For Veterans & Families

Resources

Benefits, healthcare, mental health support, and financial assistance for veterans of the 5-20 and the families who stood beside them — and still do.

Information on this page is a starting point. Call the VA or a VSO to confirm your current eligibility and program details.
Crisis & Immediate Help
Mental Health
VA Benefits & Claims
Healthcare
Financial & Education
Community & VSOs
Gold Star & Survivors
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Crisis & Mental Health Support

Combat veterans and their families carry weight that doesn't lift when the deployment ends. These resources are here for the hardest moments — and the quiet ones too.

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If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis Right Now

You don't need to be in immediate danger to call. These lines are staffed for veterans and families — any time, any reason.

Veterans Crisis Line988 → Press 1
Text838255
Chat 24/7VeteransCrisisLine.net
Vet Centers 24/71-877-927-8387
VA — 24/7 Confidential
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans & Families
Confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families in any crisis — staffed by responders trained specifically in military and veteran experience. No VA enrollment required. Text, call, or chat.
The Headstrong Project — Founded 2012
30 Free Therapy Sessions — No Bureaucracy
Veterans, Service Members & Families
Veteran-founded nonprofit providing 30 cost-free, confidential, evidence-based therapy sessions for PTSD and trauma. No discharge status requirement, no VA paperwork. Telehealth available nationwide. In 2024 alone they delivered over 44,000 free sessions. Sessions 31+ require a modest copay directly to the therapist.
Cohen Veterans Network — 22 Clinics Nationwide
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics
Post-9/11 Veterans & Families
22 clinics across 21 states plus telehealth providing confidential, evidence-based mental health care for depression, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues. Accepts most major insurance including TRICARE. Cost is never a barrier. Same-day appointments for those in crisis. Over 50% of clinic staff are veterans or military family members.
Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) — Founded 2019
VETS — Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Grants
Veterans & Spouses
Founded by Navy SEAL Marcus Capone and his wife Amber after ibogaine therapy transformed their family. VETS provides Foundational Healing Grants for legally-operating, clinically-guided psychedelic therapy (ibogaine, ketamine, psilocybin) at vetted international facilities. 93.2% of recipients report feeling less depressed. Over 900 veterans served. For veterans where traditional treatments have not worked.
VA
VA Mental Health Services
Veterans
Free mental health care through VA — PTSD treatment, therapy, medication management, and substance use support. You do not need a service-connected disability rating to receive VA mental health care. Combat veterans may qualify regardless of rating.
VA / DoD
National Center for PTSD
Veterans & Families
The leading national resource for PTSD research, treatment, and self-assessment tools. Includes resources specifically for family members of veterans with PTSD. Not a treatment provider — a guide to finding the right care.
Give an Hour
Free Mental Health Care — Civilian Volunteers
Veterans & Families
Network of licensed mental health professionals donating free care to veterans, service members, and their families — for those who can't or won't engage with the VA system.
TAPS — Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
TAPS — Support After Military Loss
Gold Star Families
Peer-based support for all grieving the death of a military loved one, regardless of cause or era of service. Includes Good Grief Camps for children, peer mentors, and a 24/7 care line. One of the most important resources for Gold Star families of the 5-20.
Gold Star Wives of America
Gold Star Wives
Surviving Spouses
Nonprofit supporting surviving spouses and dependents of service members who died on active duty or from service-connected causes. Community, advocacy, and benefits navigation for those navigating life after loss.
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VA Disability Claims

If you were injured in service — physically or mentally — you may be entitled to monthly, tax-free compensation. Many 5-20 veterans qualify and have never filed.

VA
File a VA Disability Claim
Veterans
Physical injuries, hearing loss, PTSD, TBI, and other service-connected conditions all qualify. Ratings run 0–100% and determine monthly tax-free compensation. Filing is free. Apply at va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
DAV — Free & Accredited
Free Claims Assistance — Disabled American Veterans
Veterans
Accredited claims agents who will help you file and appeal VA claims at no cost. Never pay an attorney before exhausting free VSO options. Find your local chapter at dav.org or call 1-877-426-2838.
VFW — Free & Accredited
Free Claims Assistance — Veterans of Foreign Wars
Veterans
VFW National Veterans Service provides free claims representation. You don't need to be a VFW member to request help. Call 1-816-756-3390 or visit vfw.org.
AMVETS — Free & Accredited
Free Claims Help — AMVETS National Service Foundation
Veterans & Dependents
AMVETS National Service Officers help cut through red tape for veterans and their dependents seeking VA compensation and benefits — at no charge. Also offers scholarships for veterans and dependents. Call 1-877-726-8387.
VA
100% Permanent & Total (P&T) Rating
Veterans & Families
A 100% P&T rating unlocks CHAMPVA for dependents, property tax exemptions in many states, commissary and exchange access, free National Parks access, and more. P&T status must be specifically applied for — it's not automatic with a 100% rating.
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Healthcare for Veterans & Families

VA healthcare is for the veteran. CHAMPVA is for the family they came home to — or left behind. Both are earned and both are underutilized.

