Relief for Veterans Impacted by Natural Disasters

“Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the natural disasters,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times.” 

Health Care Assistance

If you have questions such as where to go for care or how to receive prescribed medications, VA has established a toll-free number for assistance in areas that have been impacted by disasters. Veterans or their families can call the VA Veterans Disaster Response line 24 hours, seven days a week at 1-800-507-4571.  

Debt Relief

If you are affected by a natural disaster, have a VBA benefit debt and need temporary financial relief, please contact VA's Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 to request assistance. 

If you have questions on Compensation or Pension benefits: Call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST.

Other Resources

  • Find a VA Vet Center near you 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387) or https://www.va.gov/find-locations
    • Mobile Vet Centers and Vet Center teams are actively responding to disaster-affected areas to offer counseling and grief support as well as connection and referral services to other VA and community resources.

  • Find a VA facility near you https://www.va.gov/find-locations
  • Call the White House VA Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-855-948-2311.
  • Apply for $500 grant for your damaged primary residence (on a first come, first serve basis subject to funding) from PenFed Foundation.
  • National Resource Directory - Search for local resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
  • FEMA - FEMA helps with temporary housing, repair or replacement of existing homes.
  • American Red Cross - The American Red Cross offers emergency financial assistance to the most impacted counties. Please call 1-800-733-2767 to see if you qualify.
  • Disaster Assistance – An easy way to determine if your zip code has been declared a disaster and eligible for assistance. The website also allows users to complete an online application and the ability to check FEMA application status.
  • Disaster Distress Helpline - The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. 

Free Help for Homeless Veterans

Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless, displaced and  at-risk Veterans

Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends

Visit https://www.va.gov/homeless/ for more information


California Specific Resources:

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

 Print out your VA Welcome Kit

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