TELEPHONE HELPLINE FOR ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.

SEC. 5002. TELEPHONE HELPLINE FOR ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS. (a) In General.—Chapter 53 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “SEC. 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.” . (b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: “5321. Benefits helpline.” .