For Veterans · Families · Advocates
Veteran Resources.
A working directory of verified resources — the same information I rely on when helping veterans navigate benefits, transition, and crisis. Organized, direct, no filler. Every link below goes to an official or established organization. If something is broken or outdated, let me know and I will fix it.
If you are in crisis, read this first.
You do not need to be enrolled in VA care. You do not need to prove anything. Free, confidential, available 24/7.
VA Benefits & Claims
Start every benefits question at VA.gov. For claims you do not want to file alone, use a free, accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Never pay someone to file a VA claim for you.
VA.gov
Official portal. Apply for disability compensation, pension, health care, education, and home loans. Upload documents and track claims online.
va.gov 1-800-827-1000eBenefits
Self-service benefits portal. Check claim status, view letters, manage dependents, and access premium features via DS Logon.
ebenefits.va.govAccredited VSO Search
Find an accredited Veterans Service Officer in your area. Free representation for claims and appeals.
VA OGC accreditation searchBoard of Veterans' Appeals
If your claim was denied, the Board reviews appeals. Understand the three decision lanes before filing.
bva.va.govPACT Act Information
Expanded benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Screening is available to every eligible veteran.
PACT Act overviewDD-214 Requests
Replace a lost discharge certificate through the National Archives. Free. Can be requested online, by mail, or by fax.
archives.gov/veteransMental Health & Counseling
You do not have to be "in crisis" to use these services. Vet Centers, in particular, are free, confidential, and do not require VA enrollment or a service-connected condition.
Vet Centers
Free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and their families. Walk-in availability at most locations. Records are separate from VA medical records.
vetcenter.va.gov 1-877-927-8387 (24/7 Vet Center Call Center)VA Mental Health
Comprehensive mental health services through the VA system: PTSD, depression, substance use, MST, suicide prevention.
mentalhealth.va.govSAMHSA Helpline
Free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use disorders.
samhsa.gov/find-help 1-800-662-4357Give an Hour
Free mental health services to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families through a national network of volunteer providers.
giveanhour.orgCohen Veterans Network
Accessible, high-quality mental health care for post-9/11 veterans and their families. Low or no cost, regardless of discharge status.
cohenveteransnetwork.orgMake the Connection
VA-sponsored library of short videos from veterans describing their own experiences with mental health challenges and recovery.
maketheconnection.netEmployment & Career
Transition is not a moment — it is a multi-year process. These resources cover job search, skill translation, apprenticeships, and federal hiring preference.
Hiring Our Heroes
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program. Fellowships, networking events, and military spouse employment.
hiringourheroes.orgDOL VETS
Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service. USERRA enforcement, state-level employment services, and apprenticeship programs.
dol.gov/agencies/vetsUSAJOBS — Veterans
Federal job portal with veterans' preference filtering. Includes Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), 30% or More Disabled Veteran hiring authority, and Schedule A guidance.
usajobs.gov/veteransVR&E (Chapter 31)
Veteran Readiness and Employment. For service-connected veterans who need job training, education, or independent-living support.
VR&E programFourBlock
Career readiness program for post-9/11 veterans. Free, cohort-based, focused on professional development and corporate placement.
fourblock.orgSyracuse IVMF
Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Entrepreneurship programs (EBV, V-WISE), career training, and applied research.
ivmf.syracuse.eduEducation & Training
GI Bill is the headline program, but it is not the only one. Look at VR&E, state tuition waivers, and apprenticeship pathways before committing to a school.
GI Bill
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill, and related programs. Tuition, housing allowance, and book stipend benefits.
va.gov/education 1-888-442-4551GI Bill Comparison Tool
Compare schools by benefit amount, graduation rate, median debt, and veteran enrollment before you commit.
GI Bill Comparison ToolStudent Veterans of America
Chapter network on 1,500+ campuses. Advocacy, scholarships, and a student-veteran community on most U.S. campuses.
studentveterans.orgVET TEC
Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses. Short, high-tech training programs paid for by the VA, not deducted from your GI Bill.
VET TEC programYellow Ribbon Program
Participating schools waive a portion of tuition beyond the GI Bill cap. Check which programs at your target school participate before applying.
Yellow Ribbon ProgramWarrior-Scholar Project
Free academic bootcamps for enlisted veterans transitioning to four-year universities. STEM, humanities, and business tracks.
warrior-scholar.orgHousing & Homelessness
If you or a veteran you know is unsheltered, precariously housed, or fleeing an unsafe situation, start with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. They can connect you to local programs the same day.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Free, confidential 24/7 line for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Connects to local VA programs.
VA Homeless Programs 1-877-424-3838HUD-VASH
Joint HUD & VA program combining Housing Choice Vouchers with VA case management for homeless veterans.
HUD-VASHSSVF
Supportive Services for Veteran Families. Rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention for very low-income veteran households.
SSVF programVA Home Loan
VA-guaranteed home loan. Typically no down payment, no PMI, competitive rates. Certificate of Eligibility required.
VA home loansOperation Homefront
Emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, and permanent housing programs for military families and veterans.
operationhomefront.orgVeterans Inc.
