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38 U.S. Code § 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).

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)

(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.