The destructive aftermath of recent catastrophes, like Hurricane Milton, reveals just how severe climate disasters and calamities involving hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can be for an array of areas. Veterans might come across additional challenges after these unfortunate events. With a range of resources to help veterans and their families navigate the road to recovery, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) steps in during times of crisis.

The VA is a trusted partner in supporting veterans at every rehabilitation stage. For veterans who have lost their homes to natural disasters, veteran disaster recovery services may be available.

1. Veterans Crisis Line: Following a natural disaster can be a tremendous emotional burden, so prompt emotional assistance is vital. The Veterans Crisis Line provides discreet, round-the-clock aid for individuals in need. Please get in touch with the Veterans Crisis Line by texting 838255 or by calling 988 and pressing one if you or a veteran you know needs assistance. Online chat is also available to guarantee that aid is provided in the most convenient form. Support for people who are hard of hearing or deaf can be reached at 1-800-799-4889.
2. Housing Assistance: Families may be forced to relocate overnight in a shelter from storm-related disasters. There is instant assistance available if you or someone you know is a homeless veteran or faces homelessness. Support is available around the clock at 1-877-424-3838, the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. And if you’ve moved into a shelter or disaster recovery center, the VA might already have teams to help you find housing, medical care, and other essential services.

  3. Health Care: Continuity of care amid chaos is critical for veterans receiving VA healthcare during emergencies. To determine the needs of veterans in impacted areas, the VA frequently reaches out and takes aggressive action. Contact the VA medical institution closest to you if you need assistance and have not received a call. In an emergency, medical supplies like oxygen tanks and necessary prescriptions could be provided to individuals in need by using emergency services like mobile pharmacies.

  4. Financial Aid: If your house loan is impacted or you require help paying for school using the GI Bill, the VA offers special help lines. Veterans can request special one-time payments by calling 1-800-827-1000 if their benefits are interrupted. Keeping one’s finances stable after a natural disaster is one of the most important issues. Even in cases where a disaster has caused difficulties, the Veterans Administration offers a number of procedures to guarantee that veterans receive their benefits and compensation. For instance, the VA may request that mortgage servicers reduce late fees and put a 90-day limit on the start of foreclosure proceedings.

  5. Employment and Housing Support: If a veteran is relocated, the VA may prolong Employee Adjustment Allowance (EAA) benefits for a maximum of two more months if the veteran is dependent on VA employment services. In addition, if your home has been destroyed, the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing Program may be able to assist with the cost of repairs.

  6. Protection From Fraud: Sadly, places affected by natural disasters are often magnets for con artists who prey on the vulnerable, especially veterans. Fake disaster response teams and phony nonprofits are among the agencies the VA offers to protect veterans from fraud. If you believe there has been fraud, contact the VA at 833-388-7233 for fast assistance.

  7. Life Insurance: VA life insurance policies offer security against unpredictability because they recognize the difficulties veterans confront both during and after a disaster. In impacted locations, the VA may also extend grace periods for premium payments, prevent coverage gaps, and speed up loan approvals. Whether you need a policy loan, a dividend withdrawal, or a claim processed quickly, VA life insurance team members are here to assist.

Natural catastrophes may have an abrupt effect, but the VA makes sure that veterans and their families receive the support they need to recover and move on. Veterans are supposed to be protected at every step of their rehabilitation by these services, which assist with finances, healthcare, housing, and preventing fraud. For veterans affected by natural disasters, help is just a phone call away at the VA. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.