2024 Government Shutdown and Your VA Benefits: What Veterans Need to Know!

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A government shutdown can cause uncertainty and anxiety, especially for veterans who rely on critical VA benefits and services.

While certain VA benefits programs and essential operations remain fully functional during a shutdown, others face temporary disruptions.

This comprehensive guide from VA disability expert Brian Reese explains the VA benefits and services impacted and unaffected by a government shutdown, offering clarity and actionable advice for veterans and their families.

Let’s begin!

Summary of Key Points

• Critical VA Benefits and Services Unaffected by a Government Shutdown: Key VA operations remain fully functional during a government shutdown, including VA medical services, disability compensation, pension payments, education benefits under the GI Bill®, and burials at national cemeteries. Additionally, the Veterans Crisis Line and Board of Veterans’ Appeals continue to operate uninterrupted.

• VA Services Impacted During a Government Shutdown: Non-essential services are temporarily paused, such as career counseling, transition assistance, regional office operations, and specific hotlines like the GI Bill® assistance line and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance hotline. Maintenance and pre-need burial applications at VA cemeteries are also suspended.

• No Disruption to VA Disability Claims Processing During a Government Shutdown: New and pending VA disability claims will continue to be processed without interruption, even during a government shutdown. VA disability claims processing remains fully operational, as Veterans Service Representatives (VSRs) and Rating Veterans Service Representatives (RVSRs) are designated as mission-essential personnel and will continue working during a government shutdown.

• VA Support Options During a Shutdown: Veterans can access the 1-800-MYVA411 hotline for general inquiries and resource assistance. Medical facilities remain operational for in-person support, and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) is available 24/7 for mental health emergencies. For medical emergencies Dial 911.

List of VA Benefits That Are NOT Impacted by a Government Shutdown

Veterans can take comfort in knowing that many critical VA benefits and services continue without interruption during a government shutdown.

Here’s what will remain operational at the VA even during a government shutdown:

VA Benefits Payments:

• VA disability compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered on schedule.

• Direct deposit for disability payments, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and GI Bill® stipends will continue.

VA Medical Services and VA Healthcare Facilities:

• VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers remain open and fully staffed, providing essential medical care.

• Emergency and routine medical appointments, mental health services, and specialty care are unaffected.

VA National Cemetery Operations:

• Burials will proceed as planned at VA national cemeteries.

• Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will still be processed.

VA Critical Support Services:

• The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remains available 24/7 for those in crisis.

• Programs for suicide prevention, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue without disruption.

• The primary VA call center, 1-800-MYVA411, operates around the clock for general assistance.

Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) Cases:

• Veterans’ appeals cases will continue to be reviewed and decided, ensuring progress on claims that require further evaluation.

List of VA Services That ARE Impacted by a Government Shutdown

While many essential functions remain operational, some VA services are suspended during a government shutdown:

VBA Regional Offices and Career Assistance:

• VBA regional offices will be closed, pausing in-person support for claims and benefits inquiries.

• Transition assistance and career counseling services will be unavailable.

Certain VA Hotline Closures:

• The GI Bill® hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance line (1-800-697-6947) will not be operational.

VA Public Affairs and Outreach:

• Social media updates, VetResources emails, and press responses will cease temporarily.

• Outreach efforts to state, county, tribal, and community partners will pause.

National Cemetery Maintenance:

• Grounds maintenance and placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries will be suspended.

• Applications for pre-need burial eligibility and Presidential Memorial Certificates will not be processed during the shutdown.

The VA Field Guide to a Government Shutdown for Veterans [DOWNLOAD]

The VA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality, consistent care and services to veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

This dedication to the VA’s mission persists without exception, even during periods of limited operations caused by a government shutdown.

Veterans can download a copy of the VA’s Field Guide to a Government Shutdown for Veterans below:

VA Benefits During a Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A government shutdown raises many concerns for veterans and their families regarding access to benefits and services.

Here’s a detailed list of FAQs to address your most pressing questions about VA operations during a shutdown.

Does a 2024 government shutdown affect VA disability pay?

No. VA disability compensation, pension benefits, education payments under the GI Bill®, and housing stipends will continue to be processed and paid on time. These essential benefits are funded and prioritized to ensure veterans receive their financial support without interruptions.

Can I still access VA healthcare services during a government shutdown?

