans Crisis Line 24/7
If you’re a veteran in crisis—or concerned about one—trained responders are available anytime. Many are veterans themselves.
This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Connect now:
📞 Call: 988, then press 1
💬 Text: 838255
💻 Chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net/chat/
🦻 TTY (hearing support): 800-799-4889
Call 911
Go to your nearest emergency room
Go directly to your nearest VA Medical Center (Care is available regardless of discharge status or enrollment)
If You Are in Immediate Danger
VA Benefits & Disaster Help
📘 VA Disaster Help Resource: www.va.gov/resources/disaster-help/
This VA resource serves as a centralized hub to support veterans before, during, and after natural disasters, helping you maintain access to healthcare, benefits, and critical services while navigating recovery. This resource offers:
Access to emergency assistance, including housing support and crisis services
Guidance on continuing VA healthcare and refilling prescriptions during disruptions
Information on protecting and recovering VA benefits, claims, and important records
Connections to additional support agencies, including FEMA and local disaster resources
Practical steps to help veterans prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters
VA Healthcare & Benefits
📘 VA Healthcare Benefits Guide: www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/resources/publications/10-185_HCBO_2025.pdf
At EWS, while we are not claims specialists, we are knowledgeable and committed to helping point you in the right direction.
Free Help with VA Claims & Benefits
We strongly encourage connecting with a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) representative for assistance with VA claims benefits.
👉 Find a VSO near you:
Understanding VA Benefits
Many veterans don’t realize:
VA benefits are legislated by Congress
Disability ratings are governed by federal law in the 38 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)
Part 4 of Chapter 1 includes the Schedule for Rating VA Disabilities. This tells you everything you need to know about how VA raters will decide your eligibility and rating for VA disability.
Most people would not choose to enter court for legal matters without an attorney. The same can be said for the pursuit of veteran benefits, as it is a legal process. We strongly recommend you seek assistance in obtaining the veteran benefits you have earned.
State & Local Veteran Support
Each state has a Commission or Department of Veterans Affairs that provides support free of charge and includes:
Veteran cemeteries
Records (including DD-214)
Local Veteran Service Officers/Offices (often by county)
These VSOs also offer assistance with veterans claims
Legal Support for Veterans (Free / Pro Bono Options)
These organizations offer free legal assistance to veterans:
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
Widener Veterans Law Clinic for Delaware residents
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Swords to Plowshares
Self Help Guides
Legal Services (including legal assistance with discharge upgrades, VA benefits eligibility, service-connected claims, pension applications, and VA overpayment issues)
Harvard Law School Veterans Legal Clinic (for veterans in the greater Boston, MA area)
📞 Intake Line: 617-390-2525
💻 Email: veteranslegalclinic@law.harvard.edu
📍122 Boylston Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (You can visit during regular business hours; you do not need an appointment. )
Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic (for veterans in Connecticut)
University of San Diego Veterans Legal Clinic (for California residents only)
Texas Veterans Legal Assistance Project
⚠️ Some law firms charge fees (often collected after benefits are awarded). At EWS, we encourage exploring free, reputable services.
Additional Support for Post 9/11 Veterans
📞 Helpline: 888-997-2586
They offer emotional support, resource connection, guidance for next steps, and veteran support groups/activities.