How does a Government Shutdown Impact VA Education Benefits?

Congress must pass some form of funding plan by January 19th to avert a government shutdown. As time dwindles, the odds of a shutdown continue to grow, which has student veterans, military-connected students, family members, and survivors wondering what a government shutdown means for their VA education benefits.

The good news is that VA education benefits are expected to continue even if the government shuts down. These and a host of other VA benefits and major services, such as health care, will remain available.

While major VA benefits and services are expected to continue through a government shutdown, some functions will lapse including:

• The Education Call Center (the GI Bill hotline: 888-GIBILL-1 or 888-442-4551)

• Career counseling, including access to VR&E counselors

• Transition assistance

Additional information about how a government shutdown will impact VA benefits and services, including a full list of VA functions that will cease, can be found in the Department’s recently released contingency plan.

SVA will continue to monitor the government funding situation and communicate important developments to our chapter members. Be sure to follow us on social media and check our website for updates.