Explore VA benefits & services
Here's a quick look at the main kinds of help VA offers. VA decides eligibility for its own benefits — our team can help you understand your options and connect with free help applying.
The basics
Tap any card for VA's official page.
Free help applying
Accredited Kansas Veteran Service Representatives help with disability compensation, pension, health care and other VA claims — at no cost.
By phone or video
Meet with a Kansas Veteran Service Representative from home. Schedule online or call for same-day help, 9am–5pm.
Schedule a claims meeting (opens in a new tab)Joe Allen
Heather Dixon · Hays mobile office
Steven Moushey
In person, near you
Field offices that serve our four counties:
Hays field office
Barton and Pawnee counties (and others) · 205 E 7th St, Ste 106/107, Hays, KS
Hutchinson field office
Rice and Stafford counties (and others) · 1600 South Elm St, Hutchinson, KS
Not sure where to start? Our veteran team can help you figure out which benefits to look into — reach Jeff or Nick.
Hear from our team
Jeff McQuade from our veteran team talks about the support available to veterans and their families.
Direct lines and email are answered during business hours. They are not monitored 24/7.
Program email — please don't include health details.
VA resources
Search or pick a topic. Help is always available: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
45 of 45 VA resources
Crisis & safety
24/7, free, confidential. Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
Veterans and former service members can get free emergency suicide care at any VA or non-VA emergency department — no VA enrollment needed.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
Local VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators and resources near you.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
A free VA app for building your own plan for hard moments.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
Practical ways to store firearms and medications safely at home during a hard time.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
VA resources for veterans and the people who support them, organized by life challenge.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
VA resources and bereavement counseling for families and friends who have lost someone to suicide.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Crisis & safety
VA's main suicide prevention site, including training and data.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
How to get mental health care through VA, including same-day help.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Plain-language information about PTSD, treatment and self-help.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Five private questions. Not a diagnosis — a way to decide whether to talk with a provider.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Compare PTSD treatment options and what fits you.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Find VA PTSD care and treatment programs.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Free online tools for managing stress and PTSD symptoms.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Real stories from veterans and families about challenges and recovery.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Free workbooks and guides for veterans, families and friends.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Free, confidential MST-related care through VA.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Mental health & PTSD
Confidential readjustment counseling, including mobile Vet Centers in rural areas.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
A quick guide to finding VA programs and services that may fit you.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
Find out whether you may be eligible for VA health care, and how to apply.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
Nearest VA medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers and benefits offices.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
Refill prescriptions, schedule appointments, message your care team.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
Wellness built around what matters most to you.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
Programs that improve access to care for veterans in rural communities.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
VA care for TBI and complex injuries.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Health care & benefits
Spiritual care for veterans of all faiths, or none.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Housing, money & legal
Help for veterans who have lost housing or are at risk — from emergency shelter to long-term housing.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Housing, money & legal
One place to find free financial help, budgeting tools and benefit information.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Housing, money & legal
Support for veterans involved with courts or the justice system.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Family & caregivers
Support and services for people caring for a veteran.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Family & caregivers
Free online courses and tips for veteran parents.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Family & caregivers
Learn to spot the signs, ask, validate and encourage next steps. Link pending staff verification.
Specific groups & transition
Information and advocacy for women veterans.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Specific groups & transition
Outreach to help minority veterans use the benefits they've earned.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Specific groups & transition
Support for Native and tribal veterans.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Specific groups & transition
Help for transitioning service members and post-9/11 veterans.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Specific groups & transition
Free coaching for service members, Guard, Reserve and veterans moving between care systems.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Specific groups & transition
24/7 information and confidential help for service members and families.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)Specific groups & transition
Support for veterans in college and the schools that serve them.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)For providers & partners
Free consultation for community providers. Contact: srmconsult@va.gov.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)For providers & partners
Clinical reference material.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)For providers & partners
Clinical reference material.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)For providers & partners
Clinical reference material.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)For providers & partners
VA's community grant program that supports The Center's veteran work.
Open resource (opens in a new tab)For providers & partners
State and community suicide-prevention partnership. Link pending staff verification.
Close to home
Help in Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties and nearby. Please call ahead — hours and rules change.
62 of 62 local and regional resources
Nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, referrals to other healthcare programs.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bring / eligibility: Must qualify; for women, infants and children.
Temporary food in times of emergency or crisis. Located in the church basement; call for emergency requests.
Hours: 2nd Monday 2:00–4:00 PM; 4th Monday 4:00–6:00 PM
Food bank. Contact: Karen Schmidt.
Hours: Mon 2:00–5:00 PM; Thu 4:00–7:00 PM
Hours: Once a month
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 12:45–2:45 PM
Bring / eligibility: Photo ID and current utility bill / proof of residency for all household members 18+. Limited to 4 visits a year, at least 2 weeks apart.
