§5321. Benefits helpline

§5321. Benefits helpline

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

(1) obtain information about any service or benefit provided under the laws administered by the Secretary; or

(2) be directed to an appropriate office of the Department regarding such a service or benefit.

(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).

(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.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "covered individual" means—

(A) a veteran;

(B) an individual acting on behalf of a veteran; or

(C) an individual other than a veteran who is eligible to receive a benefit or service under a law administered by the Secretary.

(2) The term "veteran" has the meaning given such term in section 2002(b) of this title.