To our Veterans, their families and caregivers:
I would like to bring attention on this edition of the Veteran Voices to an incredible program that continues to grow and benefits both veterans and their caregivers. The VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers was initially instituted for eligible Veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001; and recently expanded to those who served on or prior to May 7, 1975.
This program is for family caregivers or others designated as a primary caregiver who live full time in the household. Program benefits may include education and training, mental health counseling, travel, lodging, and financial assistance when traveling with the Veteran to receive care; a monthly stipend, access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) and at least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran. This is huge opportunity for those who had to cease work to care for a loved one or for an aged spouse who wishes to keep their loved one home, but is unable to care for them.
The eligibility is very specific and must be adhered to closely to avoid potential denials:
- VA disability rating (individual or combined) of 70% or higher. The Veteran’s service connected disabilities must have been caused or made worse by their active duty service during the service periods I mentioned earlier.
- The Veteran must have been discharged from the U.S military or have a date of medical discharge
- The Veteran must need at least 6 months of continuous in person care with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, transferring, etc.
We have so many veterans in need of services and this is one way for those who choose to keep their loved one at home to have some resources to mitigate expenses and keep them at home. For more information, please go to: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/ . Please share this information with anyone you feel can benefit pass this information to your social networks.