The department of Veterans affairs has created a new hotline to receive and respond to questions from veterans, their families and caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to female veterans. Many female veterans don’t know about high-quality care and services available to them by the VA. The hotline will allow the VA to field their questions and provide critical information about the latest improvements and developments in VA services for women. Operated by VA employees who can provide information about benefits, including health care services for women the callers can be linked to information on claims, education or health care appointments, as well as information about VA cemeteries and memorial benefits. Staff members can answer urgent questions and provide referrals to mental health and homeless services and Vet Center information as well.

Women make up approximately 15 percent of today’s active duty military and 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces. The number of women using VA health care was nearly 160,000 in 2000, and that number more than doubled today and those numbers will continue to grow.

IF you are a female veteran or know of anyone who may be in need of using the hotline the number to call is 1-855-VA-WOMEN .

Veterans also can receive information and apply for benefits online at http://www.eBenefits.va.gov