Veterans Affairs Services During Federal Shutdown: What’s Open and What’s Paused

Photo Courtesy of Texas Veterans Commission

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released updated guidance on which VA services are continuing and which are temporarily affected during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, most core services remain operational, including health care, benefits delivery, and burials. However, several outreach and administrative programs are paused until federal funding is restored.

VA Services Not Impacted

• Veteran health care remains open — all VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers continue operations.

• VA benefits such as compensation, pension, education, and housing assistance will still be processed and delivered.

• Burials at VA national cemeteries will continue, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits are still being accepted.

• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will keep issuing decisions.

• VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) remain available 24/7.

VA Services Impacted

• Career counseling and Transition Assistance Program activities are suspended.

• The GI Bill Hotline and VA regional benefits offices are closed.

• Public affairs and outreach activities are paused.

• Placement of permanent headstones and some grounds maintenance at VA national cemeteries are delayed.

• Pre-need burial applications and new presidential memorial certificates will not be processed until funding resumes.

Texas Veterans Commission Still Operating

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) emphasized that its state-run programs are not affected by the federal shutdown. All services for Texas veterans, their families, and survivors will continue uninterrupted.More information is available at tvc.texas.gov or the VA’s official contingency page: department.va.gov/contingency-planning.