Government Shutdown Impact on Veterans Affairs Services
From The Department of Veterans Affairs Staff
Funding for certain government agencies, including portions of the Department of Veterans Affairs, lapsed following the expiration of appropriations. While the majority of VA benefits and services will continue without interruption, veterans should be aware of specific program impacts during this period.
Services Affected by the Funding Lapse:
The following VA programs and services are currently suspended:
- Veteran career counseling and transition assistance program activities
- GI Bill Hotline operations
- VA regional benefits offices
- Public affairs and veteran outreach activities
- Permanent placement of headstones and grounds maintenance at VA national cemeteries
- Processing of pre-need burial applications
- Production of new presidential memorial certificates
Services Continuing Without Interruption:
Veterans can continue to access these essential VA services:
- Health Care: All VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers remain fully operational
- Benefits Processing and Delivery: Compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits continue to be processed and distributed on schedule
- Burial Services: Interments at VA national cemeteries will proceed as planned. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will continue to be processed
- Appeals: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals continues reviewing and deciding veterans’ cases
- Support Services: VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remain available 24/7
Veterans requiring immediate assistance should contact the VA Contact Center at 1-800-MyVA411 or visit their local VA facility. Those experiencing a mental health crisis can reach the Veterans Crisis Line at any time by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
PVA member services are not affected by this shutdown and continue to operate normally.