Free meals open to the public; free groceries as need warrants.
Hours: Mon–Fri except holidays: breakfast 10:00 AM, lunch 11:30 AM–12:30 PM; 1st Saturday prayer breakfast 8:00 AM; Sunday community meal 5:00 PM
Hours: Weekdays 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bring / eligibility: Open to senior citizens.
Hours: Tue & Thu 4:00–6:00 PM
Bring / eligibility: Photo ID; Pawnee County or Pawnee Rock address with proof of current residence. Food assistance every 6 months.
Bring / eligibility: Age 60+, income guidelines, resident of service area.
Hours: 3rd Tuesday of the month
Bring / eligibility: Proof of Stafford County residency.
Hours: Last Tuesday of every month
Bring / eligibility: Must qualify by income.
Contact: Sandy.
Serves St. John and Hudson areas. Contact: Larry Coley.
Hours: 2nd & 4th Tuesday 1:00–3:00 PM
Bring / eligibility: Stafford residents; one box per month. Text the number.
Sign up with the Stafford Ministerial Alliance through a local church.
Hours: Tuesdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bring / eligibility: Serves Lyons, Raymond, Bushton, Geneseo, Little River and Frederick. Photo ID, proof of income and proof of address.
Hours: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 8:30–10:30 AM; 1st & 3rd Thursdays 5:00–7:00 PM
Bring / eligibility: Serves Sterling and Alden. Photo ID, proof of income and proof of address.
Utilities assistance, transitional housing help.
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30–11:30 AM (check in before 11:00 AM)
Rental and utility assistance; emergency help with food, cash, housing, medical and child care; pregnancy support, life-skills classes, counseling, adoption services, disaster relief.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TBRA rental subsidy, security deposits and utility deposits for eligible households.
Utility and rent assistance and/or a 1-night hotel voucher.
Hours: Call to request assistance
Help with utilities, rent and clothing.
Hours: Tue–Fri 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Low-income assistance.
Rental assistance.
Low-income housing.
Home repair assistance, low-income housing.
Low-income housing.
Safe housing for victims of domestic violence.
Sober living.
Low-income housing and HUD assistance.
Sober living.
Sober living.
Low-income housing.
Low-income housing.
Housing resources per town (see ricecounty.us).
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, 1:00–5:00 PM
TBRA rental subsidy and security deposits for eligible households.
Contact: Daniel Binns.
30-day overnight emergency housing; first come, first served.
Hours: Daily 7:00 AM–4:00 PM and 5:00 PM–7:00 AM
Crisis and basic transitional housing.
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested $1 donation; within city limits only. Commission on Aging may offer discounted pre-pay passes.
Barton, Rice, Rush, Stafford and Pawnee counties. Hub service within 10 miles of Great Bend; one AM and PM trip to outlying county areas on weekdays. $2.00 per person one way.
Hours: Weekdays 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sat & Sun 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
VAN: $1.50 in city; $8 to airport, Doonan's, Harts Corner, Barton CC (students $5), All Seasons Mobile Home; +$1 per extra stop; 24-hour notice preferred. Mini-Bus (wheelchair accessible): in city, call the day before, 2 stops/day, $1.50 one way, $1 per extra stop.
Hours: VAN Mon–Fri 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM; Mini-Bus Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; no weekends
Lyons in town $1.50, out of town $2.50 one way. Punch card $20/20 rides; unlimited in-city $30/month. Round trips: $20 to Hutchinson, Great Bend, McPherson; $35 to Wichita, Salina, Hays.
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Rush, Ellis and Barton counties; travels to Wichita, Salina, Hutchinson, etc. In Rush County $1.50; out of county $7.50 on Tuesdays, $17.50 other days; trips over 100 miles $75.
Clothes, shoes, coats and household items. Contact: Becky Byers.
Hours: Call to request access
Clothing, medical and miscellaneous items. Same building also houses Helping Hands (Salvation Army vouchers, clothing exchange with Larned State Hospital, Narcotics Anonymous). Contact: Lois Eye.
Hours: Call to request availability
Clothing and household items.
Hours: Hours vary — call for availability
Clothes and hygiene items, $1 a bag. 4 free items per month from the Walmart room with card (one punch per month).
Hours: Tue & Thu 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Up to 5 free loads of laundry per family.
Hours: 3rd Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Discount Laundry, Great Bend; last Wednesday 3:00–5:00 PM at Santa Fe Laundry, Larned
Non-food supplies needed for families.
Hours: Mon 2:00–4:00 PM; Tue 1:00–3:00 PM; Thu 3:30–5:30 PM
Posterboard, construction paper, die cuts, etc.
Free job matching, resume help, training opportunities.
Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thu 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Accepts pills, sealed liquids, ointments and patches. Not needles, syringes, inhalers, aerosol cans or hydrogen peroxide.
Cat or dog food twice a year. Call first.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