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A benefit many families don't know they haveCHAMPVA

CHAMPVA — the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs — provides healthcare coverage to spouses, dependents, and survivors of veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, or who died from a service-connected condition. It works like civilian insurance and covers most medically necessary services. Apply at va.gov/CHAMPVA or call 1-800-733-8387.

Who qualifies

  • Spouse or child of a veteran rated 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled due to a service-connected condition
  • Spouse or child of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability
  • Spouse or child of a veteran who was rated P&T at time of death
  • Spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty (not in a combat zone)
VA
VA Healthcare Enrollment
Veterans
Enrollment is required — it is not automatic. Combat veterans from Iraq often qualify for 5 years of free care from their discharge date, regardless of income. Apply online at va.gov or call 1-877-222-8387.
Semper Fi & America's Fund
Lifetime Support — Critically Wounded Veterans
Critically Wounded Veterans & Families
For veterans critically wounded, severely ill, or catastrophically injured. Provides one-on-one case management, direct financial assistance, adaptive housing, transportation, integrative wellness, and education support — for a lifetime if needed. All branches. Has provided over $312 million to 31,000+ service members. Contact: info@TheFund.org · 715 Broadway St, Quantico VA 22134.
VA
Caregiver Support Program (PCAFC)
Veterans & Caregivers
For post-9/11 veterans with serious injuries who need ongoing assistance. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers provides monthly stipends, health insurance, and respite care to eligible family caregivers. caregiver.va.gov · 1-855-260-3274.
VA
Vet Centers — Community Counseling
Combat Veterans & Families
Community-based counseling for combat veterans and MST survivors, regardless of discharge status. Less bureaucratic than VA medical centers. Around-the-clock confidential call center at 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387).
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GI Bill, Housing & Financial Assistance

Benefits earned in service — for the veteran and, in many cases, their family.

VA
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Veterans & Dependents
Covers tuition, housing, and books for veterans who served after September 10, 2001. Benefits can be transferred to a spouse or children if certain service conditions are met. Call 1-888-442-4551 or apply at va.gov.
VA
VA Home Loan Benefit
Veterans & Surviving Spouses
Zero down payment home loans backed by the VA. Available to eligible veterans and surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Call 1-877-827-3702.
VA
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving Spouses & Dependents
Monthly tax-free payments to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability. Many Gold Star families of the 5-20 qualify and have never filed. Call 1-800-827-1000.
VA
Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
Dependents of Disabled / Deceased Veterans
Education and training benefit for dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, or who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Covers college, trade schools, and apprenticeships. Call 1-888-442-4551.
Operation Homefront
Emergency Financial Assistance
Veterans & Families
Short-term and recurring financial assistance for military families — utilities, food, auto repair, housing. Also offers transitional housing programs. Apply directly at operationhomefront.org.
Fisher House Foundation
Free Lodging & Hero Miles
Veterans & Families
Free lodging near VA and military medical centers for families of hospitalized veterans. Hero Miles provides free airline tickets to wounded warriors and their families traveling for medical care. fisherhouse.org · 1-888-294-8560.
Wounded Warriors Family Support
Direct Financial & Family Support
Wounded Veterans & Families
Veteran-run, top-rated charity providing direct assistance to wounded veterans and families for needs not met by the VA or other programs. Apply at wwfs.org or call 402-502-7557.
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VSOs & Veteran Organizations

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations provide free advocacy, claims help, and community — most are run by veterans.

DAV
Disabled American Veterans
Veterans & Families
Free lifetime membership for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Claims help, transportation to VA appointments, and legislative advocacy. One of the most effective VSOs for disability claims. dav.org · 1-877-426-2838.
VFW
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Combat Veterans & Families
Open to veterans who served in overseas campaigns. Benefits help, community, and a national legislative voice. Local posts often provide direct financial assistance. vfw.org · 1-816-756-3390.
American Legion
The American Legion
Veterans & Families
Largest wartime veterans service organization in the U.S. Benefits assistance, family programs, and community posts nationwide. legion.org · 1-317-630-1200.
AMVETS
AMVETS — American Veterans
Veterans & Families
Open to anyone who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. Benefits advocacy, VA claims help, scholarships for veterans and their dependents, and national legislative advocacy. amvets.org · 1-877-726-8387.
Team Red White & Blue
Team RWB — Physical & Social Wellness
Veterans & Families
Focused on physical and social well-being through shared activity and community. Strong chapter network nationwide. A practical first step for veterans who are isolated or disconnected from civilian life. teamrwb.org.
Warrior-Scholar Project
Free Academic Transition Boot Camps
Veterans
Free one- and two-week academic boot camps at partner universities helping veterans transition to higher education. Builds the academic skills the military doesn't train for. warrior-scholar.org.
VA
VA.gov — Your Benefits Hub
Veterans & Families
The central hub to manage all VA benefits, claims, healthcare, education, and records. If you haven't created an account, start here — it's the gateway to everything VA. va.gov · 1-800-827-1000.

"The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude." If you are a veteran or family member connected to the 5-20, this page exists because of your service. If something is missing or out of date, please reach out through the About page.

5th Battalion · 20th Infantry Regiment · "To the Limit of Our Ability"