A No-Cost* Hearing Loss Solution for Veterans

If you’re like over 1.1 million veterans, you have some degree of hearing loss1, which can make talking on the telephone extremely frustrating, if not impossible. Fortunately, there is a solution!

What is it?

It’s a Hamilton® CapTel® captioned telephone. A captioned telephone works like any other phone and it displays captions so you can listen and read what the other person says over the phone—similar to captions on television.

How is the phone available at no cost?

Rules are set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allow captioned telephones to be made available at no cost to individuals with qualified hearing loss. Captioned telephone service is federally-funded, and the result of the Americans With Disabilities Act which requires equal access to telecommunications for individuals who have difficulty hearing over the phone.

How can I get one?

You can receive a phone at no cost by submitting this form signed by a professional qualified to certify hearing loss, such as a doctor, audiologist, hearing aid specialist or Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Just follow these simple steps:

  • Have your doctor, audiologist, hearing aid specialist or VSO visit the certificate of hearing loss order form page.
  • Have your certifying professional complete and submit the form.
  • That’s it—you’re done! In just a few weeks your captioned telephone will arrive.

What’s the catch?

There is no catch! The captioned telephone and captioning service** are truly available at no cost. However, there are some things (that you probably already have) that you’ll need in order to receive captions:

  • Home telephone service
  • High-speed internet service (Hamilton CapTel 840 model captioned telephone does not require internet)
  • Power source

Which phone should I choose?

  • Hamilton CapTel 2400i: If you prefer a large display with touch-screen navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity and speakerphone capability, the Hamilton CapTel 2400i model phone is a good fit for you.
  • Hamilton CapTel 880i: If you prefer extra large font sizes and display options and traditional buttons for navigating menus, this may be the best choice for you.
  • Hamilton CapTel 840i: If you prefer using traditional push-buttons to access menu features, you should consider the Hamilton CapTel 840i model phone.

Has using a captioned telephone made phone calls easier for you? We want to hear your story – share in the comments!


*Independent third-party professional certification required.

**The captioning service is provided at no cost to the user.

1Veterans Benefits Administration, Annual Benefits Report, FY18. benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2018-abr.pdf