Us Code § 6301 - Purpose; definitions

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 6301 — Purpose; definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6301. Purpose; definitions

(a) Purpose.—The Congress declares that—

(1) the outreach services program authorized by this subchapter is for the purpose of ensuring that all veterans (especially those who have been recently discharged or released from active military, naval, air, or space service, or from a reserve component, and those who are eligible for readjustment or other benefits and services under laws administered by the Department) are provided timely and appropriate assistance to aid and encourage them in applying for and obtaining such benefits and services in order that they may achieve a rapid social and economic readjustment to civilian life and obtain a higher standard of living for themselves and their dependents; and

(2) the outreach services program authorized by this subchapter is for the purpose of charging the Department with the affirmative duty of seeking out eligible veterans and eligible dependents and providing them with such services.


(b) Definitions.—For the purposes of this subchapter—

(1) the term "outreach" means the act or process of reaching out in a systematic manner to proactively provide information, services, and benefits counseling to veterans, and to the spouses, children, and parents of veterans who may be eligible to receive benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary, to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about, and receive assistance in applying for, such benefits;

(2) the term "other governmental programs" includes all programs under State or local laws as well as all programs under Federal law other than those authorized by this title; and

(3) the term "eligible dependent" means a spouse, surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent of a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service.

(Added Pub. L. 109–233, title IV, §402(a), June 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 407; amended Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVII, §1710, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 494; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §926(a)(58), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3830; Pub. L. 117–205, §2(b)(2), Oct. 17, 2022, 136 Stat. 2233.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 7721 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–233.

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–205 substituted "this subchapter" for "this chapter" wherever appearing.

2021—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b)(3). Pub. L. 116–283 "air, or space service" for "or air service".

2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–181, §1710(a), inserted ", or from a reserve component," after "active military, naval, or air service".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–181, §1710(b), added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively.

About This Section

38 U.S.C. § 6301 is part of Title 38 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 38 U.S.C. § 6301. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 6301

What does United States Code § 6301 cover?

Section 6301 ("Purpose; definitions") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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Sources & Verification

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