If you've ever tried to call the Department of Veterans Affairs to get help or information about your VA benefits you know that it can be confusing knowing just which number to call. The agency currently has several dozen customer service lines, each set to address a different issue. If you call the wrong number, you most likely won't be able to get your specific question answered.
That has now changed with the addition of the new single access telephone contact point that VA officials say will alleviate confusion and make it easier for veterans, families, caregivers and survivors to reach a live agent that can provide assistance.
The new number is 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), and provides a single access point to all VA contact centers. Make sure to add the number to your contacts for easy access.
The number is available anytime 24/7/365.
But the other numbers are not going away. That means if you can't remember or lose the new number, the line you've been using for years to contact your desired division will still work.
The Veterans Crisis Line can also still be reached directly at 800-273-8255 or by texting 838255, and the White House VA Hotline is also still available to help veterans or family members with problems at 855-948-2311.
But officials want to make sure veterans know they can use the new number, too.
"1-800-MyVA411 is always the right number to reach VA...[it] provides easy access to specialized contact centers as well as an option to immediately talk to a live agent," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement.
Callers dialing 800-MyVA411 will have the option of being immediately connected with a live person by pressing "0" on their phone for further assistance or transfer to the proper customer service team.
Currently the new 800-MyVA411 helpline provides information on:
- COVID-19 updates.
- Healthcare eligibility and enrollment details and problems.
- Personal information on VA benefits, such as disability, compensation and pension, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, home loans, and memorial benefits.
- Finding the closest VA medical center, or other VA location and connecting callers directly with that office.
- Assistance with paying off debts to the VA.
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