((a)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** The Secretary shall ensure that a covered individual who calls the helpline has the option to speak with a live individual.

((d)) ** .—** 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 .