Regional housing, employment, and supportive services for veterans and their families across the Northeast.
veteransinc.orgHealthcare
Many veterans are eligible for VA health care who never enroll. Apply — eligibility is determined after you apply, not before.
VA Health Care Enrollment
Apply for VA health care online. Priority groups determine copays and access. Combat veterans have extended eligibility windows.
Apply for VA health care 1-877-222-8387MyHealtheVet
VA patient portal. Message your care team, refill prescriptions, view test results, and access medical records.
myhealth.va.govVA Community Care
Care from non-VA providers when VA cannot deliver it in a reasonable timeframe or distance. Requires preauthorization.
va.gov/communitycareTRICARE
Health program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Different from VA health care — you may be eligible for both.
tricare.milCHAMPVA
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA. Health care coverage for eligible family members of certain disabled or deceased veterans.
CHAMPVA programMy VA Health Facility Locator
Find VA medical centers, clinics, and Vet Centers near you with services and contact info.
va.gov/find-locationsLegal Aid
Many veterans have legal issues tied to discharge status, benefits denials, or civilian records of service-related incidents. Most of these resources are free.
Stateside Legal
Veterans' legal aid directory. Covers discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, family law, consumer issues, and housing.
statesidelegal.orgDischarge Upgrade Information
Official VA guide for requesting a discharge upgrade or character-of-service change. Eligibility depends on discharge date and reason.
Discharge upgrade instructionsNVLSP
National Veterans Legal Services Program. Free legal assistance for veterans, active-duty members, and their families on benefits and discharge issues.
nvlsp.orgVeterans Consortium
Pro bono legal representation for veterans appealing benefits decisions at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
vetsprobono.orgVeterans Treatment Courts
Alternative court tracks for justice-involved veterans. Emphasis on treatment over incarceration for eligible cases.
All Rise — Veterans Treatment CourtsABA Military & Veterans Pro Bono Project
Attorney referral network for service members and veterans facing civil legal issues.
ABA LAMPFamily & Caregivers
Military and veteran caregivers carry a weight that is often invisible. These programs exist specifically to support you.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Education, training, and financial stipends for caregivers of eligible veterans. Includes the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
caregiver.va.gov 1-855-260-3274Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Advocacy, community, and programs for America's 14.3 million military caregivers and their families.
elizabethdolefoundation.orgTAPS
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Comfort, care, and resources for families grieving the death of a military loved one.
taps.org 1-800-959-8277Military OneSource
DoD-funded resource for service members and families. Free counseling, financial help, relocation support, and tax services.
militaryonesource.mil 1-800-342-9647Survivors' Benefits
VA benefits for surviving spouses, children, and parents — DIC, education assistance, home loans, and health care.
VA family benefitsBlue Star Families
Research-driven national nonprofit. Community programs and annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey that informs policy.
bluestarfam.orgCommunity & Peer Support
Isolation kills. Structured community — not just a social group — is one of the most reliable protective factors for post-service transition.
Team Red, White & Blue
Enriching the lives of veterans through physical and social activity. Local chapters nationwide, free membership.
teamrwb.orgTeam Rubicon
Veteran-led disaster response. Puts service-honed skills to work responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
teamrubiconusa.orgMission Continues
Community-based service platoons in under-resourced neighborhoods. Six-month fellowships and chapter programs.
missioncontinues.orgWounded Warrior Project
Programs for post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured service members — mental health, career counseling, benefits advocacy.
woundedwarriorproject.orgIAVA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Advocacy organization with a free, confidential Rapid Response Referral Program for members.
iava.orgVFW / American Legion / DAV
Legacy service organizations. Local posts, accredited claims assistance, emergency grants, and community. Find your nearest post online.
vfw.org · legion.org · dav.orgVeteran Organizations Directory
A curated directory of established nonprofits dedicated to serving veterans and their families — organized by focus area. Some organizations appear in multiple categories on this page because their programs span domains.
Mental Health & Wellness
Wounded Warrior Project
One of the nation's leading veterans service organizations. Mental health, physical wellness, career counseling, VA benefits navigation, and peer support for post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans.
woundedwarriorproject.orgBRAVE Mission
Building Relations with American Veterans Everywhere. Connects veterans to one another and their communities through letter-writing campaigns, care packages, volunteer projects, and a podcast platform for veterans to share their stories.
bravemission.orgMission 22
Raises awareness about veteran suicide and connects veterans with treatment programs for PTSD and TBI. Outreach, memorials, and direct support services aimed at reducing the daily loss.
mission22.comPat Tillman Foundation
Unites and empowers military veterans and spouses through academic scholarships and a national network, developing the next generation of leaders inspired by Pat Tillman's legacy.
pattillmanfoundation.orgREBOOT Combat Recovery
Faith-based nonprofit helping combat veterans heal from moral injuries and invisible wounds of war. Peer-support groups and practical tools for reintegration and renewed purpose.
rebootrecovery.comCommunity & Social Connection
Team Red, White & Blue
Enriches the lives of veterans by connecting them to their communities through physical and social activity. Local chapters nationwide. Membership is always free.
