Veteran Resources & Support
Help Is Available — You Are Not Alone
Veterans and their families have access to many trusted national resources that provide support for mental health, suicide prevention, food assistance, housing help, and everyday living needs. Below are verified organizations and programs created specifically to support veterans.
🛑 Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support (Veterans)
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential, 24/7 support for veterans and their families
📞 Call: 988, then press 1
💬 Text: 838255
🌐 Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Who It Helps:
Veterans in emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, crisis situations, or those worried about a fellow veteran.
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💬 Mental Health, PTSD & Emotional Support
VA Mental Health Services
Counseling, PTSD treatment, substance use support
📞 VA 800-698-2411
Hours: 24/7
PTSD Support for Veterans:
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/ptsd/
PTSD treatment programs
Individual and group counseling
Telehealth mental health services
Support for depression, anxiety, and trauma.
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🧠 National Center For PTSD (VA)
Education, tools, and treatment options for PTSD
📞 VA PTSD Information Line: 802-296-6300
🌐 Website: https://www.ptsd.va.gov
Resources include:
PTSD self-help tools
Treatment explanations
Support for families of veterans
Help understanding symptoms and next steps.
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🏥 What Is The VA MISSION Act?
The VA MISSION Act of 2018 allows eligible veterans to receive medical care from approved community (non-VA) providers when VA care is not readily available or does not meet access standards.
MISSION Act care may be used when:
The VA cannot schedule care within required time or distance standards
The veteran lives far from a VA facility
The VA provider determines community care is clinically appropriate
Emergency or urgent care is needed
⚠️ Important: Care generally must be authorized by the VA unless it is emergency or urgent care.
Emergency or Urgent Care — The 72-Hour Rule
If a veteran receives emergency or urgent care outside the VA, the VA (or its contractor) must be notified within 72 hours of the visit so the VA can consider payment and follow-up care.
Failure to notify within this window may result in the veteran being responsible for the bill.
Phone:
📞 1-844-724-7842
(Available 24/7 for urgent and emergency notifications)
Official VA MISSION Act Website (Primary)
VA MISSION Act Overview:
To Learn More About the VA MISSION Act, see “How To Apply For Community Care On The Home Page” in the menu.
This is the main VA page explaining:
Eligibility
Community care access standards
Authorization rules
Veteran responsibilities
Emergency and urgent care rules
What to Have Ready When You Call
Veteran’s full name and date of birth
Date and location of the emergency or urgent care visit
Facility name (hospital, ER, urgent care)
Reason for the visit
Important Notes for Veterans
Emergency care should never be delayed to seek authorization
Notification is required after care, within 72 hours
Coverage and payment depend on VA eligibility and circumstances
Always follow up with the VA or Humana for next steps
Website Disclaimer
Information is for educational purposes only. Eligibility, authorization, and payment decisions are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and its contractors. Anthony’s Healthcare is not affiliated with the VA
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🧪 What Is The PACT Act For Veterans?
The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) is a law that expanded VA health care and disability benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service.
It helps veterans receive care and benefits without having to prove direct service connection for certain conditions.
Who the PACT Act Helps
The PACT Act applies to veterans who served in locations or situations involving toxic exposure, including:
Burn pits
Agent Orange exposure
Radiation exposure
Other environmental hazards
This Includes Veterans From:
Vietnam War
Gulf War
Post-9/11 conflicts
Certain Cold War locations.
What the PACT Act Provides
Expanded VA Health Care
Access to VA health care for eligible veterans exposed to toxins
Preventive care, screenings, and treatment related to toxic exposure
Presumptive Conditions
Added many cancers and respiratory illnesses as presumptive conditions
Veterans do not need to prove a direct link between service and illness for these conditions
Expanded Disability Benefits
Veterans may qualify for VA disability compensation
Survivors may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Examples of Conditions Covered (Not a Complete List)
Asthma, bronchitis, COPD
Chronic sinusitis and rhinitis
Various cancers (including respiratory and digestive cancers)
Certain heart and neurological conditions.
How Veterans Apply
Website: https://www.va.gov/PACT
VA Benefits Phone:
📞 1-800-827-1000
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (ET)
Veterans can:
File a claim for benefits
Enroll in VA health care
Submit an intent to file
Get help from an accredited representative.
Important Notes
Veterans can apply even if previously denied
Filing an Intent to File may preserve an earlier effective date
Benefits depend on service history, diagnosis, and VA determination
Website Disclaimer
Eligibility and benefits are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Information is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee benefits. Anthony’s Healthcare is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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👵 Senior Helpers
Who They Serve
Senior Helpers is a non-medical, in-home care organization that supports seniors and adults who need help remaining independent at home. Services are provided through locally owned offices, so availability may vary by location.
