1. (a) Establishment.— The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free telephone helpline that a covered individual may call in order to—

   1. (1) obtain information about any service or benefit provided under the laws administered by the Secretary; or
   2. (2) be directed to an appropriate office of the Department regarding such a service or benefit.
2. (b) Contract for Direction of Calls Authorized.— 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).
3. (c) Live Individual Required.— The Secretary shall ensure that a covered individual who calls the helpline has the option to speak with a live individual.

4. (d) Definitions.— In this section:

   1. (1) The term “covered individual” means—

      1. (A) a veteran;
      2. (B) an individual acting on behalf of a veteran; or
      3. (C) an individual other than a veteran who is eligible to receive a benefit or service under a law administered by the Secretary.
   2. (2) The term “veteran” has the meaning given such term in section 2002(b) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title L, § 5002(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2408.)