(a) Establishment.— The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free telephone helpline that a covered individual may call in order to— (1) obtain information about any service or benefit provided under the laws administered by the Secretary; or (2) be directed to an appropriate office of the Department regarding such a service or benefit. (b) Contract for Direction of Calls Authorized.— The Secretary may enter into a contract with a third party to direct calls made to the helpline to an appropriate office under subsection (a)(2). (c) Live Individual Required.— The Secretary shall ensure that a covered individual who calls the helpline has the option to speak with a live individual. (d) Definitions.— In this section: (1) The term “ covered individual ” means— (A) a veteran ; (B) an individual acting on behalf of a veteran ; or (C) an individual other than a veteran who is eligible to receive a benefit or service under a law administered by the Secretary. (2) The term “ veteran ” has the meaning given such term in section 2002(b) of this title . (Added Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title L, § 5002(a) , Dec. 23, 2024 , 138 Stat. 2408 .)