If you’re a Whatcom County veteran, we can help you or your family access local, state, and federal benefits and services. Call or visit us in person to find out how.

• We help link veterans to health care, mental health care, social services, employment services, and more.
• If you are facing a financial crisis, we can provide temporary financial assistance for basic needs like rent, mortgage, or utility payments.
• Our staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to noon, and 1:30 to 4:00 pm for phone calls and appointments. Call or email our Veterans Program staff to get help navigating your benefits or finding the services you need.

Accessing Your Federal Benefits

As a veteran, you can receive assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for:

• Health care
• Compensation and Pension
• Housing and Home Loans
• Employment
• Education
• Childcare

Our Veterans Service Officers can help you understand and apply for all the VA benefits you’ve earned. We can also help you troubleshoot claims. Simply call or email our Veterans Program staff to schedule a one-on-one appointment.

Getting Connected to Local Services

You can take advantage of additional programs in Whatcom County that provide assistance specifically for veterans.

Employment Assistance

WorkSource helps veterans and their spouses to find jobs. The WorkSource Whatcom Veteran Employment Representative is a great place to start your job search. Contact them at 360-676-3202.

Housing

The Whatcom Homeless Service Center offers several programs to help low-income veterans find housing.

Urgent or Emergency Care

Urgent Care in the Community: If you are registered with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and have seen your primary doctor within the last 24 months, you are eligible for the VA’s urgent care benefit. You can visit an in-network urgent care clinic to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening. To verify your eligibility for VA urgent care, call 844-MyVA311 (844-698-2311) and select option one, then option three. To locate in-network urgent care providers and pharmacies, visit www.va.gov/find-locations.

For more information, visit the VA's Urgent Care webpage.

Emergency Care in the Community: During a medical emergency, seek care immediately at the nearest hospital, whether it is a VA medical center or not. Veterans do not need to check with VA before calling an ambulance or going to a community hospital emergency department. However, for VA to coordinate and potentially pay for emergency care, you must let VA know within 72 hours of your hospital visit, at 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842).

For more information visit the VA's Emergency Medical Care webpage.

Temporary Financial Assistance

We help veterans and their families who are in a financial crunch to cover some of their bills for a short time. If you need help making a rent, mortgage, or utility payment, contact us to see if you qualify for temporary financial assistance.

For Military Families

Some low-income veterans qualify for burial assistance. Call our office or stop by to learn more.