UPDATE–The federal government is shutdown due to the failure of Congress to pass legislation to continue to fund the government past the end of the fiscal year, September 30. VetsFirst calls on Congress to take action to fully fund all veterans programs for the current fiscal year.

 

If the House and Senate can’t find a deal by midnight on Monday, September 30, the federal government will shutdown, leaving just enough resources to cover the essential services. While veterans may be more protected than other constituencies, a government shutdown, particularly long-term, is concerning for veterans that rely on VA’s critical supports and services.

Fortunately, many VA services and benefits will continue to be available. For example, the payment of VA compensation and pension benefits won’t be immediately impacted by a shutdown. VA health care will also continue to be available. In 2011, the veterans’ community banded together to call on Congress to fund VA health care one year in advance. This allows VA to plan ahead, but it also provides protections for VA health care services in the event of a government shutdown.

Some VA services that will continue during a shutdown include: inpatient care, outpatient care, prescriptions, surgeries, dental treatment, extended care, mental health care, special health care services for women veterans, vet centers, and the veterans crisis line. VA will also continue to process claims for disability benefits, pension, education, and  vocational rehabilitation. Most VA benefits calls centers (with the exception of education) will also be available.

All VA programs and services, however, are not exempt. Some impacted service areas include: the VA Regional Office public contact services and the processing of claims appeals decisions by the Board of Veterans Appeals. Vocational rehabilitation and education counseling will also be limited.

VA’s plan for the government shutdown will continue to be reviewed and updated. VA has already stated that funding for compensation and other monetary benefits and claims processing might run out by late October if a shutdown were to drag on.

For more information, please review VA’s Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown.