The federal government is currently experiencing a partial shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. While many federal agencies may be affected, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that the majority of its services for veterans and families will continue.
Importantly, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) programs and all state-provided veterans’ services and benefits are not impacted by the federal shutdown. Oregon veterans and families can continue to access state services as usual.
ODVA is sharing this information to help ensure Oregon veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors know what services remain available through the federal VA — and what services may be temporarily affected — during this period.
Federal VA Services NOT Impacted by the Shutdown:
- Health care: VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers remain open.
- Benefits: Compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered.
- Cemeteries: Burials at VA national cemeteries will continue, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will be processed.
- Appeals: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue making decisions.
- Hotlines (open as usual):
- 1-800-MyVA411 (general VA support, 24/7)
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1 (24/7)
- VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. ET)
- Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.
Federal VA Services Impacted by the Shutdown: - Transition program assistance and career counseling will pause.
- Certain call centers will close, including:
- GI Bill Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1)
- National Cemetery Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947)
- VA benefits regional offices will be closed to the public.
- Outreach functions will pause, including VA newsletters, social media, and some partner engagement.
- At VA cemeteries: grounds maintenance, new headstone placement, and pre-need burial applications will be suspended.
- New Presidential Memorial Certificates will not be printed.
Resources and Support:
- For federal VA questions: Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) (available 24/7)
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1 (available 24/7)
- Federal VA updates: www.va.gov
- Oregon-specific resources: www.oregon.gov/odva
ODVA programs are unaffected. If you need assistance connecting with benefits or services, please contact ODVA directly by phone at 1-800-692-9666, email at ODVA_PUBLIC_INFO@odva.oregon.gov, or online at www.oregon.gov/odva.
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