View all text of Chapter 53 [§ 5301 - § 5321]
§ 5321. Benefits helpline
(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.)