VA Confirms Veterans’ Medical Services Safe Despite Possible Government Shutdown

On Tuesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs assured that veterans’ health care services will remain operational without interruption, despite the looming threat of a federal government shutdown at midnight caused by a congressional funding impasse.

The VA has announced that 97% of its workforce is set to continue their duties amid a potential shutdown, guaranteeing that medical centers, outpatient clinics, and vet centers will remain operational. Key advantages—such as pay, retirement plans, educational support, and housing assistance—will remain in effect and will be managed and provided as usual.

The agency emphasized its dedication to delivering quality and consistent care and services to veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors on its website. The VA consistently upholds this standard, even when operations face constraints due to a lack of appropriations.

Despite the ongoing provision of health services and benefits, several administrative functions will be temporarily suspended. The regional offices for VA benefits are set to close, while the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will maintain its role in reviewing and making decisions on veterans’ cases.

Support services for crisis intervention and outreach will continue to operate. The Veterans Crisis Line, available at 988 and by pressing 1, will be in operation around the clock, every day of the week. You can reach the VA Contact Centers at 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) and the VA Benefits Hotline at 800-827-1000. These services will be operational from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. 

However, the GI Bill Hotline will not be operational throughout the entire period of the shutdown.

The ongoing efforts in suicide prevention, services for the homeless, and support for caregivers will proceed seamlessly, ensuring that vital assistance remains available to those in need. National cemeteries will continue to conduct burials, and the processing of applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits remains in effect.

Nonetheless, operations deemed nonessential at the cemetery will be temporarily halted. The VA has announced a suspension of permanent headstone placements and grounds maintenance at its national cemeteries. The processing of pre-need burial applications will cease, along with the printing of new presidential memorial certificates. The hotlines for assistance with National Cemetery applications are currently closed and will remain so until funding is restored.

As Congress hurries to prevent a shutdown, the announcement arrives at a critical moment that could impact government operations across the country. Thousands of federal employees could face furloughs if a funding bill remains unapproved as the midnight deadline approaches. However, advance appropriations secured for veterans' health care will largely continue the VA's operations.

In the face of potential administrative delays, VA officials reassured veterans that their medical treatment and benefit payments will continue without interruption. The agency emphasized its steadfast dedication to ensuring the ongoing support and care for those who have dedicated their service to the nation.