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 Maine

8 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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

8 Resources

1. VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus — Free

Full-service VA medical center and outpatient clinics providing primary care, mental health, specialty services, and benefits support for Maine veterans. Fathers who served can call 207-623-8411 Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm to enroll or schedule appointments at the Augusta campus. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance cards to enrollment. The Togus campus also connects veterans to housing, employment, and caregiver programs.

207-623-8411 · 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Veterans Crisis Line – Maine — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support line for veterans, service members, and their families. Fathers who served can dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online any time. Trained responders, many veterans themselves, provide listening, safety planning, and connections to local VA and community resources. The line serves all veterans regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment. No identification is required to access help.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. American Legion – Maine Department — Free

Veterans service organization with more than 150 posts across Maine, providing benefits assistance, advocacy, community activities, and family programs. Fathers who served can call the Winslow state office at 207-873-3229 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm for help connecting with a local post or accredited service officer. Bring DD-214 to benefits appointments. Service officers help file VA claims at no cost to the veteran.

207-873-3229 · 5 Verti Dr, Winslow, ME 04901 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. DAV Maine — Free

Disabled American Veterans state office providing free benefits assistance, transportation to VA appointments, and advocacy for Maine veterans with service-connected disabilities. Fathers who served can call 207-623-8411 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm to connect with a national service officer at the Togus VA campus. Bring DD-214, medical records, and any prior VA correspondence to appointments. Services are free and membership is not required to receive help.

207-623-8411 · Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

5. VFW Maine — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Maine providing community, advocacy, and free benefits assistance through accredited service officers. Fathers who served overseas can call 207-621-3580 to find a local post and service officer. Hours vary by post. Bring DD-214 and any VA correspondence to benefits appointments. The VFW helps veterans file claims, appeal decisions, and connect with state and federal programs at no cost.

207-621-3580 · Augusta, ME 04330 · Varies by post · Visit Website

6. Maine Veterans Homes – South Portland — Paid

Long-term care facility for Maine veterans and eligible spouses, providing skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services. Fathers who served can call 207-767-7062 24/7 for admissions inquiries about the Scarborough campus. Bring DD-214, medical records, insurance cards, and power of attorney documentation. VA, Medicare, MaineCare, and private payment options are accepted. Admissions staff help coordinate benefits coverage.

207-767-7062 · 290 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 · 24/7 residential · Visit Website

7. Preble Street Veterans Housing – Portland — Free

Transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans in Portland, combined with case management, counseling, and employment support. Fathers who served and are experiencing housing instability can call 207-775-0026 any time or visit the Oxford Street site. Bring DD-214 if available; staff help veterans access documents if missing. Services are free and funded through VA and community partnerships.

207-775-0026 · 252 Oxford St, Portland, ME 04101 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Maine Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance — Free

State emergency financial aid program for Maine veterans in crisis, helping with rent, utilities, food, and essential needs. Fathers who served can call the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services at 207-430-6035 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of Maine residency, and documentation of the emergency need. Funds are limited, and applications are reviewed based on eligibility criteria and availability.

207-430-6035 · 117 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 · 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.