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 North Dakota

11 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 North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

11 Resources

1. North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs — Free

State agency connecting North Dakota veterans with federal VA benefits, burial honors, education benefits, and state-specific programs. The Fargo office on 38th Street S is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 328-2864 to speak with an accredited claims officer. Services are free to veterans and dependents. Bring DD-214, photo ID, marriage or divorce decrees, and the children's birth certificates when filing a dependent claim.

(701) 328-2864 · 4201 38th St S Suite 104, Fargo, ND 58104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Fargo VA Health Care System — Free

Full-service VA medical center serving North Dakota veterans with primary care, specialty care, mental health, and emergency services plus community-based outpatient clinics statewide. The N Elm Street campus is open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm with 24/7 emergency care. Enrollment is free for eligible veterans. Call (701) 232-3241 to enroll. Bring DD-214, photo ID, insurance card if any, and a list of current medications to intake.

(701) 232-3241 · 2101 N Elm St, Fargo, ND 58102 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. North Dakota Veterans Home — Paid

State-operated long-term residential care facility for eligible North Dakota veterans and their spouses located in Lisbon, offering skilled nursing and basic care units. Staffed 24/7 for admissions and tours. Call (701) 683-6500 to start the application process. Fees are based on care level and VA benefits may apply. Bring DD-214, photo ID, marriage certificate if applying as a spouse, and a current list of medications.

(701) 683-6500 · 1600 Veterans Dr, Lisbon, ND 58054 · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. North Dakota American Legion — Free

Veteran service organization across North Dakota providing claims advocacy, community programs, youth support, and scholarships for veterans and their children. The West Fargo headquarters on W Main Avenue is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 224-0287 to locate your local post or request a service officer. Services are free for veterans and dependents. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any prior VA claim decision letters when meeting staff.

(701) 224-0287 · 405 W Main Ave, West Fargo, ND 58078 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Disabled American Veterans — ND — Free

Advocacy, claims assistance, and benefits counseling for disabled North Dakota veterans through accredited service officers co-located at the Fargo VA. The N Elm Street office is open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Call (701) 232-3241 to request a claims appointment. Services are free to veterans and dependents regardless of DAV membership. Bring DD-214, photo ID, medical records, and any prior VA rating decisions when meeting the officer.

(701) 232-3241 · 2101 N Elm St, Fargo, ND 58102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

6. VFW North Dakota — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across North Dakota offering camaraderie, claims help through accredited service officers, and support for veterans and their families. Hours vary by post. Call the state headquarters at (701) 293-1015 to find the post nearest you. Services are free for veterans and dependents. Bring DD-214 showing overseas service for membership eligibility. For claims help, also bring medical records and prior rating letters.

(701) 293-1015 · Multiple posts statewide · Varies · Visit Website

7. Grand Forks Vet Center — Free

Readjustment counseling, PTSD therapy, and family support for combat veterans and their families in the Grand Forks region delivered in a relaxed, non-clinical setting. The S Columbia Road office is open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. Call (701) 775-4817 to schedule. Services are free for eligible veterans and family members; VA enrollment is not required. Bring DD-214 and photo ID to the first appointment; no referral is needed.

(701) 775-4817 · 2900 S Columbia Rd Suite 154, Grand Forks, ND 58201 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. ND National Guard Family Assistance Center — Free

Support services for North Dakota Army and Air National Guard members, dependents, and Survivors across the deployment cycle including referrals to legal, medical, and financial help. The Bismarck campus at Raymond J. Bohn Armory is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 333-2000 to reach a family program specialist. Services are free to Guard families. Bring military ID, orders if activated, and a current list of family needs.

(701) 333-2000 · 4200 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. VA Home Loans — North Dakota — Free

VA-guaranteed home loans with no down payment required for eligible North Dakota veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. Regional loan center staff are reachable Mon-Fri 8am-9pm at (800) 827-1000. Visit va.gov/housing-assistance to request a Certificate of Eligibility online. There is no VA fee to request the COE. Have DD-214, photo ID, current income documents, and bank statements ready when applying.

(800) 827-1000 · Federal resource · Mon-Fri 8am-9pm · Visit Website

10. Warriors at Ease — ND — Free

Trauma-informed yoga, meditation, and mindfulness classes for North Dakota veterans managing PTSD, chronic pain, and stress, delivered by instructors trained in military culture. Find classes through warriorsatease.org or partner community centers. Hours vary. Many classes are free for veterans and dependents. Fathers can bring older children to family sessions when offered. Come in comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

Online and community classes · Varies · Visit Website

11. Operation Homefront — ND — Free

National nonprofit offering emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, and family-support programs for junior-enlisted military, Guard, Reserve, and wounded-warrior families across North Dakota. Staff are reachable Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (210) 659-7756. Visit operationhomefront.org to apply online. Most grants are free to qualifying families. Bring military ID, DD-214 if separated, proof of income, and copies of the unpaid bills.

(210) 659-7756 · National resource serving ND · 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.