Veteran Resources Resources in North Carolina
Last updated September 9, 2026
North Carolina is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the United States, with major military installations including Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Whether you are recently separated, a long-time veteran, or a surviving family member, a wide range of federal and state-administered programs exist to help with healthcare, housing, mental health, financial assistance, and more.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the primary federal resource, and North Carolina veterans can access VA medical centers in Durham, Fayetteville, Asheville, Salisbury, and other locations, along with numerous community-based outpatient clinics across the state. The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA), a branch of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also connects veterans to state-level benefits and free claims assistance through county veterans service officers.
If you are unsure where to start, calling 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211) connects you to a trained specialist who can identify local veteran-specific resources, emergency assistance, and other social services available in your county. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7.
Key programs in North Carolina
NC Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) — County Veterans Service Officers
Free assistance filing claims for VA disability compensation, pension, education benefits (GI Bill), healthcare enrollment, and other federal and state veteran benefits. State-employed officers are accredited claims agents at no cost to the veteran.
How to access: Find your county Veterans Service Officer through the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website at milvets.nc.gov, or call the NCDVA main line. Services are available in every county in North Carolina.
VA Health Care — NC VA Medical Centers & Clinics
Comprehensive medical, mental health, dental (for eligible veterans), substance use, and specialty care. Eligibility is based on service history; many veterans qualify regardless of income or discharge status.
How to access: Enroll online at va.gov/health-care/apply, call 1-877-222-8387, or visit the nearest VA medical center in Durham, Fayetteville, Asheville, or Salisbury. Community-based outpatient clinics serve smaller communities across NC.
HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
Combines HUD Housing Choice Vouchers (rental assistance) with VA case management and supportive services for homeless or at-risk veterans and their families.
How to access: Contact your nearest VA medical center's social work or homeless veterans program. You can also call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), available 24/7.
Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1)
Free, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use crises, or other mental health emergencies. Staffed by responders with specific training in veteran issues.
How to access: Call or text 988 and press 1, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — NC
Helps income-eligible veterans and families pay heating and cooling utility bills and avoid shutoffs. Administered in North Carolina through the NC Division of Social Services via county departments of social services.
How to access: Apply through your county Department of Social Services or call 2-1-1 to find the nearest LIHEAP intake location. Eligibility is income-based; veterans with disabilities or fixed incomes frequently qualify.
Veteran Resources resources for North Carolina
Other resources in North Carolina
- Housing Assistance in North Carolina
- Food Assistance in North Carolina
- Utility Assistance in North Carolina
- Transportation Assistance in North Carolina
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in North Carolina
- Mental Health Resources in North Carolina
- Domestic Violence Resources in North Carolina
- Disability Resources in North Carolina
- Child & Family Assistance in North Carolina
- Senior Resources in North Carolina