§ 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 .