38 U.S.C. § 5321

Benefits helpline

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(a)Establishment.—The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free telephone helpline that a covered individual may call in order to—(1) obtain information about any service or benefit provided under the laws administered by the Secretary; or(2) be directed to an appropriate office of the Department regarding such a service or benefit.(b)Contract for Direction of Calls Authorized.—The Secretary may enter into a contract with a third party to direct calls made to the helpline to an appropriate office under subsection (a)(2).(c)Live Individual Required.—The Secretary shall ensure that a covered individual who calls the helpline has the option to speak with a live individual.(d)Definitions.—In this section:(1) The term “covered individual” means—(A) a veteran;(B) an individual acting on behalf of a veteran; or(C) an individual other than a veteran who is eligible to receive a benefit or service under a law administered by the Secretary.(2) The term “veteran” has the meaning given such term in section 2002(b) of this title.(Added Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title L, § 5002(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2408.)