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 Mississippi

7 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 Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services provide civil legal aid for low-income fathers.

7 Resources

1. Gulf Coast Veterans HCS – Biloxi — Free

VA health care system serving veterans across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding region. Main campus at 400 Veterans Ave in Biloxi; clinics typically open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm. Services include primary care, mental health, specialty clinics, and benefits coordination. Fathers who are veterans can call for enrollment, appointment scheduling, and referrals. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance information when enrolling.

228-523-5000 · 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS 39531 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board — Free

State agency administering Mississippi veteran benefits, state veterans homes, and advocacy services. Office at 3466 Hwy 80 E in Pearl, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers who are veterans can call for help with claims, education benefits, burial information, and referrals to County Veterans Service Officers. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any VA decision letters when meeting with a service officer. Many services are free to eligible veterans.

601-576-4850 · 3466 Hwy 80 E, Pearl, MS 39208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Veterans Crisis Line – Mississippi — Free

24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Dial 988 and press 1 from anywhere in Mississippi, or use chat and text options on the website. Trained responders, many of whom are veterans, can help callers in distress or crisis. Fathers who are veterans, or family members supporting one, can call any time. No VA enrollment or paperwork is required to speak with a crisis counselor.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. American Legion – Mississippi Department — Free

State department of The American Legion offering veterans service officers, community programs, and benefits assistance across Mississippi. Administrative address PO Box 4005 in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. Fathers who are veterans can call for help filing VA claims, appeals, and accessing local post programs. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any existing VA decision letters. Service officer help is free to eligible veterans.

601-355-5571 · PO Box 4005, Jackson, MS 39296 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

5. DAV Mississippi — Free

Disabled American Veterans offering free benefits assistance, claims help, and transportation services to Mississippi veterans with service-connected disabilities. Office at 1500 E Woodrow Wilson Ave in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Fathers can call for help with VA compensation claims, appeals, and related paperwork. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any VA decision letters. Service officer help is provided free of charge to veterans.

601-362-4471 · 1500 E Woodrow Wilson Ave, Jackson, MS 39216 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

6. VFW – Mississippi Department — Free

State department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars offering veterans service officers, local posts, and benefits assistance across Mississippi. Jackson office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers who are eligible VFW veterans can call for help filing VA claims, appeals, and connecting with local post activities. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any prior VA decision letters. VFW service officer assistance is free of charge to veterans.

601-354-8823 · Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Armed Forces Retirement Home – Gulfport — Paid

Federal residential community for eligible military retirees offering independent living, assisted living, and long-term care on the Gulf Coast. Campus at 1800 Beach Dr in Gulfport; residential support is 24/7. Fathers who are qualifying retirees can apply through the AFRH website or by calling admissions. Application requires DD-214, medical records, and financial information. Eligibility is set by federal law and admissions screening.

228-897-4408 · 1800 Beach Dr, Gulfport, MS 39507 · 24/7 residential · 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.