The government shutdown’s impact on veterans benefits

Because Congress was unable to reach a spending agreement before the start of the new fiscal year, the U.S. federal government shut down on October 1, 2025. Government shutdowns can be confusing because some agencies and activities continue to operate while others are shuttered entirely.

If you currently rely on benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you’re probably wondering how a government shutdown might affect you. Fortunately, most of the VA’s essential services – including medical care, disability payments and pensions for veterans – are funded in advance, so they’ll continue without interruption.

Some administrative services may experience delays, however. For example, military veterans could face longer wait times for appointments or even limited access to regional offices until the government fully reopens.

The Department of Veterans Affairs said on its website: “The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates 97 percent of VA employees continue to work during a shutdown, according to the VA Human Capital Contingency Plan. VA is committed to providing quality, consistent care and services to Veterans, families, Caregivers, and Survivors. VA’s mission allows no exception to this standard, even when operations are limited by the absence of appropriations (commonly known as a ‘Government shutdown’).”

Let’s look at how to stay informed about your VA benefits – and what you can expect during the government shutdown.

Why do most VA benefits continue during a shutdown?

Core veterans services are able to continue because of advance appropriations, which Congress designates for specific government programs in future fiscal years. Many VA benefits are also classified as mandatory spending, which means they’re required under current laws. Thus, even though some parts of the VA may scale back or even temporarily close during a shutdown of the federal government, the essential benefits veterans rely on are protected from interruption.

Like Social Security payments, the majority of VA benefits are considered mandatory spending; as such, they are required to continue by law, even amid a funding lapse. Veterans services that will continue operating during the shutdown:

Which VA services are impacted or suspended during a government shutdown?

While the most critical VA services continue during a shutdown, other support functions and outreach programs may be paused or delayed until full funding is restored. The following types of services could be affected, for example:

What happened to VA benefits during the 2018–19 government shutdown?

The 2018–19 government shutdown lasted for 35 days, the longest in U.S. history. Fortunately, most VA programs continued without interruption. Because advance appropriations fund key programs ahead of time, the VA was able to process disability and pension payments, maintain health care services and continue burials at national cemeteries. While some regional offices reduced staffing and a few call centers temporarily closed, veterans overall did not lose access to their benefits or medical care.

The uninterrupted delivery of most VA services during the 2018–19 government shutdown is largely attributable to the agency’s broad contingency plan. Starting in fiscal year 2011, Congress allowed the VA to request advance appropriations for medical care. During the 2013 federal government shutdown, though, a lack of funding delayed some benefit services and payments to veterans. In 2017, Congress expanded advance appropriations to include VA entitlement programs. Since that time, the VA has had the financial stability to keep essential programs running even when Congress can’t agree on a budget.

Steps veterans can take during the government shutdown

Veterans can continue to use VA services during a government shutdown. VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers remain open, so you can keep your appointments and access care as necessary. If you have an urgent need that can’t wait, you can still reach the Veterans Crisis Line or contact the VA’s main helpline for general assistance.

While most VA benefits and services will continue, some administrative services may take longer than normal to complete. For example, you may experience longer wait times for new applications or customer service inquiries. VA regional offices may have to operate with reduced staffing, and certain call centers could be temporarily offline. If you’re planning to apply for new benefits or follow up on a pending claim, allow extra time for processing.

Staying informed can help you anticipate minor delays and avoid unnecessary stress while the shutdown continues. To stay informed about any VA changes or news related to the shutdown, you can visit the agency’s official websiteOpens overlay.

The bottom line

If you are a veteran and worried about the shutdown, the good news is that your VA benefits will continue. Thanks to its multilayered contingency plan, the agency will continue to process disability compensation, pensions and medical care with no interruptions. Some administrative services, however, could be delayed or even paused until the shutdown ends.

If you rely on VA benefits, the best thing you can do is stay informed and anticipate possible delays. While the shutdown is still in effect, the VA’s website and helpline are the best sources for information and assistance.

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