United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Jun 09, 2025
§ 5321.
Benefits helpline
(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.
cite as: 38 USC 5321
