Title 38 — Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-73not60

§5321 Benefits Helpline

Title 38 › Part IV— GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS › Chapter 53— SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO BENEFITS › § 5321

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary must keep a toll-free phone helpline that covered individuals can call to get information about any service or benefit run by the Department or to be sent to the right Department office. The Secretary may hire a contractor to route calls, and callers must be able to choose to speak with a live person. Covered individual: (A) a veteran; (B) someone acting for a veteran; (C) a non‑veteran eligible for a Department benefit or service. Veteran: has the meaning in section 2002(b).

Full Legal Text

Title 38, §5321

Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free telephone helpline that a covered individual may call in order to—

(1)obtain information about any service or benefit provided under the laws administered by the Secretary; or

(2)be directed to an appropriate office of the Department regarding such a service or benefit.

(b)The Secretary may enter into a contract with a third party to direct calls made to the helpline to an appropriate office under subsection (a)(2).

(c)The Secretary shall ensure that a covered individual who calls the helpline has the option to speak with a live individual.

(d)In this section:

(1)The term “covered individual” means—

(A)a veteran;

(B)an individual acting on behalf of a veteran; or

(C)an individual other than a veteran who is eligible to receive a benefit or service under a law administered by the Secretary.

(2)The term “veteran” has the meaning given such term in section 2002(b) of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

38 U.S.C. § 5321

Title 38 — Veterans' Benefits

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60