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 Vermont

14 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 Vermont

Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court handles all family matters statewide. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DCF. Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Essex are the largest towns. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (a nonprofit partner) provide civil legal aid, including a joint statewide Family Law helpline.

14 Resources

1. White River Junction VA Medical Center — Free

Full-service VA hospital serving Vermont and New Hampshire veterans with primary care, specialty care, mental health services, PTSD treatment, and inpatient care. Fathers who are veterans can enroll at the N Main St facility or by calling the main line. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and insurance information when enrolling. Staff help with benefits applications, prescriptions, and referrals to Vet Centers.

(802) 295-9363 · 215 N Main St, White River Junction, VT 05009 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. White River Junction Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling, individual and group therapy, PTSD support, and family counseling for combat veterans and their families. Fathers who served in combat or experienced military sexual trauma can self-refer without VA enrollment. Walk in or call the Holiday Dr office to schedule. Bring DD-214 and photo ID if available. Services are confidential and independent of the main VA medical record.

(802) 295-2908 · 222 Holiday Dr Suite 313, White River Junction, VT 05001 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Vermont Veterans Home — Bennington — Paid

State-operated long-term residential and skilled nursing care facility for eligible Vermont veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents. Fathers who served and need nursing-level care can apply through the Bennington admissions office. Bring DD-214, photo ID, insurance information, and medical records. Costs vary by level of care and insurance; VA benefits and Medicaid may offset fees for qualifying residents.

(802) 442-6353 · 325 North St, Bennington, VT 05201 · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Vermont American Legion — Free

Veterans service organization with posts across Vermont offering community, benefits help, scholarships, and events. Fathers who are veterans or children of veterans can join a local post; service officers help file VA claims at no cost. The Montpelier State St department headquarters coordinates posts and events. Bring DD-214 and photo ID to apply for membership or schedule a benefits review with a service officer.

(802) 223-7131 · 126 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. VFW Vermont — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Vermont offering camaraderie, benefits assistance, scholarships, and community events for those who served in combat zones. Fathers who are combat veterans can find a local post through the national website. VFW service officers file VA claims at no cost. Bring DD-214 and proof of combat service when applying for membership or requesting benefits help at a local post.

Multiple posts statewide · Varies · Visit Website

6. Disabled American Veterans — Vermont — Free

Free benefits counseling and advocacy for Vermont disabled veterans and their families, based at the White River Junction VA. DAV service officers help fathers file VA disability claims, appeals, and survivor benefits at no cost. Call to schedule an appointment at the N Main St office. Bring DD-214, military medical records, current VA paperwork, and medical evidence supporting the claimed condition.

(802) 295-9363 · 215 N Main St, White River Junction, VT 05009 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

7. VetsFirst — Veterans Benefits Help — Free

Free benefits navigation, advocacy, and claims assistance for Vermont veterans through United Spinal's VetsFirst program. Fathers with VA claims, appeals, or benefits questions can call the White River Junction office to schedule a review. Services include disability claims, pension, healthcare enrollment, education benefits, and housing help. Bring DD-214, medical records, and current VA paperwork to the appointment.

(802) 295-9363 · White River Junction, VT 05001 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

8. Vermont National Guard Family Support — Free

Resources, programs, and referrals for Vermont Army and Air National Guard members and their families, including deployment support, childcare help, and mental health services. Fathers who are Guard members or spouses can call the Colchester family assistance line for help navigating Tricare, military legal aid, and community resources. Support available for families regardless of current deployment status.

(800) 640-0601 · 789 Vermont National Guard Rd, Colchester, VT 05446 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

9. GI Bill — Vermont Education Benefits — Free

Federal education benefits covering tuition, fees, and housing stipends for eligible veterans attending Vermont colleges, vocational schools, and apprenticeship programs. Fathers transitioning from service can apply online at the VA benefits portal. Bring DD-214, Social Security number, and school information. Processing takes several weeks; starting early helps ensure benefits are ready for the semester.

(888) 442-4551 · Online and VA offices · Mon-Fri 8am-7pm · Visit Website

10. Vermont Veterans Benefit Program — Free

State-funded supplemental benefits for Vermont veterans including property tax relief, burial assistance, education grants, and emergency financial help. Fathers who served can apply through the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs on State St in Montpelier. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of Vermont residency, and documentation related to the benefit requested. Staff can also connect veterans to federal VA services.

(802) 828-3379 · 118 State St, Montpelier, VT 05620 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Operation Homefront — Vermont — Free

Financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support for qualifying active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and recently separated military families nationwide including Vermont. Fathers in need can apply online for critical financial help covering rent, utilities, car repairs, and food. Bring DD-214 or current military ID, proof of income, and the bill or need you're applying to cover.

(210) 659-7756 · National service covering Vermont · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Vermont SSVF Program (Supportive Services for Vets) — Free

Rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention services for very low-income Vermont veteran families, including rental assistance, case management, and help obtaining VA and public benefits. Fathers who are veterans facing eviction or homelessness can call the Colchester office to apply. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of income, and eviction notice or shelter referral. Services are free for eligible veterans.

(802) 296-9990 · 35 Roosevelt Hwy, Colchester, VT 05446 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Vermont Center for Independent Living — Veterans — Free

Independent living services helping disabled veterans in Vermont remain in their homes and communities through peer support, advocacy, skills training, and benefits navigation. Fathers with service-connected or other disabilities can call the Montpelier office for intake. Services include help with SSI/SSDI applications, home modifications, transportation, and community connections. Programs are free and consumer-directed.

(800) 639-1522 · 11 E State St, Montpelier, VT 05602 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. AMVETS Vermont — Free

Veterans service organization open to all who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, offering benefits assistance, community events, and advocacy through posts across Vermont. Fathers who served can join a local post for camaraderie and help filing VA claims through a post service officer. Bring DD-214 and photo ID to apply. Check with the national website for the nearest post and event calendar.

(802) 223-7131 · Multiple posts statewide · Varies by post · 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.