Earlier this month, after being unable to reach an agreement on a bill that would fund government services into the month of October, the federal government has ceased many operations, resulting in a partial “shutdown.”
However, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs, an estimated 97 percent of VA employees continue to provide services during a shutdown and many benefits are still accessible to veterans during this time.
Some notable services that are still accessible during a shutdown are:
- VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and vet centers will continue to operate as usual and have unaffected working hours.
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, such as compensation, pension, education and housing benefits.
- Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services and caregiver support will continue.
Below is a list of notable benefits that are not currently accessible:
- Transition program assistance and career counseling have temporarily ceased.
- VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
- No grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.
While federal facilities are closed to claimants seeking accredited VA claims assistance, veterans can rest assured. VFW Accredited Service Officers should have the ability to still assist veterans from any reliable Internet connection.
Email your accredited service officer directly. To find the service officer nearest your location, visit vfw.org/Service-Officers.
If you cannot contact your accredited representative, but still need assistance, call the VFW Member Service Center at 1.833.VFW.VETS (1.833.839.8387).
For a comprehensive list of available services and for more information regarding the VA and the government shutdown, please visit https://department.va.gov/contingency-planning/.
This article is featured in the 2025 October issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.