As you may be aware, funding for some government agencies, including portions of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has expired due to the government shutdown on October 1, 2025.
During the current lapse in funding, the majority of Federal VA benefits and services will continue uninterrupted because the VA’s budget is approved by Congress a year in advance. However, the government shutdown is not without consequence to the VA. Here are some examples of services that will and will not be impacted.
The government shutdown will not impact critical VA services, such as:
- Veteran health care will continue. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including disability compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits (e.g., VA home loan, grant per diem, etc.).
- Burials will continue at VA National Cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
- Appeals at the Regional Office will be processed, and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue to make decisions on Veterans’ cases.
- VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.
- Caregiver services, homelessness prevention services, and suicide prevention services, will not be impacted.
The government shutdown will impact certain types of Veterans’ care and assistance services, such as:
- VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
- The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
- VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
- VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
- VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
- VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
- VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.
Overall, most of the critical and primary functions of the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to operate during the shutdown, including but not limited to, disability benefit payments and claims processing, VA healthcare, the Veterans Crisis Line, and caregiver, homelessness prevention and suicide prevention services. Less essential functions may be limited or stopped during the government shutdown.
Additional information regarding the impact of the government shutdown on VA services is available on the VA’s website, which can be found at: VA Contingency Planning.