VA Benefits

[mak]

A Laos lady who receives surviving spousal VA (USA) called me and informed me she did not receive her monthly Direct Deposit from the VA. She has been receiving benefits for 6+ years and this is the first time she did not get her Direct Deposit. I believe she receives her deposits in Kasikorn Bank, Nong Khai branch. Does anyone have experience with this? Are VA benefits affected by the US Federal shutdown?

[Udon Map]

Are VA benefits affected by the US Federal shutdown?

Trump personally decides what gets paid and what doesn't.

Here's what AI says about VA benefits during the shutdown:

Yes, veterans benefits like compensation, pension, and health care are being paid and are not affected by the government shutdown because they are funded through mandatory spending. However, some VA services are on hold, and many employees have been furloughed or are working without pay, which means some benefits, such as those from the GI Bill hotline or the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, have been temporarily suspended.

[Stantheman]

You might try contacting VA
"For help with international direct deposit issues, contact the International Treasury Services at (918) 781-7550 (from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday) or email [email protected]"

[mak]

Confirmation from VA thru a local VFW member, the money was sent on Oct. 31, but the lady has still not seen it on her Kasikorn account. I suggested she visit KB and see if they can trace it. Any other suggestions?
On an additional matter, the lady mentioned she has a 12 year old son with her late US husband. However the son does not have a US birth certificate, only a Laos birth certificate. I suggested she visit the US Embassy in Laos and get their advice. With a US birth certificate, her son would be eligible for Social Security. Any have advice on this subject?