Did you know that caregivers of qualified disabled Veterans are eligible for VA benefits of their own?
These benefits may include a monthly stipend, Caregiver Training, and even health insurance.
If you’re a disabled Veteran, keep reading to find out who qualifies for the various VA Family Caregiver Programs, available benefits, and how to apply.
VA Caregiver Programs, Eligibility, and Benefits
The VA Caregiver Program is made up of two separate programs, each offering different areas of support.
Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
The Veteran must be enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and be receiving care from a caregiver in order for the caregiver to participate.
Caregivers who participate in PGCSS are called General Caregivers.
General Caregivers do not need to be a relative or live with the Veteran.
Under the PGCSS, Caregiver benefits may include:
- peer support mentoring
- skills training
- Coaching
- telephone support
- online programs
- referrals to available resources to caregivers of Veterans.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
PCAFC offers enhanced clinical support and services for caregivers of eligible Veterans who have a serious injury (or illness) and require in-person personal care services.
Among other applicable criteria, an eligible Veteran must:
Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more, and be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:
- An inability to perform an activity of daily living (such as bathing or dressing).
- A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or
- A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the Veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.
What services does the PCAFC offer?
Veterans can designate one (1) Primary Family Caregiver and up to two (2) Secondary Family Caregivers.
Secondary Family Caregivers serve as a backup support to the Primary Family Caregiver when needed.
Services will depend on whether you are the Primary Family Caregiver or a Secondary Family Caregiver.
If you are the primary caregiver, you may receive:
- A monthly stipend (paid directly to you as the caregiver.)
- Access to health care insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already have health insurance.
- Mental health counseling.
- Travel expenses when traveling with the Veteran to appointments.
- At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short-term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.
If you are the secondary caregiver, you may receive:
- Mental health counseling.
- Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments.
Visit the VA Family Caregiver Program Page to find out more information about VA benefits for caregivers and how to apply.
Tucker Disability Law has helped veterans in every kind of situation for over 30+ years and we can help you too. If you feel that your disability rating should be higher, or if you’ve been denied a VA claim in the past, we would be happy to discuss your case with you.
If you’ve applied for caregiver benefits in the past and been denied, call us or schedule a consult. Let us see if we can get the benefits for you or your caregiver.
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