Yes. All VA medical facilities, including medical centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers, remain fully operational during a government shutdown. Veterans will continue to receive care, treatments, prescriptions, and mental health support. Additionally, emergency services and suicide prevention programs, such as the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1), will remain available 24/7.

What if I have questions about my VA education benefits or VA burial eligibility?

Hotlines specific to education benefits (1-888-GIBILL-1) and burial services (1-800-697-6947) will not be operational during a shutdown. However, you can still use the VA’s primary hotline, 1-800-MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411), for general inquiries or to access other available resources. For detailed questions about your GI Bill® benefits or pre-need burial applications, you may need to wait until after the shutdown for full assistance.

Will my Board of Veterans’ Appeals case be delayed by a government shutdown?

No. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue its work uninterrupted. Veterans’ appeals will still be reviewed and decided during a shutdown. If you have a pending case, there is no need to worry about delays in decisions being made.

What VA benefits and services are unaffected by a government shutdown?

The following VA benefits and services are considered essential and will remain unaffected during a government shutdown:

• VA Disability Compensation and Pension Payments: All VA disability and pension payments will continue to be processed and delivered on schedule.

• Education Benefits (GI Bill®): Education benefits, including housing stipends, will be paid on time.

• VA Health Care Services: All VA medical facilities, including VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers, will remain open and fully operational, providing healthcare, mental health services, and prescription medications.

• Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain available 24/7 to provide critical support to veterans in crisis.

• Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Board will continue to review and make decisions on veterans’ appeal cases.

• Burial Services at National Cemeteries: Burials will continue to be conducted at VA national cemeteries.

Veterans can also continue to access the 1-800-MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411) hotline for general questions and assistance 24/7.

What VA benefits and services are impacted by a government shutdown?

During a government shutdown, some non-essential VA services are temporarily paused.

The following VA benefits and services may be impacted:

Transition Assistance Programs and Career Counseling: These services will cease until the government resumes normal operations.

Hotlines for Specific Programs:

• GI Bill® Assistance Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1): Unavailable during the shutdown.

• National Cemetery Applicant Assistance Hotline (1-800-697-6947): Unavailable during the shutdown.

Regional VA Offices: VA regional benefits offices will be closed, and in-person services will not be available.

Public Affairs and Outreach Efforts: Social media updates, newsletters like VetResources, and responses to press inquiries will cease.

National Cemeteries Services:

• Grounds maintenance and placement of permanent headstones will be paused.

• Applications for pre-need burials at VA cemeteries will not be processed.

• Printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates will halt.

Outreach to Partners: Outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based, and community organizations will be suspended.

For urgent or general questions during a shutdown, veterans can use the 1-800-MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411) hotline, which remains available 24/7.

Will in-process VA disability claims face delays during a government shutdown?

No, VA disability claims processing will proceed as usual despite a government shutdown. VA claims processors, including Veterans Service Representatives (VSRs) and Rating Veterans Service Representatives (RVSRs), are classified as mission-essential personnel, ensuring that disability claims are reviewed, processed, and decided without interruption.

Will VA employees get furloughed during a government shutdown?

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs:

• The VA projects that 96% of its workforce will either be fully funded or deemed “excepted,” meaning their roles are essential and will continue even during a shutdown.

• Out of the VA’s pre-shutdown workforce of 458,579, approximately 440,740 employees will remain on duty, including 403,159 VHA employees funded by advance appropriations.

• Around 17,839 employees will work until existing carryover funds are exhausted, after which they will be furloughed. These employees, along with furloughed personnel, will receive retroactive pay once the funding lapse ends.

Click here to view the VA’s 2024 human capital contingency plan in the absence of appropriations.

How can I get support from the VA during a government shutdown?

If you have questions or need support during the shutdown:

• Call the VA’s primary hotline: 1-800-MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411), available 24/7 for general inquiries and resource guidance.

• Access the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 for immediate mental health support.

• Visit your local VA medical center or outpatient clinic: These facilities remain open for in-person support.

• Medical emergencies: Dial 911.

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

While a government shutdown may disrupt some VA services, essential VA benefits and medical care will continue uninterrupted.

Veterans should stay proactive by keeping their records updated, attending scheduled appointments, and using available resources like the 1-800-MYVA411 hotline.

The VA is committed to ensuring veterans and their families receive the support they deserve, even during challenging times.

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