As our nation once again faces the threat of a lapse in government funding, we know this news can cause anxiety and uncertainty within the veteran community. We want to assure you that DAV is closely monitoring the situation and has reviewed the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) official contingency plan to provide you with the most accurate information on how a shutdown may impact the vital services you rely on.

The good news is that due to advance appropriations championed by DAV, the majority of the VA’s core services are protected, at least in the short term. Approximately 97% of VA employees are expected to be retained to perform essential functions.

Here’s a breakdown of what the VA’s plan indicates for a short-term shutdown:

Services that will continue

  • VA Health Care (VHA): All Veteran medical care and critical services will continue. This includes appointments, hospital operations, the Veterans Crisis Line (988 press 1), suicide prevention programs, homelessness programs and caregiver support.
  • Compensation and Pension Benefits (VBA): The processing and payment of your monthly compensation, pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits will continue. Education benefit claims processing and payments, as well as insurance and loan guaranty programs, will also continue.
  • Cemetery Services (NCA): Interments, scheduling, eligibility determinations and processing of headstones and markers will continue as necessary.
  • Key Call Centers: The MyVA411 and the PACT Act Contact Center operations will remain open.

Services that will be suspended or cease

While core benefits are protected, the shutdown will disrupt some critical support and outreach services.

  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Veteran outreach, including VR&E (Chapter 31) and Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG/Chapter 36) services, will be suspended.
  • Education Call Center: The VBA Education Call Center (GI Bill Hotline) will be closed.
  • Transition Assistance Programs (TAP): The VA’s Transition Assistance Programs for service members leaving the military will be suspended.
  • Cemetery Operations: Routine grounds maintenance, new Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) processing and permanent headstone or marker installations by NCA employees will cease.

For more information on the VA’s contingency plan during a government shutdown, please visit: https://department.va.gov/contingency-planning/human-capital-contingency-plan/

If you are a veteran or family member who needs assistance with obtaining VA benefits or services, please contact your nearest DAV service office at www.benefitsquestions.org.