Claims and processing of payments for compensation, pension, education and vocational rehabilitation benefits are anticipated to continue through late October.
Veterans and their families are rightfully concerned about how the government shutdown will effect them directly. According to the VA Field Guide linked here, the impact will be limited for the immediate future. All health services including hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics, veteran center services and the crisis hotline will continue as usual.
Claims and processing of payments for compensation, pension, education,and vocational rehabilitation benefits are 'anticipated' to continue through late October. However, if the government shut down lasts longer than two to three weeks, claims and payment processing could be suspended.Important functions that have been suspended include decisions on claims and motions by the Board of Veteran Appeals, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Education Call Center, and overtime for VBA claims processors addressing the backlog on initial claims and appeals at VBA regional offices.
We will be looking into the impact on the housing voucher program for veterans (HUD-VASH) and Department of Labor veteran services and keep our supporters updated.
Feature image from sanders.senate.gov
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
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