Largest veterans service organization with 1,000+ NY posts offering free VA claims assistance, family support programs, emergency financial grants, and community service opportunities. Located at 112 State St., Suite 1300, Albany. Call (518) 463-2215 Mon–Fri 8am–4pm. Find your nearest NY post at legion.org. Service officers can help file VA disability claims, appeals, and benefits applications.
Contact & Details
Address: 112 State St., Suite 1300, Albany, NY 12207
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 New York
New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.
More Veterans in New York
Veterans Crisis Line — Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans and service members. Dial 988 then press 1. Text 838255. Chat online at veteranscrisisli
NY State Department of Veterans' Services — New York State agency providing benefits counseling, VA claims assistance, and referrals for all NY veterans and their families. Field offic
NYC Department of Veterans' Services — NYC agency connecting city veterans and their families to VA benefits, housing assistance, employment programs, legal services, and mental h
VA New York Harbor — Manhattan Campus — VA medical center serving NYC veterans at 423 East 23rd Street, Manhattan. Services include primary care, mental health, specialty care, and
VA New York Harbor — Brooklyn Campus — VA medical center in Brooklyn at 800 Poly Place serving NYC veterans with primary care, mental health, specialty services, and substance use
VA Western New York (Buffalo) Healthcare System — VA medical center at 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo serving Western NY veterans with comprehensive health care, mental health, and substance ab
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.