Veterans Services
As a nation, we have an obligation to honor and care for America’s servicemen and women, their families, and our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. Here in Congress I remain committed to keeping our promises to the nation’s 3 million troops and reservists, their families, and 23 million veterans, including over 47,000 here in the First District of Pennsylvania.
There are a variety of resources available to veterans and their families, and my staff and I can help you get the assistance you might need.
Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs Website
The VA has toll free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents.
Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477
Debt Management 1-800-827-0648
Mammography Hotline 1-888-492-7844
Tele. Dev. for Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833
CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387
Headstones/Markers 1-800-697-6947
Gulf War Helpline 1-800-749-8387
Sexual Trauma Hotline 1-800-827-1000
VA Medical Services
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia , PA 19104
All veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA Health Care System. To begin the process, please complete an Application for Health Care Benefits. You can submit the form online, or you may print the form and mail it to the VA at:
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Attention: Enrollment Department
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
You can also bring the form to the Medical Center. The Eligibility Office is located on the ground floor of the Ambulatory Care building.
Whether mailing or bringing your application, please include the following items —
a copy of both sides of your current insurance card (including Medicare or Medicaid)
a copy of your DD214, 'Armed Forces Report of Transfer or Discharge'
(Purple Heart recipients only) a copy of your award letter if 'Purple Heart' is not noted on your DD214
To speak to someone in the Philadelphia VA Medical Center eligibility office, please call 215-823-6000.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)(Spanish/Español 1-888-628-9454). NOTE: Veterans, press "1" after you call -- or Veterans can chat live with a crisis counselor at any time of day or night.
Because the National Center for PTSD has emerged as the world's expert on PTSD, people ask if the Center provides direct treatment services. The National Center for PTSD does not provide direct clinical care or individual referrals. We do provide links and information to help you locate mental health services in your area.
VA Facility Locator: Each VA medical center and many VA clinics have PTSD specialists. You can also find a VA PTSD Program or a Vet Center near you. Or call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center to talk to another combat Veteran: 1-877-927-8387 (WAR-VETS).
DoD Outreach Center for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: Service Members, Veterans, and families can contact 1-866-966-1020 or resources@dcoeoutreach.org.
Military OneSource: Service Members, Veterans, and families can call 24/7 to speak to a master's level consultant. Toll-free (in the US): 800-342-9647;(outside the US): (country access code) 800-342-9647 (dial all 11 numbers); International: 800-464-8107.
Mental Health Services Locator (SAMHSA): Resources and locations for the general public as well as Veterans. 1-800-662-4357.
Substance Abuse Treatment Locator (SAMHSA): Find services for the general public as well as Veterans. 1-800-662-4357.
PTSD Coach: A mobile, self assessment tool, developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and available in both iTunes and the Android Market.
Education Benefits
Many veterans and active duty personnel can qualify for more than one education benefits program, including the:
Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33)
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB, chapter 30 and chapter 1606)
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, chapter 1607)
Post Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance program (VEAP, chapter 32).
Depending on your individual circumstances, one of these programs may give you better benefits than the others. While you are the only person who can choose which program meets your needs, we have developed a step-by-step process that may help you compare the different education programs and decide which is best for you. This process includes links to additional information on the website that may help you make your decision.
1. Determine your Best Benefit
2. Collect Your Paperwork and Information
3. Choosing a School
4. Calculate Your Benefits
5. Apply
NOTE: If you need any help making your choice, VA Vocational and Employment counseling help is available to all veterans toll free at 1-800-827-1000. You also can discuss your options with a VA education benefits specialist by calling toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or TDD at (800) 829-4833.
Obtaining a VA home loan
There are 5 steps to get a VA Loan:
1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. A Veteran who doesn't have a certificate can obtain one by filling out and sending the VA Form 26-1880, Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement, to the local VA office.
Philadelphia VA Regional Office and Insurance Center
5000 Wissahickon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA, 19144
Phone 1-800-827-1000
2. Decide on a home the buyer wants to buy and sign a purchase agreement.
3. Order an appraisal from VA. (This is usually done by lender.)
4. Apply to a mortgage lender for the loan. While the appraisal is being done, the lender can be gathering credit and income information. If the lender is authorized by the VA to do automatic processing, upon receipt of the appraised value determination, the loan can be approved and closed without waiting for VA review of the credit application. For loans that must first be approved by VA, the lender will send the application to the local VA office, which will notify the lender of its decision.
5. Close on loan and move in!
