Natural Disaster Relief Resources for Veterans

Health care

• Check the operating status of your VA facility by selecting your Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) on this page, then click the “Abnormal Facility Status” tab to see a list of local facilities and their operating status.
• Outside VA medical facilities, you can search for nearby VA clinics that can assist you with medical needs.
• During disasters, the VA may deploy mobile support vehicles to provide access to health care and prescription refills. Check the VA’s account on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest updates.
• You may want to reach out to your regional clinical contact center to ask about prescription refills.
• For mental health support, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255 or reach out through its online chat.

Housing

• For immediate housing help, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.
• For financial assistance with home repairs, veterans with disabilities may utilize the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program to help buy or change a home to meet their needs. Veterans who previously had their home modified through an SAH grant can apply for funding if those modifications were damaged. Reach out to your assigned SAH agent for guidance. Recipients of the Automobile Allowance may receive aid if their vehicle was affected by a disaster.
• If you have a VA home loan and need help making a mortgage payment, VA can request loan holders to issue a 90-day foreclosure freeze and/or waive late fees. Here is additional guidance for VA borrowers.
• Displaced veterans who receive employment services from the VA may qualify for two extra months of Employment Adjustment Allowance.

Benefits, compensation and claims

• If you are unable to receive your benefit payments after a natural disaster, contact the VA Benefits Hotline at 800-827-1000 to request a special onetime payment.
• Mail delays in claims paperwork due to a disaster will not result in penalties. You can update your direct deposit and claims information on your VA.gov account.

Employment

• Displaced veterans who receive VA employment services may be eligible for two months of Employment Adjustment Allowance. Contact your VA regional office to speak with a veteran readiness and employment specialist.

Education

• For those utilizing GI Bill benefits, if your school closes temporarily due to a disaster, the VA may continue to make payments for up to 28 calendar days or through the end of the term, whichever comes first. For assistance, contact a GI Bill specialist at 888-442-4551.
• If your school remains open but you’re unable to attend, GI Bill benefit payments must stop. When you’re no longer pursuing classes, your school must report the termination to VA as soon as possible. 

For students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) or Survivors’ and Dependents’ Assistance (Chapter 35): Benefits will continue as long as your enrollment was submitted before the disaster.

For Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30 or 1606) recipients or Chapter 33 students in non-college degree programs: Keep verifying your attendance as if the school hadn’t closed to make sure you continue to receive your monthly housing allowance.

Insurance

The VA helps disaster-affected veterans with:

• Quick online loan approval and same-day processing for life insurance policy loans.
• Same-day processing for dividend withdrawals and deposit accounts.
• Extended grace periods for premium payments and policy reinstatement deadlines.
• Expedited processing for death claims.

The Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) monitors disaster alerts, often allowing extra time for premium payments. To learn more, call VA’s Insurance Center at 800-669-8477.

Fraud

Unfortunately, disasters attract scammers. Beware of fake charities and contractors and impostors posing as government or insurance representatives. Protect yourself with these tips from AARP and the VA:

• AARP’s disaster scam prevention tips
• VA fraud prevention tips for natural disasters or emergencies

Report fraud to the VSAFE fraud hotline at 833-388-7233 or the VSAFE website. You may reach out to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with a trained specialist.

Other VA resources

Debt Management Center: For questions about repaying debt to the VA after a disaster (repayment plans, offsets, financial hardships or waivers), call 800-827-0648.

Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC): If you’re a woman veteran or a family member or caregiver of one, the WVCC can provide information about VA services and resources. Call or text 855-829-6636.

Help for homeless veterans: Visit the VA website or call for information about VA programs that support homeless veterans. If you’re homeless or at risk, visit your VA medical center or Community Resource and Referral Center for help. You may also call 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).

For more information and advice from AARP, explore our other guides on preparing for natural disasters and recovering in their aftermath.