Hit by a hurricane or disaster: keeping your VA care, pay, and claim on track

Why now

When Hurricane Isaias threatened the Gulf Coast in October 2026, VA activated its national response teams around the clock. VA told Veterans to refill prescriptions early, keep meds and important papers in waterproof containers, and add VA Video Connect, My HealtheVet and secure messaging to their emergency plans. Here's what VA offers before and after any disaster, from VA's disaster resources list.

In crisis?

Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7: call 988, then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Deaf or hard of hearing: 800-799-4889. In immediate danger, call 911.

Medicines and care

• Refill prescriptions early when a storm is coming.
• VA may deploy emergency pharmacy vehicles that can work as an outpatient pharmacy in the area within a few hours.
• Lost meds or equipment like oxygen? VA can work with mobile clinics, home health and community care providers.
• Clinic closed? Use VA Video Connect or My HealtheVet secure messaging for refills and scheduling. Set it up before you need it. See video visits and secure messages.
• VA health benefits line: 877-222-8387 (Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET). Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274.

Your VA payments

• Can't get a benefit payment after a disaster? Call 800-827-1000 and ask how to request a special one-time payment.
• Moved or lost your bank? Update your address and direct deposit. See Your VA payments.
• Watch for scams. Disaster imposters and fake "emergency loan" charities target Veterans. Report fraud: 833-388-7233.

Housing and your VA home loan

• VA encourages mortgage servicers to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and waive late charges after a disaster. Call your servicer.
• Need housing now? National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 24/7: 877-424-3838 (877-4AID-VETS).
• VA Specially Adapted Housing may help fund repairs after FEMA and insurance: 877-827-3702.

GI Bill and VR&E

• If your school closes for a while, VA may keep paying. GI Bill line: 888-442-4551.
• Displaced Veterans in VR&E employment services may get two extra months of Employment Adjustment Allowance. Ask your VR&E counselor.

Protect your claim

• Update your address on VA.gov so letters and exam notices reach you.
• Lost your DD214? Request a new copy.
• Keep copies of your claim evidence somewhere safe, like your VA.gov uploads or cloud storage. You can upload through VA.gov anytime.
• VA says it won't penalize you for mail delays caused by a disaster.
• Missed or about to miss a deadline? Under 38 CFR 3.109(b), VA can extend time limits to finish a claim or challenge a decision for good cause. If the deadline already passed, file the required form with or before your request and explain why you couldn't act sooner. A denied extension can be appealed on its own.

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