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 Indiana

12 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 Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

12 Resources

1. Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs — Free

State agency connecting Indiana's 380,000+ veterans with earned state and federal benefits, claims assistance, and connections to VA healthcare and services. Dads who are veterans can call or visit the Indianapolis office for help accessing tuition benefits, property tax deductions, and state-specific veteran programs. Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or service documentation, and any existing VA claim paperwork to appointments.

317-232-3910 · 302 W Washington St, Room E120, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (Indianapolis) — Free

Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive healthcare, mental health, specialty care, and emergency services for central Indiana veterans. Dads enrolled in VA healthcare can schedule primary care, mental health, and specialty appointments. Bring a photo ID, VA ID card, and a list of current medications. Enrollment is required; call or apply at VA.gov with your DD-214 if not yet enrolled.

317-554-0000 · 1481 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · 24/7 emergency; clinics Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (Fort Wayne/Marion) — Free

VA medical center serving northeast Indiana veterans with comprehensive healthcare at Fort Wayne and Marion campuses plus community-based outpatient clinics. Dads enrolled in VA healthcare can schedule primary care, mental health, and specialty appointments. Bring a photo ID, VA ID card, and a list of current medications. Apply for enrollment at VA.gov with your DD-214 if not yet enrolled.

260-426-5431 · 2121 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Marion County Veterans Service Office (Indianapolis) — Free

County office assisting Indianapolis-area veterans with VA benefits claims, disability compensation, and local resource connections. Dads who are veterans can get free help filing or appealing VA claims and can be referred to local assistance programs. Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or service documentation, any existing VA rating letters, medical records, and ongoing treatment notes when visiting for claim preparation.

317-327-4599 · 200 E Washington St, Suite 1760, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Allen County Veterans Service Office (Fort Wayne) — Free

County office assisting Fort Wayne-area veterans with VA claims, benefits counseling, and emergency assistance. Dads who are veterans can get free help filing or appealing VA claims and accessing local assistance. Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or service documentation, existing VA rating letters, medical records, and any ongoing treatment notes when visiting for claim preparation or benefits counseling appointments.

260-449-7164 · 1 E Main St, Suite 754, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Veterans Crisis Line — Free

Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Also available by text to 838255 or online chat. Dads who are veterans in crisis, or who are worried about a veteran family member, can call anonymously from anywhere. Responders can also connect callers to local VA crisis resources, mental health care, and follow-up support services.

988 (press 1) · National (serves all IN veterans) · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Indianapolis Vet Center — Free

Free, confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors at the north-side Indianapolis office. Offers individual, group, and family counseling. Dads who are veterans can access services without a VA rating or formal enrollment. Bring a photo ID and DD-214 or other service documentation to the first appointment. Services are free to eligible veterans and their family members regardless of income.

317-988-1600 · 8330 Naab Rd, Suite 103, Indianapolis, IN 46260 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. American Legion Department of Indiana — Free

Largest veterans service organization in Indiana, providing accredited claims assistance, advocacy, and community programs for Hoosier veterans. Dads who are veterans can get free help filing VA claims through a Legion service officer. Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or service documentation, existing VA rating letters, and medical records to claim appointments. Legion membership is not required for claim assistance.

317-630-1263 · 5440 Herbert Lord Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. VFW Department of Indiana — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars Indiana department providing accredited claims assistance, advocacy, and community service for combat veterans. Dads who served in combat zones can get free help filing VA claims through a VFW service officer. Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or service documentation, existing VA rating letters, and medical records to claim appointments. VFW membership is not required to receive claim assistance.

317-781-1370 · 2407 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

10. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Indiana — Free

National veterans service organization with Indiana chapters providing free accredited claims assistance, transportation to VA medical appointments, and advocacy for disabled veterans. Dads who are veterans can get free help filing VA disability claims through a DAV service officer. Bring a photo ID, DD-214, VA rating letters, and medical records to claim appointments. Transportation programs serve many but not all IN counties.

859-441-7300 · Chapters statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Fort Wayne Vet Center — Free

Free, confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors in northeast Indiana. Offers individual, group, and family counseling. Dads who are veterans can access services without a VA rating or formal enrollment. Bring a photo ID and DD-214 or other service documentation to the first appointment. Services are free to eligible veterans and their family members regardless of income or insurance.

260-460-1456 · 5901 Homestead Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) — Free

Indianapolis nonprofit providing housing, employment, and supportive services for homeless and at-risk Indiana veterans. Dads who are veterans can access transitional housing, case management, and employment assistance at the downtown office. Bring a photo ID, DD-214 or service documentation, and any VA paperwork to intake. Most programs are free to eligible veterans thanks to federal and private funding.

317-951-0688 · 964 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · 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.