Assistance They Provide
Help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, grooming)
Companionship and supervision
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Medication reminders
Mobility and transfer assistance
Specialized care programs for Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and chronic conditions
Respite care for family caregivers
⚠️ Senior Helpers does not provide medical or skilled nursing care.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.seniorhelpers.com
Phone (National Office / Location Finder):
📞 1-800-748-2057 or (800) 760-6389
You will be connected to a local Senior Helpers office based on your ZIP code.
Hours of Operation
🕘 Office hours vary by location
Many local offices operate:
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Some locations offer 24/7 care services.
Payment & Coverage Notes
Services are typically private pay
Some long-term care insurance plans may be accepted
Coverage depends on the local office and individual policy.
Important Note
Senior Helpers is a private home care organization. Services, availability, and payment options vary by location. Anthony’s Healthcare is not affiliated with Senior Helpers.
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🚗 Transportation Assistance For Veterans
(Including Uber & Lyft)
Does the VA Provide Uber or Lyft Rides?
Yes — in certain situations.
The VA partners with Uber and Lyft through a program commonly called VA Rideshare / Rideshare Connect to help eligible veterans get to VA-authorized medical appointments when they lack transportation.
⚠️ This is not unlimited free rides and must be coordinated through the VA or a VA facility.
VA Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
What This Program Covers
Transportation to VA medical appointments
Used when a veteran cannot drive or lacks reliable transportation
Rides are arranged by the VA, not directly by the veteran
Key Points
No smartphone required (VA can arrange rides)
Ride availability depends on VA facility participation
Rides are for medical appointments only
Not for personal errands or non-VA care unless authorized.
Eligibility Qualifications
To qualify for VA-provided Uber or Lyft rides, you must generally be:
Beneficiary Travel (BT) eligible: This includes veterans with a service-connected rating of 30% or more, those traveling for a service-connected condition, or those with low income.
Ambulatory: You must be able to get in and out of the vehicle without assistance.
Scheduled for a VA Appointment: Rides must be for authorized medical examinations or treatments.
Pro-Tip for Your Website: Remind veterans that they do not need the Uber or Lyft app to use this service, and there is no cost or tipping required.
Website: https://www.innovation.va.gov
Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-698-2411
General VA Information (MyVA411):
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for general questions about VA programs.
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🧭 Beneficiary Travel Program
(VA Transportation Program)
What This Program Does
May reimburse or arrange transportation for eligible veterans traveling to:
VA health care appointments
VA-authorized community care appointments
Transportation Options May Include:
Mileage reimbursement
Shuttle services
Public transportation
Uber or Lyft (through VA coordination)
https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/
VA Benefits & Travel Office Phone:
📞 1-800-827-1000
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (ET)
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🚐 Veteran Transportation Service (VTS)
What This Program Does
Provides non-emergency transportation to and from VA medical facilities using:
VA shuttles
Community transportation partners
Volunteer drivers
Coordinated rideshare when available.
How to Access
Veterans must contact:
Their local VA medical center
Or the VA Beneficiary Travel office
VA Main Line:
📞 1-800-827-1000
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🏠 VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Program
What This Program Does
Provides in-home assistance through a VA-approved agency for veterans who need help with daily living but do not require full nursing home care.
Services May Include
Help with bathing, dressing, grooming
Light housekeeping
Meal preparation
Medication reminders
Assistance with mobility
⚠️ Care is arranged through the VA, not hired independently by the veteran.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Enroll
Follow these exact steps to secure a home health aide through the VA:
Confirm VA Health Care Enrollment:
You must already be enrolled in VA health care. If you are not, apply first at VA.gov/health-care/apply
Schedule an Appointment with your Primary Care Provider (PCP):
Call your local VA clinic (such as the Tampa, New Port Richey or Brooksville clinic) and schedule a visit. You must be evaluated by a VA doctor to prove a "clinical need" for help at home.
Request a "Social Work Consult":
During your doctor's visit, explicitly state: "I am having trouble with daily activities like bathing and dressing. I would like a consult for the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program."
Complete the Clinical Assessment:
A VA Social Worker will contact you (usually via phone or at the clinic) to conduct an assessment. They will ask how many "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs) you need help with. To qualify, you generally need help with two or more tasks, such as:
Bathing or Showering
Dressing or Undressing
Eating
Toileting
Moving from a bed to a chair
Agency Selection:
Once approved, the VA Social Worker will coordinate with a local, VA-approved community home health agency in your area (e.g., Hernando or Pasco County). That agency will then contact you to set the schedule for when the aide will come to your home.
Contact Numbers for Help
National VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
Florida VA Health Care System (Tampa/James A. Haley): 1-813-972-2000 (Ask for "Social Work/Home Care Coordinator")
Qualifications
Clinical Need: You must have a clinical need for the service (help with 2 or more daily tasks like dressing, bathing, or moving around).
Service Availability: The service must be available in your area (most of Florida is covered).
Cost: This is part of the Standard Medical Benefits Package. While most veterans pay $0, some may have a small copay depending on their service-connected disability rating and income.
