Arizona Coalition for Military Families

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 Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

More Veterans in Arizona

• Arizona Department of Veterans' Services — State agency connecting Arizona's 500,000-plus veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents with earned federal and state benefits, claims as
• Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center (Phoenix) — Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive primary care, mental health, specialty services, surgery, and 24-hour emergency servi
• Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (Prescott) — VA medical center and health care system based in Prescott serving northern Arizona veterans with inpatient care, outpatient primary care, m
• Maricopa County Veterans Services — County government office in downtown Phoenix assisting Maricopa County veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents with VA benefits claims,
• Pima County Veterans Service Office — County government office assisting Tucson and Pima County veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents with VA claims, benefits counseling, d
• Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans, current service members, National Guard, Reserve members, and

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.