teamrwb.orgVeterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The nation's oldest major veterans' organization, founded 1899. Advocates for veterans' rights and legislative priorities. Local posts across the country for fellowship and civic engagement.
vfw.orgAmerican Legion
One of the largest veterans service organizations in the U.S. Advocacy, assistance with VA claims, youth programs, and a nationwide network of posts serving as community hubs.
legion.orgTeam Rubicon
Unites veterans' skills and experience with first responders to form elite disaster response teams. Veteran-led "Greyshirts" mobilize when floods, fires, and hurricanes strike.
teamrubiconusa.orgMission Continues
Community-based service platoons in under-resourced neighborhoods. Six-month fellowships and chapter programs that put veterans back in the mission space.
missioncontinues.orgBenefits & Advocacy
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Founded 1920. Free assistance with VA benefits claims, transportation to VA medical appointments, career services, and legislative advocacy. Helps over 1 million veterans annually.
dav.orgVeterans Legal Services
Free legal representation for veterans denied VA benefits or facing other legal issues related to military service. Helps navigate the VA appeals process.
veteranslegalservices.orgBRAVE for Veterans
501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the financial well-being of transitioning service members. Financial literacy and employment resources for veterans rebuilding in the civilian workforce.
braveforveterans.comCell Phones for Soldiers
Free communication services for active-duty military and veterans. Recycles donated phones to fund free calling cards for deployed troops and phone access for veterans in need.
cellphonesforsoldiers.comIAVA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Advocacy organization with a free, confidential Rapid Response Referral Program for post-9/11 veterans.
iava.orgHousing & Financial Support
Fisher House Foundation
Builds and donates "comfort homes" near major military and VA medical centers, providing free lodging for families of veterans and active-duty members receiving medical treatment.
fisherhouse.orgHabitat for Humanity — Veterans Build
Affordable homeownership and critical home repairs for veterans and their families. Veterans can also volunteer to build homes for other community members.
Veterans BuildGary Sinise Foundation
Serves and honors defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. R.I.S.E. program builds custom smart homes for severely injured veterans, plus relief outreach and inspirational events.
garysinisefoundation.orgVeterans Inc.
One of the largest providers of supportive services to homeless and at-risk veterans in New England. Transitional and permanent housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and employment placement.
veteransinc.orgOperation Homefront
Builds strong, stable, secure military families. Emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, holiday assistance, and related programs for military families in need.
operationhomefront.orgEducation & Career
Student Veterans of America
Coalition of student veteran organizations on college campuses. Resources, support networks, and advocacy to ensure veterans succeed in higher education.
studentveterans.orgHire Heroes USA
Free job-search assistance for U.S. military members, veterans, and spouses. One-on-one career coaching, resume writing, interview prep, and a job board — no cost to the veteran.
hireheroesusa.orgBunker Labs
Helps veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses. National programs, local chapters, mentorship, and a strong founder community network.
bunkerlabs.orgFourBlock
Career readiness program for post-9/11 veterans. Free, cohort-based, focused on professional development and corporate placement.
fourblock.orgSyracuse IVMF
Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Entrepreneurship programs (EBV, V-WISE), career training, and applied research on the veteran community.
ivmf.syracuse.eduFamilies of Veterans
Military OneSource
DoD-funded service providing free counseling, financial help, relocation support, child and youth programs, and tax services for military members and families. Available 24/7.
militaryonesource.mil 1-800-342-9647American Gold Star Mothers
Community and support networks for families who have lost a loved one in military service. Peer connection, advocacy, and remembrance events that honor the fallen and those left behind.
americangoldstarmothers.orgTAPS
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Comfort, care, and resources for families grieving the death of a military loved one.
taps.org 1-800-959-8277Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Advocacy, community, and programs for America's military caregivers and their families. National research and support networks for caregivers.
elizabethdolefoundation.orgBlue Star Families
Research-driven national nonprofit. Community programs and the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey that informs policy for military families.
bluestarfam.orgWomen Veterans
Women veterans are the fastest-growing veteran demographic. VA and partner services specific to women veterans are listed here.
VA Women Veterans Call Center
Confidential line for women veterans with questions about VA services, benefits, and eligibility.
womenshealth.va.gov 1-855-829-6636MST Support
Military Sexual Trauma care is free at VA regardless of enrollment, discharge characterization, or whether the incident was reported at the time.
VA MST programService Women's Action Network
Advocacy, policy, and community for women service members and veterans.
servicewomen.orgFinal Salute Inc.
Housing and supportive services for women veterans and their children experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
finalsaluteinc.orgAbout this directory
This page is a working reference — maintained by Patrick Neil Bradley, curated from the same resources I reach for when helping veterans and families in my advocacy work. It is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or officially affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any listed organization.
Nothing here is legal, medical, or financial advice. If you need individualized guidance, contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), a licensed clinician, or a qualified attorney. Phone numbers and links are subject to change — if you spot something stale, email patrick@patrickneilbradley.com and I will correct it.
Last reviewed: April 2026.
Need something not on this list?
Ask directly.
If you or a veteran you know needs help finding a specific resource — a benefits question, a local program, a legal referral — reach out. I will point you to the right place or connect you to someone who can.