Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF)

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.

More Veterans in Indiana

• Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs — State agency connecting Indiana's 380,000+ veterans with earned state and federal benefits, claims assistance, and connections to VA healthc
• Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (Indianapolis) — Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive healthcare, mental health, specialty care, and emergency services for central Indiana
• VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (Fort Wayne/Marion) — VA medical center serving northeast Indiana veterans with comprehensive healthcare at Fort Wayne and Marion campuses plus community-based ou
• Marion County Veterans Service Office (Indianapolis) — County office assisting Indianapolis-area veterans with VA benefits claims, disability compensation, and local resource connections. Dads wh
• Allen County Veterans Service Office (Fort Wayne) — County office assisting Fort Wayne-area veterans with VA claims, benefits counseling, and emergency assistance. Dads who are veterans can ge
• Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Also available by text t

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.