D4.5_SQUARES.pdf

This document is an informational overview of SQUARES 2.0, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) online system designed to streamline eligibility verification and service access for homeless and at-risk veterans. SQUARES 2.0 enhances the original SQUARES platform by providing grantees, contractors, and outreach staff with reliable, detailed information regarding Veteran eligibility for VA benefits and homelessness services. Key upgrades include immediate eligibility confirmation with military service and VHA enrollment information, batch inquiry capabilities allowing shelters and community providers to identify Veterans within their populations and facilitate referrals to appropriate services, and the ability for SSVF and GPD grantees to deliver critical services to homeless and at-risk Veterans without requiring prior documentation review or VA Medical Center verification.

The system operates entirely online, with care providers submitting Veteran identification traits through a portal that returns eligibility information for homeless grant programs and VA healthcare. Access is limited to VA staff and personnel at organizations receiving VA homeless program grant funding (SSVF, GPD, CERS), though community-based homeless service organizations may use SQUARES 2.0 after executing a data use agreement with VA. Training resources and additional information about SQUARES 2.0 are available at https://www.va.gov/homeless/squares.