Military and Veteran Services Affected by the Government Shutdown
A government shutdown affects military members and veterans in several ways. When the government shutdown at midnight on October 1, 2025, some essential services will continue, but many benefits and support systems will likely become disrupted. We examine how military families may be affected by the government’s inability to agree on a funding proposal, below.
Military and Veteran Services Affected by the Government Shutdown
Which military benefits and services are affected by the government shutdown? A variety of benefits, including military healthcare, commissaries, pay, and benefits processing operations, may be slowed down or suspended altogether. They include, but are not limited to, below:
Military Pay
A government shutdown typically threatens to delay military pay. Active-duty service members, as well as Guard and Reserve members on active-duty orders, must work without pay during a shutdown unless Congress passes a measure to pay service members during the shutdowns.
At press time, it’s unclear whether that will happen. ABC News reports some 2 million troops could be forced to go without pay. That would potentially include troops deployed to U.S. cities working to provide “security.”
Financial aid may be available to help service members during a shutdown. Military and Family Readiness Centers offer financial counseling and education. Service members who need help should contact their chain of command. Some military banks and credit unions have offered financial assistance to military members during past shutdowns.
Healthcare
The Military Health System may continue to provide healthcare during a government shutdown; however, not all services will be available. Military hospitals and clinics will remain open for inpatient, acute, and emergency care. Private sector care under TRICARE will also continue.
Outpatient care, such as lab work and specialty appointments, could have different hours or be rescheduled. There could also be delays in processing TRICARE claims and travel benefits.
The Defense Health Agency has told its TRICARE contractors to continue providing healthcare to all beneficiaries. Patients who see private providers should not experience any major changes.
RELATED: How the Government Shutdown Affects TRICARE
VA Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue operations during a government shutdown, but service may be disrupted. VA Medical Centers, clinics, and Vet Centers will stay open. The VA will continue to process and pay benefits for compensation, pension, education, and housing.
The VA will stop providing transition assistance and career counseling. The GI Bill and National Cemetery hotlines will be closed. VA regional offices will also be closed. Maintenance at VA cemeteries may be suspended, and no new headstones will be installed.
Other Services
A government shutdown would also affect other support services for military members and their families.
- Commissaries. Some commissaries may close or have reduced hours. Service members should check with their local commissary for its status.
- Child Care. On-base child care centers will be open on a case-by-case basis.
- Food Assistance Programs. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Basic Needs Allowance will continue to provide food assistance to eligible families.
- Unemployment. Furloughed civilian employees can apply for unemployment benefits. However, they may have to pay back the benefits if they receive retroactive pay after the shutdown.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
