The King County Veterans Levy is increasing access to information and assistance for veterans living anywhere in King County.

By simply calling one toll-free number 1-877-904-VETS (8387) veterans, military personnel, National Guard, reserves and their families can receive information related to benefits and services at the county, state and federal level.

The call center is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and callers can leave messages after hours.

A $150,000 grant to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs – King County Veterans Information and Assistance Call Center is making the expanded access possible.

“Now more than ever, we need to be sure our current and former military personnel and their families know where they can turn for help,” said Donald Lachman, WDVA King County Veteran Programs manager. “Our call center provides immediate prevention and intervention strategies and appropriate services or referrals to callers connecting them with the right resource at the right time.”

In addition to providing immediate assistance, callers will be contacted within two weeks to determine whether they have successfully utilized the services or referrals given to them and to assess their level of satisfaction with the Call Center.

If you are a veteran, active duty, National Guard, reservist or a family member, let the King County Veterans Information and Assistance Call Center connect you with your local, state and federal veterans benefits and call 1-877-904-VETS (8387)

For more information, visit www.dva.wa.gov or www.kingcounty.gov/socialservices/veterans.aspx.