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BREAKING NEWS:
October 1, 2025
Government Shutdown Impacts VA Services
As of midnight on October 1, 2025, funding for certain government agencies, including parts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), lapsed, leading to a partial government shutdown. President Trump has voiced opposition to this lapse in appropriations. On September 19, the House of Representatives, with the support of the Trump Administration, passed a clean continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21. However, Democrats in the U.S. Senate have blocked this resolution due to unrelated policy demands, resulting in the current funding lapse.
While most VA benefits and services will continue uninterrupted, the shutdown will impact specific programs and services. Below is an overview of what Veterans and their families need to know about the effects of the government shutdown on VA operations.
VA Services Impacted by the Shutdown
The following critical Veterans care and assistance programs will be affected:
- Career Counseling and Transition Assistance: VA will suspend Veteran career counseling and transition assistance program activities, limiting support for Veterans seeking employment or career guidance.
- GI Bill Hotline: The GI Bill Hotline will be closed, potentially delaying assistance for Veterans with education benefit inquiries.
- VA Regional Benefits Offices: These offices will be closed, affecting in-person support for benefits-related services.
- Public Affairs and Outreach: VA will cease public affairs and outreach activities to Veterans, reducing communication and community engagement efforts.
- Headstone Placement and Cemetery Maintenance: VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain grounds at VA national cemeteries, though temporary markers may still be provided.
- Pre-Need Burial Applications: VA will not process applications for pre-need burials, delaying eligibility determinations for burial benefits.
- Presidential Memorial Certificates: VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates, impacting families seeking to honor deceased Veterans.
VA Services Unaffected by the Shutdown
The following VA services will continue to operate normally:
- Veteran Health Care: VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open, ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services.
- VA Benefits Processing and Delivery: Compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered without disruption.
- Burials at VA National Cemeteries: Burials will proceed as scheduled, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will continue to be processed.
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Board will continue to issue decisions on Veterans’ cases, ensuring ongoing resolution of appeals.
- VA Contact Centers and Veterans Crisis Line: The VA Contact Center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain operational 24/7, providing critical support and information.