How can California’s military veterans weather the federal shutdown?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Federal VA medical centers, clinics, cemeteries and benefits remain open.
- Some call centers and regional offices closed; career counseling paused.
- CalVet and state programs operate remotely and offer loans, homes, and counseling.
On one important level, veterans aren’t feeling the worst effects of the federal government shutdown – benefits are still coming and will indefinitely.
And CalVet remains open, with staff and resources that can help.
But some federal services have been curtailed. Benefit regional offices are closed. Career counseling is not available. Some call centers are down.
What’s open and what’s closed
Here’s a quick guide to what’s available and what’s not:
Q. Are benefits and other critical services still available?
A. Yes. The good news is that the federal Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical centers, outpatient clinics and vet centers are open as usual and providing all regular services.
Benefits will continue to be processed and paid, including pensions, education and housing benefits and compensation.
National cemeteries will continue burials, and families can still apply for markers, headstones and burial benefits.
Q. Should I try calling the VA if I need help?
A. The VA advises that its call centers are staffed 24 hours a day. That includes the primary call center at 1-800-MyVA411 and the Veterans Crisis Line. To reach that line, dial 988 and press 1.
The VA benefit hotline (1-800-827-1000) is operating Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT.
The National Cemetery Scheduling Office (1-800-535-1117) (TTY:711)) will be available Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PDT. It also operates on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PDT to schedule burials.
Q. Will all call centers remain staffed?
A. The VA says its GI BIll hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) and Memorial Products Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947) unit are shuttered.
Q. What’s the status of suicide prevention programs?
A. Those programs, as well as help for homelessness services and caregiver support, will continue.
How to use CalVet services
Q. How can CalVet help?
A. “All CalVet programs and services, including Home Loans and Veterans Homes, continue without interruption,” said Kate Hoit, CalVet deputy communications director..
Veterans who need assistance can call 1-800-952-5626 or email contactuscommunications@calvet.ca.gov. More information is available at www.calvert gov.
Q. Are CalVet district offices open?
A. Mostly. The headquarters at 1227 O St. in Sacramento remains open. Offices that are co-located in federal VA regional offices are closed to walk-in service. Hoit advises that “CalVet District Office staff will be available remotely via phone and email during normal business hours and are standing by to assist.”
Q. What sort of services does CalVet provide?
A. CalVet provides a wide variety of services to veterans and their families, including employment and workforce support, educational benefits, housing and mental health support, assistance navigating state and federal benefits, and more.
CalVet encourages all veterans to connect with their Local Interagency Network Coordinators (LINCs). LINCs are trusted guides and the connectors between veterans and the services they have earned and deserve, Hoit said.
CalVet is located throughout California, helping veterans access benefits and resources by connecting them with federal, state, and community partners.
Veterans can attend one of CalVet’s California Transition Assistance Program events, which aim to connect veterans from any era to what Hoit said are their earned federal and state benefits.
The events can also provide continued support and assistance from a veteran’s military discharge through every stage of the veteran’s life as their needs change over time. The next virtual event is Thursday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Q. What is closed or delayed?
A. The federal VA says it has stopped providing transition program assistance and career counseling. Benefits regional offices are closed. There is no grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries. Presidential memorial certificates will not be printed.
This story was originally published October 28, 2025 at 10:15 AM.
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