Happy Memorial Day

Resources for Veterans

The Federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other aid organizations have mobilized resources for veterans, active-duty military and their families from Federal, State and Local Agencies. Here are some helpful resources available.

EDUCATION

Student veterans will continue to receive their GI Bill benefits:

• The VA is providing the same level of education benefits to students required to take courses online. The federal emergency CARES Act allows the VA to continue payment of benefits even if a student's program has changed to online learning.

• GI Bill students will continue receiving the same monthly housing allowance payments they received until December 21st, or until the school resumes in-person classes.

• Students receiving GI Bill benefits are not required to take any action. Benefits will continue automatically.

• For questions, contact the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET or visit this website.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Service relief organizations can provide emergency financial help to veterans with interest-free loans and grants. For specific relief from each military branch:

• Army Emergency Relief

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

• Air Force Aid Society

• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

• The Department of Defense (DOD) Hardship Duty Pay - The DOD has authorized each military branch to pay up to an additional $1500 per month to service members if they have to restrict their movement due to exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19. Read the memo.

The following organizations are providing additional support:

• Code of Support

• Disabled American Veterans

• Operation Home Front

• Semper Fi Fund

• USA Cares

• Vets4Warrior

• Wounded Warrior Project

VA MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS & PRESCRIPTIONS

Here are options for telehealth appointments and services:

• Use Secure Messaging through My HealtheVet to send a message to your provider.

• Use the VA appointments tool to request a telehealth appointment online.

Options for obtaining prescriptions:

• Access the online prescription refill and tracking tool to refill or renew prescriptions.

• Call the phone number of your VA pharmacy on your prescription label. Have your RX number and your Social Security number ready.

• Complete and mail this refill form to your VA pharmacy.

QUESTIONS & CONTACTS

For immediate assistance, questions or to check on the status of a claim or appeal:

Contact the LA County Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA):

• Call (213) 765-9680 or email

• Visit their website.

Contact the VA:

• Call 1-800-827-1000

• Visit their website.

Contact the California Department of Veterans' Affairs (CalVet):

• Call the District Office at (213) 620-2755

• Visit their website.

Happy Memorial Day! Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Bradford
CA State Senator, SD 35