Veterans

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend, and thank you for your service. Washington has strong help for veterans and their families, from housing and health care to benefits, jobs and support on hard days.

Here's the easy first step: if you're a veteran who is homeless or about to lose your home, call the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, any time. If you're in crisis, dial 988 and press 1.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start?

• Homeless or at risk? Call the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, 24/7. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/homeless/
• In crisis? Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You don't need to be enrolled in VA care. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
• State benefits and help: the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) at 800.562.2308. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://dva.wa.gov/

What housing help is there for veterans?

• HUD-VASH. Housing vouchers for veterans who are homeless, paired with VA case management. Ask the VA homeless program. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/homeless/
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Help with rent, deposits, utilities and case management for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/homeless/
• Grant and Per Diem programs. Transitional housing with support services.
• Washington's state veterans homes offer long term care for eligible veterans and some spouses. See the section below.

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Keep your DD-214 safe

Your discharge papers open a lot of doors. Keep a copy in a safe place and a photo on your phone!

How do I get VA health care?

VA medical centers and clinics serve veterans across Washington. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/puget-sound-health-care/

• VA Puget Sound Health Care System serves Western Washington from its Seattle and American Lake (Tacoma area) medical centers and community clinics.
• Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center serves Spokane and Eastern Washington. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/spokane-health-care/
• The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center serves Walla Walla and southeastern Washington.
• Veterans in Clark County are served by VA Portland Health Care System, including its Vancouver campus.
• Apply for VA health care online, by phone, or at any VA medical center. Rules change, so apply even if you were turned down before.

What state help does WDVA offer?

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans and families with state and federal benefits. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://dva.wa.gov/

• Benefits claims. WDVA's service officers help veterans file VA claims for disability compensation and pension at no charge to veterans.
• State veterans homes. Washington runs veterans homes in Orting, Port Orchard (Retsil), Spokane and Walla Walla for long term care.
• Veterans Innovations Program and emergency help through local veterans assistance funds in many counties. Ask your county.
• Help with mental health, PTSD counseling, and services for women veterans and incarcerated veterans.

You served. Now let others serve you. Asking for help is part of being strong.

From the Bunklow team

Help with jobs and school

• WorkSource centers have veteran employment representatives who help veterans find work. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.worksourcewa.com/
• The GI Bill can help pay for college and training. Washington colleges have veteran services offices.
• Veterans with service connected disabilities can ask the VA about Veteran Readiness and Employment.

Help for families and survivors

• Spouses, dependents and survivors may qualify for VA benefits, health care and education help.
• WDVA can help families understand survivor benefits.
• Caregivers of veterans can ask the VA about caregiver support programs.

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You don't have to pay for claims help

Accredited service officers help you file VA claims at no charge. Be careful with anyone who asks for money to file a claim!

Jobs and school for veterans

• WorkSource centers have veteran employment representatives who can help you find work. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.worksourcewa.com/
• The GI Bill can help pay for college, training and apprenticeships. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/education/
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) helps veterans with service connected disabilities get training and jobs. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
• Many Washington colleges have veterans centers. Ask at your local college.

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

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Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King and Pierce Counties (Seattle and Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My veteran plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 21, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 21, 2026