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Veterans' Resources

Useful Resources:

Free Legal Advice & Counsel For Veterans

The Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW) draws from the talent of Florida’s leading law firms to provide pro bono services for military members. There are discussions to expand this service to veterans in the future.

For more information, visit www.enterpriseflorida.com.

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State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)

Florida Housing administers the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP), which provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families.

For more information, visit floridahousing.org.

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State Veterans' Homes

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates eight skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All facilities are licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration and inspected annually by AHCA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The homes are supervised round the clock by registered and licensed nurses. Under the IRS tax code, monetary donations to specific state veterans’ homes are tax deductible.

For more information, visit floridavets.org.

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PACT Act Scam Information

Scammers are taking advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud. There’s been an increase in PACT Act-related phishing (email), vishing (phone), and social media scams targeting Veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf.

Veterans should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a lucrative financial benefit or service. To report suspected fraudulent activity, please contact at vaoighotline@va.gov or call 1-800-488-8244.

Learn how you can protect yourself against new scams by clicking on the PDF below.

Document
PACTActScamInfo.pdf  (322.46 KB)

 

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DFAS Military Service Earnings/Buy Back Estimator

To help you make a decision on whether or not you would like to buy back your military service time, use the new Military Service Earnings/Buy Back Estimator tool.  This tool will project your estimated earnings and the estimated cost of buying back your military service time.

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Emergency Treatment Reporting for Veterans

During a medical or mental health emergency, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourages Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay. Veterans do not need to check with VA before calling for an ambulance or going to an emergency department. In most instances, eligible Veterans are able to receive VA-authorized emergency care at an in-network facility if VA is notified of the emergent event within 72 hours of the start of the care.

You can learn more about reporting emergency treatments to the VA by clicking the PDF below.

Document

 

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Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services

This benefit provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Servicemembers’ primary residence. Click the link above to learn more about eligibility, benefit amounts, the application process, and more.

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VA Sunshine Healthcare Network

The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is a service of the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) - providing 24/7, virtual care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Veterans who receive care in the network can call 1-877-741-3400 around the clock to get their health questions or concerns answered from the comfort and convenience of their home, or wherever they may be.

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Check The Status Of Your NPRC Records Request

If you are a veteran and have your NPRC Records Request Number, you can check the status of your records request by clicking the link above.

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VA Debt Management

Get answers to common questions about managing debt related to VA disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, and education benefits. Learn why you may owe us money and how to check your balance, and find out how to repay your debt now or request help with payments.

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VA Benefit & Compensation Rates

The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. VA makes a determination about the severity of your disability based on the evidence you submit as part of your claim, or that VA obtains from your military records.

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VA Medical Center in Gainesville

The Gainesville Fisher House Foundation and the Veterans Services Committee of the Rotary Club of Gainesville work to provide safe, comfortable and affordable housing for families of Veterans being treated at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (Gainesville, Florida).

352-548-6492
(Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET)

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National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Promotes recovery-oriented care for Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness

1-877-424-3838
(Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET)

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Quit Vet
Offers tobacco cessation counseling in English and Spanish 

1-855-784-8838
(Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET)

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Veterans Crisis Line
Provides a free, confidential way for anyone in crisis to connect with caring, qualified responder

988 and press 1
or Text 38255
or Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
(24/7)

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War Vet Call Center
Provides a place for combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life

1-877-927-8387
(24/7)

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Women Veterans Call Center
Provides women Veterans, their families, and caregivers information about VA services and resources

1-855-829-6636
(Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET)
(Sat, 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. ET)

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Real Warriors
Promotes a culture of support for psychological health by encouraging the military community to reach out for help whether coping with the daily stresses of military life, or concerns like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

1-866-966-1020
(24/7)

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Caregiver Support
Offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help caregivers in their role of promoting the health of Veterans.

1-855-260-3274
(Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET)

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Coaching Into Care
Provides education, support, and empowerment to family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a Veteran.

1-888-823-7458
(Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET)

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United Way 211 Services

Document
211 services.pdf  (444.54 KB)