(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.