U.S. military service members aren’t paid during government shutdown; most VA services not impacted

Government shutdown countdown

In Washington DC a highly possible government shutdown looms as Republicans and Democrats fail to reach a deal. On Monday VP Vance said that it was "likely that the U.S. is headed to shutdown." A shutdown would show impacts across the country. The last time funding ran out under Trump, it became the longest shutdown in United States history. The president?s first term saw three shutdowns, though the other two were relatively brief.

ORLANDO - During a government shutdown, members of the United States military, including active duty, National Guard, and reserve members, are not paid but must continue to report for duty to carry out their assigned responsibilities.  Members of the Coast Guard are also not paid during the shutdown. 

What is a government shutdown?

A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t pass legislation either temporarily or more permanently funding the government, and such a measure isn’t signed by the president.

Dig deeper:

In March, the Pay our Troops Act was introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., to continue appropriations for pay and allowances for members of the armed forces.

If passed, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 would have guaranteed pay and allowances for:

• Active-duty service members, including members of the Coast Guard and Reserve Components;
• Civilian personnel at the Department of War and Department of Homeland Security (for the Coast Guard) who directly support service members; and
• Contractors providing mission-essential support to service members

The legislation will not pass in time as the House is out of session until Oct. 7.  

What they're saying:

"As a former Navy helicopter pilot, wife of a veteran and mom of a service member, I know firsthand the sacrifices military families make every single day," said Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va. "The last thing they should face is financial uncertainty caused by partisan gridlock."

U.S. Army medical personnel conduct a Medical Evacuation Live Exercise at Busan Naval Base, South Korea Sept. 17, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Robert A. Moses)

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Why you should care:

According to an analysis by Blue Star Families and the Defense Department, one in three military families has less than $3,000 in savings and it's estimated that nearly one in four service members has trouble putting food on the table. 

By the numbers:

Active duty military strength by service as of June 30, 2025:

• Army: 452,823
• Navy: 337,209
• Marine Corps: 170,201
• Air Force: 321,211
• Space Force: 9,897
• Coast Guard: 41,689

Total Active Duty Strength — 1,333,030

Reserve component strength by service as of June 30, 2025:

• Army National Guard: 328,084
• Army Reserve: 170,601
• Navy Reserve: 58,054
• Marine Corps Reserve: 33,245
• Air National Guard: 104,376
• Air Force Reserve: 50,594
• Coast Guard Reserve: 5,274
• Public Health Service Reserve: 84

Total Reserve Component Strength — 766,336

How is the Department of Veterans Affairs impacted by a government shutdown?

There is no impact on veterans' healthcare during a government shutdown, but some services would not be available.

VA services not impacted by the shutdown

• VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open as usual and providing all services.
• VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
• Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
• Call Centers: VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain open 24/7. The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
• Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.

VA services impacted during the shutdown

• VA will cease providing transition program assistance and career counseling.
• Call Centers: VA’s GI Bill (1-888-GIBILL-1) and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947) hotlines will be closed.
• VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
• Public Affairs and outreach to Veterans will cease, including social media, VetResources emails, and responses to press inquiries.
• No grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.
• Applications for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries will not be processed.
• No printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates.
• No outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based, and community-based partners by VA Central Office.