Of some 482,000 employees, about 37,000, nearly 8 percent, are either working unpaid or have been furloughed without pay. Image: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe VA has stressed that prefunding arrangements that have kept most of its functions in operation—and most of its employees in paid status—during the shutdown do not cover all employees and functions.
“Because VA receives some advance appropriations from Congress, the department’s medical centers, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers remain open and are operating normally during the shutdown. Additionally, VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. Burials will also continue at VA national cemeteries,” the VA said.
Of some 482,000 employees, about 37,000, nearly 8 percent, are either working unpaid or have been furloughed without pay, it said. The remainder make up the large majority of employees continuing in paid status, apart from self-funding entities such as the USPS.
It said that impacted services include shutting down the GI Bill Hotline; closing benefits regional offices; a suspension of grounds maintenance or placing permanent headstones at veterans’ cemeteries; and a suspension of counseling or case management services under the Veterans Readiness and Employment program.
“More than 16,000 service members who are preparing to leave the military cannot receive VA transition briefings, as the contract that provides for this service is not operational during the lapse in appropriations. During this time, transitioning service members will continue to have online access to the full content of the TAP briefing,” it said.
Continuing functions in addition to medical care include processing of benefits claims, burials, operation of the Board of Veterans Appeals, several call centers, and suicide prevention, homelessness services, and caregiver support programs.
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