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The threat of a government shutdown isn’t new; it happens when Congress can’t agree on the federal budget at the start of the new fiscal year (October 1).
A lot of veterans are asking: “What happens to my VA benefits during a government shutdown?”
Since 1980, the government has shut down 10 times, most recently in 2018. While this has a larger impact on the National Guard and reserve components of the military, as well as DOD civilians, most of your veterans’ benefits remain unaffected.
In this post, we’ll break down all of the services and VA benefits impacted by a government shutdown.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Most VA Benefits and Services Will Continue Uninterrupted: VA medical care, disability compensation, pension, education and housing benefits, burials, appeals, and crisis support services remain fully operational during a government shutdown.
- Some VA Services Will Be Temporarily Paused: Career transition assistance, outreach activities, certain call centers (like the GI Bill hotline), and some cemetery services (like headstone placement and grounds maintenance) will be suspended.
- VA Claims and Payments Are Not Affected: Claims processing and benefit payments—including disability compensation—will continue as usual, regardless of a government shutdown.
What a Shutdown Means for the VA
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Bottom Line: A government shutdown has ZERO impact on VA claims processing or VA disability compensation payments.
NOT Impacted
- VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and vet centers will be open as usual and provide all services.
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
- Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will continue to be processed.
- The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
- Call Centers: VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain open 24/7. The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
- Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.
Impacted
- VA will cease providing transition program assistance and career counseling.
- Call Centers: VA’s GI Bill (1-888-GIBILL-1) and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947) hotlines will be closed.
- VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
- Public Affairs and outreach to Veterans will cease, including social media, VetResources emails, and responses to press inquiries.
- No grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.
- Applications for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries will not be processed.
- No printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates.
- No outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based, and community-based partners by the VA Central Office.
Conclusion
During a government shutdown, your healthcare, benefits, burials, appeals, and crisis support will remain safe and continue uninterrupted.
The main disruptions are career/transition services, outreach, regional office operations, and some cemetery services.
Need help? Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Are VA benefits in danger with a government shutdown?
No, the current VA Contingency Planning safeguards VA benefits, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
Will my VA disability payment be delayed in a government shutdown?
No. VA disability compensation and pension payments continue on schedule. Shutdowns do not affect the payment system for these benefits.
Do VA employees get paid during a government shutdown?
While many Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees continue to work during a government shutdown, their pay is temporarily delayed until the shutdown ends. After a shutdown, federal employees are legally entitled to receive back pay for the missed pay periods.
Will VA healthcare appointments be canceled during a government shutdown?
No. VA hospitals, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers remain open. Appointments, procedures, and prescriptions will continue without interruption.
What about the GI Bill and housing stipends during a shutdown?
GI Bill education benefits and monthly housing allowance (MHA) payments will continue as usual. The only change is that the GI Bill hotline may be temporarily closed.
Do VA cemeteries still hold burials during a government shutdown?
Yes. Burials continue, but some services (like grounds maintenance and headstone placement) may be delayed until after the shutdown.
Author – Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
