LOS ANGELES, CA (October 2025) – With the federal government shutdown pausing certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services, many veterans, service members, and families face uncertainty. Los Angeles County is stepping up to provide stability, ensuring uninterrupted support through its Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA).

“During these challenging times of a federal shutdown, LA County stands firm in our commitment to support our veterans and their families. We understand the critical need for uninterrupted services and are dedicated to ensuring that no veteran is left behind,” said James Zenner, Director, MVA. “Our efforts to bridge the gaps and provide essential services will continue with unwavering dedication. We are here for our veterans, now more than ever.”

VA Services Continuing During Shutdown

According to federal contingency guidance, many essential VA services remain in place despite the shutdown. Veterans can still access:

• VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers, which remain open and provide care as usual
• VA benefits payments, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits, which continue to be processed and delivered without interruption
• Burials at VA national cemeteries, along with applications for headstones, markers, and standard burial benefits
• Decisions from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, which remain ongoing
• VA call centers, including MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1), which continue 24/7
• Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support, which remain fully operational

VA Services Temporarily Paused

According to federal contingency guidance, several VA services are impacted by the shutdown. These include:

• The closure of regional benefits offices
• The suspension of career counseling and transition programs
• The shutdown of the GI Bill Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance Hotline (1-800-697-6947)
• Delays in processing pre-need burial applications
• The suspension of new Presidential Memorial Certificates
• The pause of VA outreach to community partners

These temporary pauses make local services even more valuable. Veterans and families in Los Angeles County can be reassured that MVA is open, accessible, and committed to meeting their needs.

“Our veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms, so they should never face uncertainty when it comes to accessing the services they’ve earned,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “I am proud that our Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is stepping up and continuing to provide services and support to our veteran community in Los Angeles County. I want to ensure veterans know they can continue to count on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs as a reliable partner and steadfast advocate for the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.”

 County Services Available Without Interruption

MVA remains a steady resource for veterans by providing many of the services currently unavailable through the VA:

• Claims Assistance: Accredited County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) help veterans file, track, and manage benefits claims.
• Education Support: Guidance on education benefit applications and questions, even while federal hotlines are closed. Note: MVA cannot check the status of existing applications or handle payment inquiries.
• Cemetery and Burial Support: Assistance with National Cemetery applications and pre-need burial requests.
• Presidential Memorial Certificates: Application assistance for certificates honoring deceased veterans.
• Community Outreach and Navigation: Peer navigation through the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN), along with housing, mental health, and caregiver support.

This mix of continuity and disruption highlights the critical role of local services. By stepping in where federal programs pause, MVA provides a steady hand, ensuring veterans and families remain connected to resources without interruption.

“Veterans should never have to bear the consequences of a federal government shutdown. Here in Los Angeles County, we are stepping in where Washington has fallen short. Through MVA, we are making sure our veterans and their families continue to receive the support and resources they deserve,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor

With more than 230,000 veterans living in Los Angeles County, the region has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. MVA plays a critical role in ensuring this community has access to services. Bob Hope Patriotic Hall serves as the County’s central hub for benefits, peer navigation, and community programs, while MVA staff work in partnership with local organizations across all five supervisorial districts.

“Too many of our veterans are already struggling — some without a home, others trying to navigate frustrating bureaucracy just to get the care they deserve. A federal shutdown impacting the VA only makes things harder. That’s why I am grateful that here in Los Angeles County, our Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is stepping up to ensure veterans don’t fall through the cracks,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District.

In addition to MVA services, veterans can continue turning to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). CalVet offices and services remain open during the federal shutdown. Veterans may contact Local Interagency Network Coordinators or District Offices for assistance. CalVet headquarters services — including the Home Loans Division and Veterans Homes — also remain fully operational.

“Our veterans deserve certainty in uncertain times, and LA County is here to provide the care, respect, and community they’ve earned,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “The federal shutdown has caused unnecessary stress, but our veterans are not alone. LA County will continue offering claims assistance, education support, community outreach, and additional essential services. We are committed to supporting them through this shutdown and ensuring lasting stability, dignity, and belonging for every veteran and their family.”

LA County’s commitment extends beyond filling short-term gaps. MVA programs provide long-term support with housing stability, suicide prevention, justice involved veterans services, family assistance, and workforce connections — building resilience across the veteran community and ensuring no veteran is left behind.

“The critical need to access food, shelter, health care, and other vital services and resources does not pause during the federal government’s shutdown. That’s why we will continue working with all County departments to ensure continuity of support for our veterans, children, seniors, and the millions of residents we serve,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

How to Connect with MVA

• Call 877-4LA-VETS (877-452-8387), Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Email: intake@mva.lacounty.gov or submit a form at https://mva.lacounty.gov/contact-us/
• Access in-person services at locations across the county: https://mva.lacounty.gov/contact-us/

Los Angeles County stands firmly with its veterans, service members, and their families — ensuring consistent, reliable support even during times of federal uncertainty.

Get Connected to MVA | VPAN Services:
📞 Call: (877) 4LA-VETS
📧 Email: intake@mva.lacounty.gov
🌐 Visit: mva.lacounty.gov