What do I do in a crisis?

Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.

I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?

Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.

Can the VA help with custody cases?

The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.

A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.

Veterans in Alaska

8 verified resources.

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Alaska

Alaska family cases are heard in the Alaska Superior Court, one of the few states with a unified trial court structure. The Child Support Services Division within the Department of Revenue handles enforcement. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau host the largest court locations; rural Alaska relies heavily on magistrates and remote hearings. Alaska Legal Services Corporation provides statewide civil legal aid.

8 Resources

1. Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — Free

State agency connecting Alaska veterans with federal and state benefits, claims help, burial services, and the Alaska National Guard. Veterans Service Officers assist with VA disability and pension filings statewide. Fathers who served can call the Fort Richardson office weekdays; bring a photo ID, DD-214, dependents' birth certificates, and existing VA paperwork to the benefits counseling appointment.

(907) 428-6031 · PO Box 5800, Fort Richardson, AK 99505 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Alaska American Legion — Free

Veteran service organization with posts across Alaska providing camaraderie, benefits assistance, and community programs. Accredited service officers help veterans file VA claims at no cost. Fathers who served can call the Anchorage department headquarters weekdays or visit a local post; bring a photo ID, DD-214, dependents' birth certificates, and any existing VA paperwork to the claims counseling session.

(907) 278-8598 · 1550 Charter Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Disabled American Veterans — Alaska — Free

Advocacy and free benefits assistance for disabled veterans and their families across Alaska, with accredited service officers who prepare and file VA claims and appeals. Fathers who served can call the Anchorage office weekdays; bring a photo ID, DD-214, existing VA decision letters, medical records, and dependents' birth certificates to the claims intake so the officer can open or update a file in one appointment.

(907) 257-4700 · 1201 N Muldoon Rd, Anchorage, AK 99504 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Fairbanks Vet Center — Free

VA-operated readjustment counseling center in Fairbanks serving Interior Alaska veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Services include combat-related PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma counseling, and bereavement support at no cost. Fathers who served can call or walk in weekdays; bring a photo ID, DD-214 if available, and a list of current medications to the first counseling visit.

(907) 456-4238 · 1949 Lathrop St Suite 103, Fairbanks, AK 99701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Alaska Veterans of Foreign Wars — Free

VFW posts across Alaska providing camaraderie, benefits assistance, and community service activities for combat veterans and their families. Accredited service officers help with VA claims at no cost. Fathers who served overseas can call the Fairbanks department office weekdays or visit a local post; bring a photo ID, DD-214, dependents' birth certificates, and existing VA paperwork to the counseling session.

(907) 455-9073 · 3031 Peger Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Covenant House Alaska — Veteran Youth Services — Free

Around-the-clock shelter, crisis care, and support services for homeless young adults in Anchorage, including veterans and at-risk youth who served. Staff assist with housing placement, benefits, and case management. Fathers who served can walk in any time or call; bring a photo ID, DD-214 if available, and any existing VA paperwork to help case managers coordinate benefits and housing referrals.

(907) 272-1255 · 755 A St, Anchorage, AK 99501 · 24/7

7. Alaska Military Family Research Institute — Free

University of Alaska Fairbanks-affiliated institute conducting research and offering resources that support military families' well-being statewide, including deployment, resilience, and transition programming. Fathers who are service members or veterans can contact staff weekdays for information on family programs, community partners, and research-based tools; have a photo ID and basic military service details ready for referrals.

(907) 474-6496 · 505 S Chandalar Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Alaska Stand Down — Homeless Veteran Resources — Free

Annual one-stop event in Anchorage providing Alaska homeless and at-risk veterans with access to housing referrals, VA benefits enrollment, medical screenings, ID replacement, haircuts, and supplies. Fathers who served can call the VA Alaska Health Care System weekdays for event dates and eligibility; bring a photo ID and DD-214 if available so service providers can connect you to ongoing benefits.

(907) 563-6966 · Anchorage, AK 99501 · Annual event; call for info · Visit Website

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?: Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?: Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?: The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?: A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.