Title:What you need to know about VA benefits in the aftermath of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
Author:news.VA.gov
Date:October 2022
Source:U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs © 2022, Reprinted with permission
Volume:Volume 3 Issue 192
Recent hurricanes have caused incredible destruction, leaving millions to grapple with the devastating impact and loss of life. Veterans and their families in regions affected by hurricanes Fiona and Ian can access VA resources and benefits to get the support they need after a natural disaster.
One of the first places you can visit to receive help and resources is your state's VA Regional Benefits Office. You can look up your office's hours of operation, services and location at our facilities locator webpage.
Additional resources in the wake of a disaster
Veterans Crisis Line
If you are in a crisis—or are concerned about someone else in crisis—get free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available by phone, text or chat:
- Dial 988, then Press 1.
- Send a text to 838255.
- Chat online.
- Support for deaf and hard of hearing: Call 1-800-799-4889.
Housing Assistance
If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of a hurricane, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). Calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about housing assistance here.
Benefits Delivery
If you or a beneficiary were not able to receive a benefit payment after a hurricane, call the VA National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000. Call center representatives can guide you on how to request a one-time special payment.
VA Home Loans
If you need help making a mortgage payment, VA can:
- Ask lenders to put a 90-day freeze on foreclosure.
- Encourage lenders to waive late charges.
- Work with your mortgage lender to apply pre-payments already made to your upcoming payment.
Learn more about VA Home Loans here.
GI Bill
If your school is temporarily closed due to a hurricane, VA will continue payments through the end of the term or for up to four weeks (28 calendar days) from the date of school closure, whichever is earlier. Learn more about the GI Bill here.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
If you are displaced due to a hurricane and receive employment services from VA, you may qualify for two additional months of Employee Adjustment Allowance (EAA). Learn more about VR&E here.
Mail Contingency
If hurricane-related mail service disruptions impact the timeliness of VA receiving important claims paperwork or information from you, know that VA accounts for these disaster-related impacts and will not penalize you for subsequent mail delays. You may also submit claims and upload any other relevant benefits information through your VA.gov account.
Learn More
To learn more about disaster assistance resources for Veterans, visit the website here.
