United States Code Title 38 — Veterans’ Benefits

§ 5321. Benefits helpline

§ 5321.

(a)

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)

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)

The Secretary shall ensure that a covered individual who calls the helpline has the option to speak with a live individual.

(d)

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.