Idaho Veterans Assistance Guide

The Idaho Veterans Guide helps Idaho veterans and their families identify support resources by providing access to a comprehensive and current list of service providers through an easy-to-use, web-based platform. Simply Enter your zip code to begin your search.

Veterans Benefits

VA Welcome Kit: https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
VA.gov Home: https://www.va.gov/
VA Health & Benefits App: https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-and-benefits
VA Records: https://www.va.gov/records/
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
Online version http://www1.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp
PDF Download in English http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
VA War-Related Illness and Injury Center http://www.vagov/WRIICSC-DC
Homeless Veterans http://www.va.gov/homeless
VA National HIV/AIDS Program http://www.hiv.va.gov
VA Public Health Smoking Cessation Program http://www.publichealth.va.gov/smoking
VA Mental Health http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
National Cemetery Administration (Burial and Memorials) http://www.cem.va.gov
Center for Women Veterans and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov/womenvet
National Foundation for Women Legislations (www.womenlegislators.org)
Apply for a disability rating or increase. VA benefits hotline (800)827-1000: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
Overseas Military Coordinators: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-abroad.asp

Coeur d'Alene Tribal Veterans

The mission of the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Veterans Program is to provide assistance to Coeur d’Alene Tribal Veterans, his/her family members, and surviving dependants to identify, access and secure services and benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as State and County services and benefits. Assistance is provided to facilitate applying for Department of Veterans Affairs and Idaho State VA benefits, i.e.; Disability Compensation, Survivors Benefits, Burial (co-ordination of Honor/Color Guards), Memorial Day, VA Health Care and Transportation services (Veteran benefit related). Call (208)686-5602 or go to: https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/, Our office hours are 7:00am to 4:00pm, Monday thru Friday. Office is located 30030 1st Street, Worley, Idaho 83876.

Veterans Health Care

Apply for VA health care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
Manage health appointments online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/manage-appointments/
Pay copays and use multiple insurances, pay by phone (888)827-4817: https://www.va.gov/health-care/pay-copay-bill/
Apply for travel pay: https://www.va.gov/health-care/file-travel-pay-reimbursement/
Explore long-term care. VA Health Care Hotline is (877)222-8387: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/long-term-care/
Learn about qualifying VA dental care. MyVA411 or (800)698-2411: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/
Learn about your primary care team. VA Health Care Hotline (877)222-8387: https://www.va.gov/resources/your-va-primary-care-provider-and-PACT-team/
Connect with Social Workers. VA Health Care Hotline (877)222-8387 (press 0): https://www.socialwork.va.gov/
Mental Health Support Services: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
Foreign Medical Program (FMP). VA Specialty Contact Center (833)930-0816 (press 3): https://www.va.gov/health-care/foreign-medical-program/
Explore Community Care/MISSION ACT. Community Care Contact Center (877)881-7618: https://www.va.gov/communitycare/
Find urgent and emergency care. Call (844)724-7842: https://www.va.gov/initiatives/emergency-room-911-or-urgent-care/
Get help with VA health facility concerns. MyVA411 or (800)698-2411: https://www.va.gov/contact-us/ask-va/introduction
Tricare: http://www.tricare.mil/ and http://www.ssa.gov/

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can occur following a life-threatening event like military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults like rape. Most survivors of trauma return to normal given a little time. However, some people have stress reactions that don't go away on their own, or may even get worse over time. These individuals may develop PTSD.

People who suffer from PTSD often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feeling emotionally numb. These symptoms can significantly impair a person's daily life.

PTSD is marked by clear physical and psychological symptoms. It often has symptoms like depression, substance abuse, problems of memory and cognition, and other physical and mental health problems. The disorder is also associated with difficulties in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems, family discord, and difficulties in parenting.If you are suffering from PTSD, or know someone who is, the following list of resources and information will help you find help in dealing with PTSD and related conditions.

Careers and Employment

Receive support for education, training and credentialing needed for employment: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/
Veteran Readiness &* Employment: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

Homelessness Support, Housing Assistance, VA Home Loans

Homeless or at risk of homelessness, Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877)424-3838: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
VA-backed Veterans Home Loans, VA Loan Guaranty Service (877)827-3702: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/
VA Home Modification Grants (SAH/SHA) https://www.va.gov/housing.../disability-housing-grants/

Long-Term or Extended Care Payment Assistance-August 13, 2025 Update

According to the Idaho American Legion Facebook page, VA Disability Service Officials have made the following post regarding - "Need Help Paying for Long-Term or Extended Care? Here's a list of trusted resources to help you find and fund care like assisted living, in-home services, or nursing homes".

