U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced the Veterans Assistance Helpline Act to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to quickly obtain information and assistance with all services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“We owe so much to our veterans for their sacrifice to protect our country and defend our freedoms. Unfortunately, too many veterans have difficulty navigating the VA and identifying which divisions to contact. The VA’s current main information line provides veterans with a single hub to access information about different VA contact centers. Our legislation will codify this resource to ensure veterans can maintain access to this critical tool and better connect with the resources available to them,” said Senator Fischer.
“Our nation’s veterans sacrificed so much to keep us safe, and the least we can do is make sure they have easy access to VA support and resources, and their hard-earned VA benefits. I’m proud to be working across the aisle to make sure the VA’s veteran helpline is permanently codified so they never lose access to a resource that will get them the information and assistance they need,” said Senator Rosen.
The VA has had multiple phone number hotlines for veterans to call with questions about benefits. While the VA lists these phone numbers online, it can be difficult for older veterans to locate this information.
In February 2020, Senators Fischer and Rosen introduced the Veterans Assistance Helpline Act to create a simple helpline for veterans to obtain information and assistance with all VA services.
In response, the VA launched a main information line (1-800-MyVA411) in December 2020. The phone line allows veterans and other eligible individuals to speak with a live agent, who can answer questions and direct them to the proper contact center within the VA.
Senators Fischer and Rosen’s new legislation will codify the existing 1-800 number to ensure that it will remain in place for veterans in the future.
According to the VA, there are over 125,000 veterans living in Nebraska.