Update - Federal Government Shutdown - Federal VA Impacts and State Government Agency Impacts

Your WDVA is not immediately impacted by the federal government shutdown.  Our State Veterans Homes, State Veterans Cemetery, Transitional Housing Program, Counseling Program, and all other WDVA programs remain open and ready to serve Veterans and Families.  

In-person appointments are not available at our Seattle Office after Thursday October 2^nd, due to the closure of the Jackson Federal Building. Our Seattle team is still available for telephone and virtual appointments by contacting 206-825-3986 or daniel.stewart@dva.wa.gov

If any changes occur that may impact services, we will provide updates.  You can also find out more about impacts to the federal VA at: https://department.va.gov/contingency-planning/

For information on shutdown impacts to Washington state government agencies, please visit: Federal shutdown impacts on Washington state government | Office of Financial Management

Information and resources from branches of service and military installations

• JBLM Resources: https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/9017/5933/6985/Shutdown25.pdf 
• FY26 Lapse of Appropriations: Department of the Navy Resources for Sailors, Marines and Civilians > United States Navy > News Display

Other resources

• Food Services and Assistance Programs 

The following critical Veterans care and assistance programs will be impacted:

• VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
• The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
• VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
• VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
• VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
• VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
• VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.

 The government shutdown will not impact the following VA services:

• Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
• VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
• Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
• VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.

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