VA & Government Programs:

1. VA Geriatrics & Extended Care https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/

2. Aid and Attendance / Housebound Pension (extra funds for personal care needs) https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

3. VA Community Living Centers (VA nursing homes) https://www.va.gov/GER.../pages/Community_Living_Centers.asp

4. Veteran-Directed Care Program (hire your own caregivers) https://www.va.gov/GERIAT.../pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp

5. State Veterans Homes Directory (lower-cost nursing homes by state) https://www.nasvh.org/state-veterans-homes/statedir.cfm

Financial Assistance & Medical Programs:

6. Medicare Skilled Nursing Coverage (short-term care only) https://www.medicare.gov/.../skilled-nursing-facility-snf...

7. Medicaid Long-Term Care (covers nursing homes, in-home care if low income) https://www.medicaid.gov/.../long-term.../index.html

8. PACE Program (All-inclusive care to avoid nursing homes) https://www.medicaid.gov/.../program-all-inclusive-care...

9. TRICARE for Life (Medicare supplement for military retirees) https://tricare.mil/tfl

Grants & Support:

10. Veteran-Directed HCBS Services https://www.va.gov/geriat.../pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp

11.Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

US Government Made Easy For Veterans

http://www.usa.gov/index.shtml

Post Falls Nursing and Veterans' Home

All states have a Nursing Facility Medicaid program that provides general health coverage plus coverage for nursing home services. These services include room and board, nursing care, personal care and therapy services. Nursing Facility Medicaid may pay for a stay in a nursing home if you need a “nursing-home level of care” or meet nursing home “functional eligibility criteria; and have income and assets below certain guidelines.

https://veterans.idaho.gov/veterans-homes/post-falls-veterans-home/

Point of Contacts: Matt.Ranstrom@veterans.idaho.gov and Scott.Thorsness@veterans.idaho.gov, Telephone Number: (208)415-3480

Newby-ginnings: Honoring Veterans with Compassionate Community Support/North Idaho

Newby-ginnings offers basic necessities and common comforts; things that most of us take for granted every day. Gratitude and respect for time served and sacrifices made for our freedom. That’s what Newby-ginnings strives to provide to our Veterans, our Active duty military and their immediate household family members as well as our Gold Star Families every day. With no hoops. No red tape. No appointments. No waiting months on end. And we do this with the support of our community. With nothing but donations and fundraisers. Because no money exchanges hands. There are no income eligibility guidelines and no proof of need required. Whatever they need, at no charge.

Every day we meet Veterans, Active Servicemen and Women, and Gold Star Families that are struggling financially; they are struggling with the VA system, health issues, PTSD, TBI, and relationship problems because of all of this.

We have found that Newby-ginnings is the place where they can come, not only for basic household necessities, but peer support, resources and referrals to other agencies. Visit our shop Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm to enroll. No appointment is necessary. Just bring a government issued proof of military service such as a DD214, VA Card or Military ID for yourself or a household family member, complete a short enrollment form and you are set. Click here to be taken directly to Newby-ginnings.

Kootenai County Food Assistance

Dear Veterans: Food Shortages are a growing problem with the Government closure. Below is a list of some Kootenai County resources for those who may be experiencing hunger or food shortages.

3rd Avenue Marketplace
1315 E. 3rd Ave, Post Falls
M, 11-6, T-F 9 -2

Food bank Community Action Partnership
4144 W. Industrial Loop,
Coeur d’Alene
M-F, 9-3

Food Bank ABC Food Bank, Athol
30355 3rd Street
Athol
T, 9-3

Food Bank Mobile Market
1619 N. 9th St, Coeur d’Alene
Nov 11, 11-1

The Altar Church Food Pantry
901 E. Best Ave. Coeur d’Alene
11-2 Daily

Food Bank and Meal Site
Newby-Ginnings of
North Idaho
570 Clearwater, Post Falls
Weekdays 9-5

Veteran Only-Lutheran Church
4800 N. Ramsey, Coeur d’Alene
Sunday, 12;30-1:30 Meals

Presbyterian Church
417 N. William St, Blanchard
Sunday, 12:30-1:30 Meals

Father Bills Kitchen
1317 N. 1st Street, Coeur d’Alene
Monday thru Friday Breakfast/Dinner

Spirit Lake Food Bank
35154 N. 4th Ave, Spirit Lake
Wed, 12:30 - 3

Food Bank Lake City Center
1916 Lakewood Dr,
Coeur d’Alene
M-F, 208-667-4628

Meals on Wheels
Lake City Church
6000 N. Ramsey, Coeur d’Alene
W, 10 - 2 Food Bank

Rathdrum Food Bank
8027 W. Main St, Ste 2
Rathdrum Id
M – F, 2:30
208-687-3696

Food Bank St. Pius Catholic Church
625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d’Alene
T – F, 9 – 12
208-765-5108

Food Pantry Christ the King, Lutheran Church
1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave
Coeur d’Alene
Thurs, 10 – 2
208-664-9231

Food Bank Parker Subaru
Corner of Govt Way & Clayton, Coeur d’Alene
Open 24 hours Outdoor Pantry

Coeur d’Alene Bible Church
5350 N. 4th, Coeur d’Alene
M, 10 – 11:30
208-765-1002

Food Bank Canvas Food Pantry
2200 N. 7th, St, Coeur d’Alene
Th, 2:30 – 4
208-667-5481

Food Pantry Gathered For Good
187 N. 4th, Coeur d’Alene
M – F, 9 – 4
208-664-8757

Food Pantry Hayden Lake Seventh Day Adventist
12940 N. Govt,
Th, 12:30 – 2:30

Food Pantry
Jumpin Beans Mobile Food Bank
208-819-9220
M – F, 8 – 5 Provides non-perishable food delivery to disabled

True North Church
10583 N. Govt Way, Hayden
Fr. 5:30
208-762-6397 Meal

Lifeway Community Center
510 W. 15th, Post Falls
Varies Meal Site