Veterans Can Still Access Most VA Services During Government Shutdown
4 min read
When the federal government shuts down, many Americans worry about their benefits. For veterans, the good news is that most essential services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will continue, even while parts of the government are paused.
That’s because the VA is one of the few federal agencies that receives advanced appropriations, meaning its funding for key programs is approved a year ahead of time. According to the VA’s Human Capital Contingency Plan, this allows about 97% of VA employees to keep working during a shutdown.
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What’s still running for veterans during a shutdown?
Even with the government on pause, most core VA programs remain fully operational. That includes:
Medical centers and hospitals: VA healthcare continues as normal, including appointments, surgeries, and prescriptions.
Disability and pension payments: These benefits are protected and will not be delayed.
Burials and memorial services: National cemeteries are still conducting burials.
Call centers: Most VA hotlines remain open for benefit and healthcare questions.
Essentially, the programs veterans rely on most — healthcare, compensation, and pensions — are funded and functioning.
MORE INFO: How does a shutdown affect your benefits?
What’s paused during the shutdown?
Some VA services have been temporarily suspended, including:
Regional service offices: These offices are closed until government operations resume.
GI Bill hotline: The education benefits line is offline during the shutdown.
Cemetery maintenance: Groundskeeping for headstones and landscaping is on hold.
Transition programs and career counseling: These services are among the most affected, leaving some recently separated service members without immediate job placement or career support.
What should veterans do?
If you’re a veteran with questions about your benefits or worried about a delay, contact Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or another veterans service organization (VSO). These nonprofit groups often fill in the gaps when government offices close, helping file claims, answer questions, and ensure you don’t miss deadlines once operations resume.
You can also access most VA resources online:
VA.gov: Check the status of disability claims, appeals, or benefits.
My HealtheVet: Manage prescriptions, appointments, and medical records.
The bottom line
Even during a government shutdown, veterans’ compensation, healthcare, and essential benefits remain secure. While some services like education support and career counseling may pause temporarily, there’s no interruption to payments or medical care.
For veterans, it’s an inconvenience, not a crisis.
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