Resources and Support for Maine Veterans

Resources and Support for Maine Veterans

Supporting our veterans means ensuring they have clear and dependable access to the services, benefits, and programs available to them. This page brings together national and Maine-based resources that help veterans and their families connect with health care, crisis support, benefits assistance, counseling, and caregiving tools, all in one place.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day by dialing 988 and pressing 1. This free and confidential service is available to veterans, service members, and their families. Veterans can also text 838255 or use the online chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net at any time to reach trained support.

A wide range of national information and tools is available through AARP’s Veterans and Military Families resources at https://www.aarp.org/veterans. These resources help veterans understand benefits, navigate health care options, and protect themselves from fraud. Caregivers, often spouses, partners, or adult children, can find meaningful support through AARP’s Military Caregiving Guide, which offers practical steps for organizing care, reducing stress, and understanding eligibility for benefits. The AARP Caregiver Financial Workbook provides additional help with managing important documents, planning for long-term financial needs, and staying organized during what can often be a challenging and emotional process. Together, these tools make caregiving more manageable and provide essential support during times of transition.

Across Maine, several key locations offer direct services to veterans. The VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta, located at 1 VA Center, serves as a central hub for medical care, mental health services, and social work support. Veterans may call 207-623-8411 or visit https://www.maine.va.gov for help with enrollment, scheduling appointments, and accessing specialty care. In southern Maine, the Portland VA Clinic, located at 141 West Commercial Street, provides primary care, mental health services, and specialized clinical support. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with most outpatient services offered between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff can assist veterans in navigating care, arranging referrals, and connecting with local suicide-prevention coordinators.

Veterans and their families can also receive confidential counseling through Maine’s Vet Centers, which provide support for PTSD, military sexual trauma, combat-related stress, and the challenges of adjusting to civilian life. Vet Centers in Maine are located in Portland (South Portland), Bangor, Lewiston, Caribou, and Sanford/Springvale. Because hours vary by location, veterans can reach assistance anytime through the 24/7 Vet Center Call Center at 877-927-8387 or online at https://www.va.gov/find-locations?facilityType=vet_center.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services helps veterans with benefits, claims, housing support, education programs, and discharge documentation. The Augusta office, located at 194 Winthrop Street, can be reached at 207-287-9933, and the Portland office, at 151 Jetport Boulevard, can be reached at 207-822-2391. More information is available online at https://www.maine.gov/veterans/. Veteran Service Officers in both offices work directly with veterans and families to help navigate federal and state benefits and connect with available programs.

Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as a vital entry point to community services for older adults, veterans, and caregivers. AAAs connect individuals with long-term care options, nutrition programs, transportation resources, case management, caregiver training, and other supports to help veterans remain independent and engaged.

Whether you are a veteran looking for health care, a family member seeking guidance on benefits, or a caregiver searching for tools and support, these resources can help guide your next steps. Maine’s VA clinics, Vet Centers, and state offices are prepared to assist, and national organizations like AARP offer additional tools to support veterans and their loved ones. No matter where you are in your journey, help and guidance are available statewide and nationwide.