As of October 8, the federal government is still shutdown due to the failure of Congress to fund the government past the end of the fiscal year, which ended on September 30.
The impact on veterans has grown this week as VA has announced that the educational call center and educational and vocational counseling are suspended. In addition, VA Regional Offices are now closed to the public. Because VA’s health care is funded a year in advance, VA medical centers remain fully operational.
VA is continuing to update its guide for veterans to provide information about the shutdown and the impact on veterans benefits. To stay up to date, visit VA’s website at: www.va.gov/opa/appropriations_lapse_plan.asp.
Veterans and their families must be able to depend on VA services and benefits. We call on Congress to take action to fully fund all veterans programs for the current fiscal year.