Will a Government Shutdown Affect My VA Disability?

If you rely on VA disability benefits for your monthly income or medical care, the possibility of a government shutdown can feel overwhelming. The good news is that, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, your disability payments and access to VA health care remain protected even when Congress fails to pass a budget.

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Will a Government Shutdown Happen?

Government shutdown threats have become increasingly common as Congress struggles to pass full-year funding bills. A shutdown can occur when lawmakers do not approve a federal budget or a temporary funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, by the deadline.

While shutdowns are disruptive, the VA prepares for these events in advance through its official contingency plan, which outlines exactly which services continue and which pause during a lapse in government funding. You can view the current plan at VA.gov under “VA Contingency Planning.”

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What Happens if Congress Doesn’t Reach an Agreement?

If Congress does not fund the government on time, some federal departments pause certain operations. However, the VA is structured differently from many agencies. Under the VA’s official guidance, disability compensation, pension payments, dependency and indemnity compensation, and other mandatory benefits continue to be paid during a shutdown. This is because these benefits are funded through advance appropriations passed by Congress the previous year.

According to the VA’s contingency planning documents, VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, emergency care, surgeries, inpatient care, mental health treatment, pharmacy services, and all essential clinical operations remain open. Veterans Health Administration services are protected because they also receive advance funding.

Even though these essential services continue, the VA states that some support services are paused during a shutdown. For example, many public-facing regional office functions may be unavailable because non-essential staff are furloughed. Outreach programs, some call centers, and certain administrative services may also pause until funding is restored.

These changes do not affect your payments or your ability to get medical care. They only affect certain programs that are not considered essential under federal shutdown rules.

How Would a Government Shutdown Affect My VA Disability Benefits Application?

If you are filing a new disability claim or waiting on a pending decision, the VA confirms that the claims process continues during a shutdown. Compensation and pension exams, evidence gathering, and claim adjudication move forward because these functions are included in the VA’s list of excepted activities.

This means you should still attend scheduled C and P exams, submit any evidence the VA requests, and respond to all deadlines as usual. A shutdown does not prevent the VA from reviewing or processing claims, although some non-essential administrative delays may occur.

Appeals also continue during a shutdown. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals operates with excepted staff so hearings and decisions may still move forward.

If you have questions about your case or need assistance submitting a claim or appeal, DisabledVets.com is here to help. Our advocates understand the VA system and can guide you through every step of the process. Call 888-373-4722 or complete our online contact form HERE to get support.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Government Shutdown FAQs:

Does a government shutdown stop VA disability payments?
No. According to VA.gov and the VA’s official contingency planning documents, disability compensation continues during a shutdown because it is funded through advance appropriations.

Will my VA health care be affected in a shutdown?
No. All VA medical centers, clinics, emergency care, pharmacy services, mental health treatment, surgeries, and inpatient operations remain open.

Are VA regional offices open during a shutdown?
Many public-facing functions may be closed or limited, but essential compensation services continue behind the scenes.

Will a shutdown delay my VA disability claim?
Possibly. Although claims continue, some non-essential administrative staff are furloughed, which can cause processing slowdowns.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form