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 South Carolina

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 South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

8 Resources

1. Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center — Free

Full-service VA medical center in Columbia serving South Carolina veterans including fathers enrolled in VA health care. Services include primary care, mental health, specialty clinics, and pharmacy at the Garners Ferry Road campus. Call to schedule or change appointments weekdays. Bring your VA ID, DD-214 if not yet enrolled, insurance cards, and a current medication list to each visit.

803-776-4000 · 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. SC Department of Veterans' Affairs — Free

State benefits, advocacy, and support for South Carolina veteran fathers and their families. Staff help veterans access state and federal benefits, claims assistance, and burial services from the Pendleton Street office in Columbia. Call during weekday hours to locate a county veterans affairs officer. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and any prior VA correspondence when meeting with a service officer.

803-647-2434 · 1205 Pendleton St #369, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Myrtle Beach VA Outpatient Clinic — Free

VA healthcare services for Grand Strand-area veteran fathers and families enrolled in the Charleston VA system. The clinic offers primary care, mental health, and specialty services at the Hemlock Avenue location. Call to schedule or change appointments weekdays. Bring your VA ID, DD-214 if not yet enrolled, insurance cards, and a current medication list to each visit for continuity of care.

843-477-0177 · 710 Hemlock Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Veterans Crisis Line – South Carolina — Free

Free 24/7 crisis support for South Carolina veterans, service members, and their families. Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, to reach a trained counselor any hour. Fathers worried about themselves or a veteran loved one can call for screening and safety planning. Service is confidential and works even without VA enrollment. Online chat is also available through the Veterans Crisis Line website.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. American Legion – SC Department — Free

Veterans service organization providing benefits assistance, community, and advocacy for South Carolina veterans and their families. Service officers help with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation from the Pickens Street headquarters in Columbia. Call or visit during weekday hours to connect with a service officer. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and any prior VA correspondence to your first meeting.

803-799-1992 · 132 Pickens St, Columbia, SC 29205 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

6. Upstate Warrior Solution — Free

Connects Upstate veterans, service members, and their families with resources for employment, housing, benefits, and behavioral health. Case managers operate from the South Main Street office in Greenville. Call or visit weekdays to speak with a navigator. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and any existing VA paperwork to the first appointment. Services are free and confidential for eligible veterans and fathers.

864-520-4735 · 651 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. VFW – SC Department — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars advocacy, benefits assistance, and community for South Carolina veterans and their families. Service officers help with VA disability claims and appeals from the Richland Street headquarters in Columbia. Call or visit during weekday hours to schedule a meeting with a service officer. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and any prior VA correspondence or medical records to the meeting.

803-799-2267 · 901 Richland St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

8. Disabled American Veterans – SC Chapter — Free

Benefits claims assistance and advocacy for disabled South Carolina veterans, including fathers navigating service-connected compensation. DAV service officers help file initial claims, appeals, and pension applications from the Pendleton Street office in Columbia. Call or visit during weekday hours. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and any existing VA medical records or decision letters to speed the review process.

803-647-2434 · 1205 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-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.