EDF Caregiver FAQs: What a Shutdown Means for Veterans & Caregivers
Q: Is my Veteran’s VA health care still open?
A: Yes. VA medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers, the Veterans Crisis Line and the Caregiver Support Line remain open. Keep your appointments unless VA tells you otherwise.
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Q: Will benefits (disability compensation, pension, housing, education) still be processed and paid?
A: Yes—VA continues processing and paying benefits, and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals keeps issuing decisions.
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Q: How “open” is VA during a shutdown?
A: VA estimates about 97% of employees continue working, which helps keep care and benefits moving. That’s why core services are steady even if some extras slow down.
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Q: What VA hotlines are open — and what might be closed?
A: Always open (24/7): Veterans Crisis Line 988 (Press 1); MyVA411 800-698-2411. Open weekdays: VA Benefits 800-827-1000 (Mon–Fri); Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274 (Mon-Fri). May pause: the GI Bill Hotline (888-GIBILL-1) and some outreach/education lines; if you can’t get through, use MyVA411 to get routed.
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Q: Does VA caregiver support (PGCSS/PCAFC) continue?
A: Yes. Caregiver support continues during a shutdown. PCAFC “legacy cohort” eligibility is already extended through Sept. 30, 2028. For help: Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274 (Mon–Fri).
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Q: What VA services are most likely to be delayed or paused?
A: Expect pauses in Transition Assistance/Career Counseling and some outreach/education services. If something you use is paused, call MyVA411 for the best alternative.
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Q: Will burials and memorial services continue?
A: Yes. National Cemetery scheduling and essential burial operations continue. For scheduling: 800-535-1117.
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Q: What if something I use is paused or delayed?
A: Start with MyVA411 (800-698-2411) for a live handoff to the next-best option. For caregiver-specific help, try the Caregiver Support Line (855-260-3274). In any mental-health crisis, call 988 (Press 1).
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Q: How long can VA operate like this?
A: VA plans and appropriations are built so core care and benefits keep going. As we continue to work with Congress and the Administration, EDF will provide updates as available.
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Q: Where’s the official, most current VA guidance?
A: VA’s Veteran Field Guide and Contingency Planning hub post what’s continuing and what’s impacted; they’re updated as conditions change.
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Quick contacts (save/share)
Crisis (Veterans Crisis Line): 988 (Press 1) — 24/7. (click for more)
MyVA411 (any VA question): 800-698-2411— 24/7. (click for more)
Benefits: 800-827-1000 — Mon–Fri. (click for more)
Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274 — Mon–Fri. (click for more)
Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838 — 24/7. (click for more)