Title 38, Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-110

§5321 Benefits Helpline

Title 38 › PART IV — GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 53 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO BENEFITS › § 5321

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Keep a toll-free phone helpline that people can call to get information about any benefit or service the Department runs, or to be connected to the right office for that help. The Secretary may hire a private company to route those calls. Callers must be able to choose to talk to a live person. Covered individual means a veteran; someone acting for a veteran; or a non‑veteran who is eligible for a benefit or service under the Secretary’s laws. "Veteran" is defined in section 2002(b).

Full Legal Text

Title 38, §5321

Veterans' Benefits, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Establishment.—

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)Contract for Direction of Calls Authorized.—

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)Live Individual Required.—

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

(d)Definitions.—

In this section: (1)

(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

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110