Resources for Veterans During a Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know

A government shutdown can cause stress and uncertainty, but many lifeline services for veterans remain protected. By knowing which resources continue, which may be limited, and how to access essential support, veterans can better navigate disruptions and get the help they need during a funding lapse. Below is a guide to what remains available, what is disrupted, and how veterans can access support during a funding gap.

What VA Services Continue During a Shutdown

Thanks to advance appropriations and contingency planning, many core VA functions remain active during a shutdown. According to the VA’s contingency plan, these include:

• Health care services: VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers remain open and fully staffed. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Benefits processing and payments: Disability compensation, pensions, education, housing benefits, and insurance claims continue to be processed and disbursed. The Tuley Law Office Veterans Affairs
• Burials and cemetery services: Interments at national cemeteries, eligibility determinations, and headstone/marker processing continue. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Affairs
• Veterans Crisis Line & suicide prevention: The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remains operational 24/7. Veterans Affairs
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Decision-making continues on veterans’ appeals.Military Times Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Primary VA contact center: The 1-800-MyVA411 line stays open for general inquiries. Veterans Affairs

These protections stem from the fact that certain functions — including benefits and health care — are funded separately or considered “mandatory” or “excepted” during a lapse in regular appropriations. Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

What Services May Be Suspended or Limited

While essential services are safeguarded, some support, outreach and regional operations may be paused. These include:

• Transition Assistance & career counseling: Programs that help service members prepare for civilian life may be suspended. VA Claims Insider Department of Veterans Affairs
• Regional VA benefits offices: These field offices may be closed, limiting in-person support. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+4Veterans Affairs Stars and Stripes 
• GI Bill / Education Call Center (1-888-GIBILL-1): The education hotline may shut down. Military Times Student Veterans of America U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• National Cemetery Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947): That hotline may not operate during a shutdown. Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
• Grounds maintenance & permanent headstone placement: Routine upkeep of cemetery grounds and permanent installations might be delayed. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Affairs
• VA outreach/outreach communications: Social media updates, press responses, and outreach to partner agencies may halt. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Affairs
• Public affairs, memorial certificates: New printing of Presidential Memorial Certificates may be paused. Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Tips and Resources for Veterans During a Shutdown

1. Use protected contact lines
   • Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) for general VA inquiries. Veterans Affairs
   • For mental health or crisis help, dial 988, then Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans Affairs
2. Access the VA’s “Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown”
   This PDF outlines which services remain available and which may be suspended. Veterans Affairs
   
3. Check the VA Contingency Planning page
   The VA maintains updated plans and FAQs to inform veterans and staff about operations during a shutdown. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
   
4. Plan for delays in non-essential services
   If you rely on VA offices, counseling, or hotlines that may be offline, try to submit or schedule services early or prepare alternate strategies.
   
5. Stay updated via trusted sources
   Visit VA.gov and check official announcements. Avoid relying solely on social media, as public outreach may be paused.
   
6. Seek local or nonprofit support
   In times of service disruption, veteran service organizations (VSOs), state and local veteran affairs offices, and community nonprofits may step in to offer help — from benefits assistance to mental health referrals.

Ready to start your next chapter? Join a community of sailors navigating transition together. Reach out today at chas@deariedigital.com or +1 833-400-6289 to get connected with resources, guidance, and support.