Caregiver Benefits Now Available To All Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits to veterans, but some are limited based on when the veteran served. An example of this was caregiver benefits. Previously, the only veterans eligible for these benefits were those who served before May 1975 or after September 2001.
That is no longer the case. Starting October 1, caregiver benefits have been expanded. Now, all veterans are eligible for these benefits. The move is expected to add thousands of new families to the program.
There are currently approximately 43,000 veterans enrolled in the program, which is designed to support and compensate full-time caregivers who provide assistance with care and daily activities for severely wounded veterans. It is expected that an additional 16,000 families will enroll in the program over the next year.
The program is ready to take on the new customers. Staff has been doubled and the support line is ready to take calls from caregivers.
Eligibility for Caregiver Benefits
This program, known as Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), offers clinical support for family caregivers of eligible veterans. Veterans can designate one primary family caregiver and two secondary family caregivers.
An eligible veteran is one who has met the following requirements:
- Sustained a serious injury or illness in the line of duty (including active military, naval, or air service during any service era)
- Has a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the VA of 70% or more
- Is in need of in-person personal care services for at least six months based on an inability to perform an activity of daily living, a need for supervision due to a neurological impairment, or a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision
What Benefits Are Provided?
Benefits are given to the caregivers. The primary caregiver is eligible to receive the following:
- A monthly stipend
- A minimum of 30 days of respite care per year
- Access to health care insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Mental health counseling
- Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the veteran to appointments, such as reimbursement for mileage
The amount of the monthly stipends varies based on where veterans live. Caregivers of those who need around-the-clock care will receive around $1,800 a month, while those caring for severely wounded veterans will get around $3,000 a month. Eligible veterans and their family members will also receive training and medical support.
If you are the secondary caregiver, you are eligible to receive:
- Mental health counseling as a result of caring for the veteran.
- Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the veteran to appointments
Learn More About Veterans Benefits
Many veterans have become severely injured due to their time in service. They may require caregivers, such as spouses and adult children. Being able to receive some sort of compensation for their role is a great help.
Are you eligible for these benefits? Contact White Plains veterans disability benefits lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon for help with eligibility and filing the appropriate paperwork. Don’t miss out on your benefits. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling 914-294-2145.
Source:
militarytimes.com/veterans/2022/09/30/va-caregiver-benefits-expand-to-all-vets-on-oct-1/
