§ 5321 — Benefits Helpline

(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.