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As a result of a lapse in appropriation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Education Service is unable to continue performing normal duties and responsibilities at this time.
The following critical Veterans care and assistance programs will be impacted by the government shutdown:
- VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
- The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
- VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
- VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
- VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
- VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
- VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.
The government shutdown will not impact the following VA services:
- Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
- Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
- The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
- VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.
Please go to VA Contingency Planning for a full list of VA functions that are continuing and those that are suspended during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. VA is committed to providing quality, consistent care and services to Veterans and their families. VA’s mission allows no exception to this standard even when operations are limited by the absence of appropriations, and we will contact you as soon as the lapse in appropriations is resolved and normal operations restored.
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration
1-888-442-4551, TDD: 711
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