Pro-Tip for Your Website: Reminder for veterans that this program is for personal care only and is not for "skilled" medical care (like wound care) or 24/7 nursing.
Hours of Operation
National Phone Support: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET).
Service Delivery Hours: Unlike office hours, once you are enrolled, the hours for your home health aide are determined by your Clinical Need and the Plan of Care created by your VA Social Worker. Services can often be scheduled for mornings, afternoons, or evenings depending on availability in your Florida county.
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🏦 Aid & Attendance (A&A) Pension Benefit
What This Benefit Does
Aid & Attendance is a monthly financial benefit added to a VA pension that may help pay for:
In-home caregivers
Assisted living facilities
Help with activities of daily living
This benefit does allow funds to be used toward hiring assistance, depending on eligibility.
Who May Qualify
Veterans or surviving spouses
Must need help with daily activities
Must meet income, asset, and service requirements
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
VA Benefits Phone: 📞 1-800-827-1000
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❤️ VA Caregiver Support Program (Family Caregivers)
What This Program Does
Supports family members or caregivers who assist eligible veterans at home.
Support May Include
Caregiver education and training
Mental health counseling
Caregiver support coordination
In some cases, stipends (program-specific)
VA Caregiver Support Program
Family members and caregivers who help care for a Veteran may be eligible for VA Caregiver Support services. These programs are designed to provide education, resources, and additional support to caregivers assisting Veterans with daily care needs.
How to Apply Online (Quick Steps)
Go To: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/caregiver-support/
Sign in using Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet
Complete the online application
Submit and save your confirmation
Watch for follow-up from the VA if additional information is needed.
What You May Need
Veteran’s personal information
Caregiver’s personal information
Relationship to the Veteran
Details about the care being provided
Supporting medical or care-related information (if requested)
Important Information
Eligibility and benefits are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Approval is not guaranteed, and requirements may vary.
Anthony’s Healthcare is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Information provided is for educational purposes only.
Website: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/caregiver-support/
Caregiver Support Line: 📞 1-855-260-3274
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (ET)
Important Notes (VA-Accurate)
Not all veterans qualify for all programs
Some programs require VA enrollment and clinical approval
Hiring private caregivers independently is not automatically covered
Eligibility and services are determined by the VA.
Website Disclaimer
VA benefits, eligibility, and services are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee benefits or coverage. Anthony’s Healthcare is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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🗣 Peer Support & Veteran-To-Veteran Help
Vet Centers
Confidential counseling outside of traditional VA hospitals
📞 Vet Center Call Center: 877-927-8387
🌐 Website: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov
Services include:
Combat veteran counseling
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) support
Family and relationship counseling
Community-based locations.
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🍎 Food Assistance & Financial Help
SNAP & Food Assistance for Veterans
Help Paying For Groceries
📞 SNAP Information: 800-221-5689
🌐 Website: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/361
Veterans May Qualify For:
SNAP (food stamps)
State-based food programs
Emergency food assistance.
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🥫 Feeding America – Veteran Food Programs
Local Food Banks And Meal Programs
📞 Phone: 800-771-2303
🌐 Website: https://www.feedingamerica.org
Search by ZIP code for:
Food pantries
Mobile food distributions
Veteran-focused food support.
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🏠 Housing & Utility Assistance
VA Homeless Programs
Housing Stability And Prevention Services
📞 National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838
🌐 Website: https://www.va.gov/homeless
Includes:
Emergency housing
Rental assistance
Utility help
Supportive housing programs.
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💼 Benefits, Compensation & Daily Living Help
VA Benefits & Services
Central Hub For All VA Benefits
📞 VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000
🌐 Website: https://www.va.gov
Includes Help With:
VA healthcare
Disability compensation
Pension benefits
Caregiver support
Burial & survivor benefits.
Type what your Looking for into the search bar and click Search.
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🧾 Benefits CheckUp (Veteran-Friendly Tool)
Find Help Paying For Food, Utilities, Healthcare, And More
📞 Phone: 800-794-6559
🌐 Website: https://www.benefitscheckup.org
Helps Identify:
Federal and state assistance programs
Veteran-specific benefits
Cost-saving programs.
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❤️ Support for Families & Caregivers
VA Caregiver Support Program
📞 Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274
🌐 Website: https://www.caregiver.va.gov
Provides:
Education and training
Financial support programs
Mental health resources for caregivers.
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ℹ️ Important Information & Disclosure
Anthony’s Healthcare provides educational information to help veterans and their families understand available resources, benefits, and support programs. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, or any other government agency or private organization.
Eligibility, authorization, coverage, services, and payment decisions for VA benefits, community care, transportation, caregiver programs, pensions, and other assistance are determined solely by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the appropriate agency or organization. Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, benefits, coverage, authorization, or payment.
Veterans should contact the VA or the appropriate program directly for official determinations, enrollment, and benefit decisions.
Anthony’s Healthcare does not replace VA services or emergency care. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1).