38 U.S.C. § 6303 — Outreach services

(a) Requirement to provide services. To carry out this subchapter, the Secretary^* must provide the outreach^* services in subsections (b) through (d). Where a significant number of eligible veterans and dependents primarily speak another language, the services must be provided in that language as far as feasible.

(b) Individual notice to new veterans. At discharge or release^* from active military, naval, air, or space service^*, or as soon as possible afterward, the Secretary must send each veteran^* a letter about every benefit and service under Department^* laws for which the veteran may qualify. Using veteran-student services under section 3485, the Secretary must ensure that veterans whose service records show they lacked a high-school education or equivalent at discharge or release are contacted in person or by telephone.

(c) Distribution of information. (1) The Secretary (A) must give eligible veterans and dependents complete information about all benefits and services to which they may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary; and (B) may, as feasible, give information about other government programs, including manpower and training programs, that the Secretary decides would benefit veterans. (2) When a veteran or dependent first applies for any benefit under those laws, including burial or related benefits or life-insurance proceeds, the Secretary must give information about benefits and health-care services under programs administered by the Secretary. This information must be provided within 3 months after the application.

(d) Provision of aid and assistance. To the greatest extent possible, the Secretary must give members of the Armed Forces^*, veterans, and eligible dependents aid and assistance, including personal interviews, concerning subsections (b) and (c) and the preparation and presentation of claims under Department laws.

(e) Assignment of employees. The Secretary must assign employees the Secretary considers appropriate to conduct outreach programs and provide outreach services for homeless veterans. These services may include visiting sites to identify homeless veterans and help them obtain available benefits and services.