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 Connecticut

10 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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

10 Resources

1. VA Connecticut Healthcare System – West Haven — Free

Full-service VA healthcare for enrolled Connecticut veterans including primary care, mental health, specialty care, and inpatient services. Also offers community-based outpatient clinics statewide. Enroll online, by phone, or in person during business hours. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance cards. Serves veteran fathers and families across Connecticut with West Haven as the primary medical center and Newington as a secondary campus.

203-932-5711 · 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. CT Department of Veterans Affairs — Free

State benefits, advocacy, and residential programs for Connecticut veteran fathers and families. Services include benefits counseling, state nursing home, and veterans home in Rocky Hill. Statewide coverage with local veteran service officers in each city and town. Call during business hours or visit the Rocky Hill campus. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any existing VA paperwork to appointments for benefits review.

860-616-3603 · 287 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Veterans Crisis Line – Connecticut — Free

Free confidential 24/7 crisis support for Connecticut veteran fathers, service members, and their families. Connects callers to trained responders who can help with suicidal thoughts, PTSD, homelessness, and other crises. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. Available in multiple languages; no VA enrollment required. Responders can refer to local VA and community resources statewide anytime day or night.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. American Legion – CT Department — Free

Veterans service organization with statewide benefits support, advocacy, and community programs for Connecticut veteran fathers and families. Accredited service officers help with VA disability claims, appeals, and benefits. Call or visit during business hours for free claims assistance. Bring DD-214, medical records, and any existing VA paperwork to appointments. Local posts across CT also host community events and family programs.

860-436-9986 · 287 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

5. VFW Department of Connecticut — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars statewide services, advocacy, and community programs for Connecticut veteran fathers and families. Accredited VFW service officers provide free help with VA disability claims and appeals. Call or visit during business hours for claims assistance. Bring DD-214, medical records, and any existing VA paperwork to appointments. Local posts across CT also host community events and youth scholarship programs.

860-436-9986 · 287 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

6. Disabled American Veterans – CT Chapter — Free

Free benefits assistance and advocacy for Connecticut disabled veteran fathers through accredited DAV service officers. Services include VA disability claims help, appeals, and benefits counseling. Call or visit during business hours to schedule an appointment. Bring DD-214, medical records, and any existing VA paperwork. Statewide support with offices coordinated through Rocky Hill; chapters also host transportation programs for medical appointments.

860-616-3603 · 287 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

7. Swords to Plowshares – CT Veterans — Free

Employment, housing, legal, and supportive services for Connecticut veteran fathers facing homelessness, transition, or economic hardship. Services include case management, employment placement, housing assistance, and benefits advocacy. Call during business hours for intake. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any VA or housing paperwork. Statewide coverage with regional coordination; open to veterans of all discharge types including other-than-honorable.

860-616-3603 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Connecticut Veterans Legal Center — Free

Free legal services for Connecticut veteran fathers and families including discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, housing, consumer, and family law matters. Attorneys handle cases for qualifying veterans regardless of discharge status. Call during business hours for intake screening. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any existing VA or court paperwork. Based at VA West Haven with statewide reach for eligible veteran clients.

203-479-0947 · 1000 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Vet Center – West Haven — Free

Free confidential counseling and support services for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and military families in Connecticut. Services include individual and group counseling, family therapy, and bereavement support. No VA enrollment required; most recent-era combat veterans are eligible. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Bring DD-214 and photo ID. Serves the greater New Haven and shoreline region.

203-932-9899 · 141 Captain Thomas Blvd, West Haven, CT 06516 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Connecticut National Guard Family Programs — Free

Free support services for Connecticut National Guard members and their families, including deployment support, family readiness, crisis assistance, and referrals. Services available before, during, and after deployments. Call during business hours for program information or family support referrals. Bring military ID and dependent ID cards to in-person visits. Headquartered in Hartford with services delivered statewide through unit family readiness.

860-524-4953 · 360 Broad St, Hartford, CT 06105 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · 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.