So... what are we looking at in terms of veterans with a government shutdown?

[Silver Gaia]

Anyone here know the facts? I'm hearing a lot of different things.

My hubby is a 100% disabled vet, so, needless to say, his disability forms a big chunk of what pays our bills. He's worried.

My thinking is that it won't affect THIS month's disability payments. That always comes on the last day of the previous month, so I'm thinking that should still be there tomorrow morning. If there is no resolution within the next month, it could affect next month's checks, but that seems unlikely to me (surely they'll end this by then!)--and I can't find anything concrete about whether or not veteran's disability would be affected if there is no resolution by then.

Anything to help me make him feel less scared would be helpful.

Thanks!

[MADem]

1. Here you go.....the short answer is that you're ok for the short term, anyway.

If we hit the debt ceiling, a lot of us might have some trouble.

There are variety of payments that are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including disability , Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, GI Bill , and Dependents Educational Assistance. These payments should not be affected by the lack of budget, but they are in the same boat if we hit the debt ceiling. As the Treasury struggles to prioritize and pay the country’s expenses, Veterans Affairs Payments could be delayed or reduced.
In general, these types of payments are safe in the event there is no budget or continuing resolution. However, the debt ceiling issue is entirely different and unpredictable. I will keep you up-to-date as more guidance is issued.


Read more: http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com/2013/09/26/retirement-and-disability-pay-i-shutdown/#ixzz2gKGxDuNO

The Paycheck Chronicles

[LiberalEsto]

2. My husband works for a contractor for the vet benefits dept.

and they are considered essential personnel, meaning they will remain on the job.

I hope that means your husband's benefits and those of other vets will not be affected by the shutdown.

[pinboy3niner]

4. The House passed a bill that would guarantee pay for mil. and contractors during shutdown

The vote, iirc, was 423-0. It was a GOP ploy to shield them from claims that their shutdown would hurt the troops. In any case, if it is passed by the Senate and signed by the President it will guarantee that the troops and certain others, including certain contractors, will be paid for working during the shutdown.

[lonestarnot]

3. Same. Carry on.

[Silver Gaia]

5. Thanks for the info and opinions.

It all helps!