Veterans who receive disability benefits have had their fair share of interactions with government entities like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals — both good and bad. Many of those interactions have led to questions for veterans and with the rumored shutdown of the federal government in 2024, many veterans want to know — how will a government shutdown affect veterans benefits? We have the answers right here at VA Benefits Attorneys!

Will the Government Shutdown in 2024?

Many veterans are concerned about the potential of a federal government shutdown in 2024 that has the potential to impact government programs and benefits across the United States. It has happened before and is likely to happen again at some point in the future. With many signs pointing to a government shutdown in the next year, veterans are concerned with how it may affect their VA disability benefits, educational assistance, and more. 

The expectation was that the government would shut down on September 30, 2024 — but President Biden signed a bill ahead of the deadline to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. The bill will only provide funding for the government through December 20, 2024 — which means that a shutdown is still a possibility this year.

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Do VA Disability Benefits Stop When the Government Shuts Down?

The primary concern for veterans with the threat of a government shutdown is whether they will receive their disability benefits, home loan payments, GI Bill benefits, be able to attend VA medical appointments, and more. The overall sentiment is that the Department of Veterans Affairs and other veteran-related government entities will continue to provide benefits and services in the event of a government shutdown. 

Here is a better look at how a government shutdown would likely affect veteran benefits and services:

• VA Healthcare Facilities — Do you have a medical appointment at a VA facility that is scheduled for a projected shutdown? Military personnel and veterans can expect these facilities to be open for appointments, treatment, and more.
• VA Disability Compensation — Do you receive disability benefits and compensation? You will continue to receive your monthly disability compensation and payments even in the event of a government shutdown.
• VA Disability and Pension Claims — Waiting for the results of a VA disability claim can be stressful and having that process interrupted by a shutdown can be even more frustrating. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue to handle veteran disability and pension claims in the event of a shutdown.
• GI Bill and Education Benefits — Veterans who use the Post 9/11 GI Bill for tuition assistance or housing benefits may be concerned that they would lose their benefits for a shutdown. These benefits will be provided as normal during a shutdown, but the Education Call Center and GI Bill Hotline may not be operating.
• VA Home Loans — Whether you are in the process of applying for a VA Home Loan or already have one and have questions, you may be concerned about a government shutdown. VA Home Loan programs will operate as expected in a government shutdown.

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You may want to know  — how can a government shutdown affect veterans benefits? We have the answers and information that you need right here at VA Benefits Attorneys. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for more information on how we can help you get the benefits you have earned!