When a natural disaster strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is your VA benefits. Luckily, the VA is aware of the recent spike in extreme weather, including Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, and is providing assistance to veterans in need. Below are just a few examples of resources for veterans facing a natural disaster. To learn about even more resources, you can visit the VA website.
Crisis Contact
If you think your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime, day or night:
- Call 988 and select 1
- Start a confidential chat
- Text 838255
- For TTY, call 711 then 988
Contacting the VA for a non-emergency
There are three ways to contact the VA during or after a natural disaster.
- Over the phone
If you need help finding out where to go for care or have questions about VA resources available to you, call the MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411, anytime, day or night.
Other helpful VA phone numbers can be found here: Helpful VA Phone Numbers | Veterans Affairs.
- Online
If a natural disaster impacts your ability to reach the VA by phone, you can send questions through the AskVA online tool.
- In Person
Note that a natural disaster may affect the status and operating hours of VA facilities. You can check if your local VA facility is open here: Find your nearest VA facility.
VA Benefits Assistance
If you can’t receive your benefit payment because of a natural disaster, you can request a special one-time payment by calling the VA hotline at 800-827-1000, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
If the natural disaster is impacting your ability to mail evidence or submit a timely appeal, call the VA hotline to let them know. Depending on the status of your case, you can consider requesting an extension due to the natural disaster. Unfortunately, even despite the natural disaster, the VA will expect you to file everything expeditiously.
Housing Assistance
If you need immediate housing assistance or are facing homelessness after a natural disaster, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, anytime, day or night.
If your home was damaged by the natural disaster, you can contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and begin the disaster application process online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800‐621‐3362.
If you previously used a Specially Adapted Housing grant and your adapted primary residence is destroyed or substantially damaged during the natural disaster, call the VA at 877‐827‐3702, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
Employment Benefits
If you receive VA employment services and you’re affected by a natural disaster, you may qualify for 2 additional months of employee adjustment allowance. Contact your nearest VA regional office to speak with a Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) counselor to discuss your options.
Urgent Health Care for Veterans in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
If the veteran is enrolled in VA health care in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, he or she can call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center for virtual urgent and tele-emergency care at 877-741-3400, 24/7. Services include general administrative support, nurse triage, pharmacy, virtual visits with a doctor or nurse practitioner, and more.
Protect yourself from fraud
In the wake of a natural disaster, there is often an increase in attempted fraud, especially targeted at veterans. For example, some disaster response imposters may claim they are from charities offering fake emergency loans. Use vigilance when reviewing offers for assistance. If you think you may be a victim of fraud, you can call the VA at 833-388-7233, anytime, day or night.
We are here to support our veterans!
At Vets National, we understand the complexities of navigating the VA benefit system and securing the VA disability benefits you deserve. All of this becomes even more difficult in the wake of a natural disaster. We’re here to guide you through the VA disability benefits process and make sure you are receiving the benefits to which you are entitled.
Let us help you. Call 877-777-4021.
