Department of Veteran Affairs

The Philadelphia VA telephone service is staffed by veterans service representatives from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Callers using the toll-free number will first encounter VA's automated selection system. By making the appropriate selection, callers can get general information on the topic they want, request a form, find a phone number, or be connected to the office that processes education benefits. Selecting "0" will connect callers to a service representative. Representatives are available to answer general information questions, discuss all aspects of benefits, and take inquiries concerning specific claims. Generally, a caller will have a reply to an inquiry within 10 work days. We also have a web page: http://www.va.gov.

Education case managers at the Buffalo regional education processing office are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to handle inquiries and problems. General information on education benefits is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through an automated system.

Insurance specialists are available between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday. Callers can leave a recorded message after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays. With a touchtone phone, insureds can obtain specific information about their policy 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our automated voice response system. Just press "1" after reaching us. Recorded information about general insurance topics is also available. Information is also available at http://www.insurance.va.gov

Veterans with a TDD (Teletype Device for the Deaf) can call for information on VA benefits and programs. Based at the Chicago VA Regional Office, the service is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday. Messages can be left when calls are made after normal business hours and on weekends and holidays. Calls will be returned the following business day.