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 Illinois

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 Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

10 Resources

1. Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital — Free

One of the largest VA hospitals in the country offering comprehensive medical, surgical, mental health, and rehabilitation services in the western Chicago suburbs. Located in Hines, the hospital serves veterans from across northeastern Illinois with specialty clinics, an emergency department open 24/7, and mental health services including PTSD treatment. Eligible veterans can enroll for care by calling or visiting the facility with their DD-214 discharge papers.

708-202-8387 · 5000 S 5th Ave, Hines, IL 60141 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center — Free

Unique joint DoD/VA facility serving both active-duty military and veterans with full medical, dental, mental health, and substance abuse treatment in North Chicago. The Lovell FHCC is one of only two such joint facilities in the nation. It serves Great Lakes Naval Station personnel and eligible veterans in Lake County. Veteran fathers can call or visit with their discharge papers to enroll in VA healthcare and access mental health services.

847-688-1900 · 3001 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) — Free

State agency providing claims assistance, veterans' homes, educational benefits, and connecting Illinois veterans to state and federal benefits. IDVA has offices across Illinois and employs veterans service officers who can help file VA claims, appeal denials, and access state-specific benefits like the Illinois Veterans Grant for tuition. Veteran fathers should call or visit with their DD-214 and discharge documentation to explore available benefits.

1-800-437-9824 · 69 W Washington St, Suite 1220, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Veterans Crisis Line — Free

Free 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families via phone, text, or online chat. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net to reach a trained counselor with military experience. Illinois veteran fathers in crisis — whether dealing with PTSD, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or acute mental health needs — can reach immediate support at any time without cost or prior enrollment.

988 (press 1) · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Illinois Joining Forces — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating services for veterans, service members, and military families across all 102 Illinois counties. Illinois Joining Forces connects veterans to employment, education, housing, healthcare, and mental health services through a network of local partners. Veteran fathers can call or email to be matched with resources in their region and learn about current programs supporting Illinois military families.

312-980-5300 · 69 W Washington St, Suite 519, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Veterans' PATH (Homeless Veterans) — Free

Illinois program connecting homeless and at-risk veterans with housing, employment, healthcare, and supportive services through outreach and rapid rehousing. The PATH program works through Jesse Brown VAMC and community partners to identify unsheltered veterans and connect them to the HUD-VASH voucher program and transitional housing. Homeless veteran fathers can call the 24-hour hotline to speak with an outreach coordinator about immediate housing options.

1-877-424-3838 · Services through Jesse Brown VAMC, 820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 · Hotline 24/7; services Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Marion VA Medical Center — Free

VA medical center serving southern Illinois veterans with primary care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and specialty services in Marion and the surrounding region. The facility serves veterans in the southern third of Illinois with outpatient clinics in Carbondale, Harrisburg, Mt. Vernon, and other locations. Eligible veteran fathers can enroll by calling or visiting with their DD-214 and income information to start the enrollment process.

618-997-5311 · 2401 W Main St, Marion, IL 62959 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm · Visit Website

8. Illinois Veterans Home (Quincy) — Free

State-operated veterans home providing long-term skilled nursing care and domiciliary care for eligible Illinois veterans in Quincy. The Illinois Veterans Home offers 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation, social services, and recreational activities in a setting designed for veterans. Eligible veteran fathers who need long-term care can apply through IDVA. Call IDVA at 1-800-437-9824 or visit the home in Quincy for more information on eligibility and admission.

217-222-8641 · 1707 N 12th St, Quincy, IL 62301 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County — Free

County agency providing emergency financial assistance, benefit claims help, and referrals for Cook County veterans and their families. VAC of Cook County employs accredited veterans service officers who can file and track VA claims, appeal denials, and connect veterans to emergency financial aid for food, utilities, and housing. Veteran fathers in Cook County can call or visit the Washington Street office to speak with a service officer at no charge.

708-449-1830 · 69 W Washington St, Suite 1230, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Rockford Vet Center — Free

Community-based counseling center providing readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and family services for combat veterans in northern Illinois. The Rockford Vet Center offers free individual and group therapy, couples counseling, MST counseling, and referrals to VA services without requiring VA enrollment. Located on Rote Road in Rockford, it is separate from the main VA system for easier access. Call to schedule a confidential intake appointment.

815-395-1276 · 7015 Rote Rd, Suite 105, Rockford, IL 61107 · 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.