Free emergency suicide crisis care

What it is

If you are in acute suicidal crisis, VA will provide or pay for your emergency care. You do not have to be enrolled in VA health care. You can go to a VA or a non-VA emergency room, and there does not need to be an agreement between VA and that hospital.

Who qualifies

VA lists these groups. You qualify if you were discharged or released from active duty and any one of these is true:

• You served more than 24 months of active duty, or
• You served 100 days or more in combat or supporting a contingency operation, with an honorable discharge, or
• You were sexually assaulted, battered or sexually harassed while serving.

Enrollment in VA health care is not required.

What VA covers

• Inpatient or crisis residential care: up to 30 days
• Outpatient care: up to 90 days
• Transportation to the care

How to get it, step by step

1. Call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room (VA or community). Or call 988 and press 1 first.
2. Tell the staff you are a veteran in suicidal crisis.
3. If you are not enrolled and want ongoing VA health care afterward, apply with VA Form 10-10EZ (link below). A service-connected rating is not needed to be enrolled.

Traps to avoid

• Do not wait to sort out paperwork or enrollment first. VA says enrollment is not required for this care.
• The limits above (30 days inpatient or crisis residential, 90 days outpatient) are what VA lists for this benefit.

Where to call and where to go

Phone

• Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7, free: 988, then press 1. Text 838255. TTY 1-800-799-4889. Source: veteranscrisisline.net
• VA main information line (MyVA411), 24/7: 1-800-698-2411 (TTY 711). Source: Helpful VA phone numbers

Official pages

• VA: Free emergency suicide care
• VA: Mental health care and emergency services
• Find a VA facility near you (search page)
• Apply for VA health care (VA Form 10-10EZ)
• Other veteran mental health options I already cover: Mental health support options