Pinnacle Newspaper 2024

Government Shutdowns and Veteran Students:
During a government shutdown, the
Department of Veterans Affairs can
face challenges in its operations and
services. However, the GI Bill, which provides
education benefits to veterans, is
an entitlement program, and its funding is
separate from the annual appropriations
that fund government agencies.
In the past, during government shutdowns,
the VA has been able to continue processing
benefits because the funding comes from a
mandatory source rather than discretionary
appropriations. This means that, even
when there is a government shutdown, the
funds allocated for the GI Bill are not supposed
to be directly impacted.
Despite this, there are still some potential
disruptions in other services provided
by the VA. Services related to disability
claims, home loan guarantees and vocational
rehabilitation may be affected.
It’s important to remember, if government
shutdowns become a common tactic in the
legislative branch, that this entitlement
program isn’t a bottomless pit. Students relying
on the GI Bill need to stay informed
about updates or changes in services that
may occur during a government shutdown.
The VA typically provides information on
its website to keep veterans informed about
the status of services during such periods.
Another aspect that gets overlooked is the
active military students at JBLM. Active military
students are not protected under the
VA umbrella because they are not veterans
yet. Their funding for education, housing,
disability and more can be interrupted.
Keep in mind that the specific impact of a
government shutdown can vary. It’s crucial
for our vets using the GI Bill to stay in
touch with Veterans Support Services and
Recourse Offices as well as the VA regional
office for the most up-to-date information
during any period of government shutdown.
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Veterans Resource Center: CEVSS@pierce.ctc.edu