VA Extends Caregiver Benefits to More Veterans

Legislation called Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act, signed into law in June 2018, prompted the benefit's expansion to Vietnam-era vets. When the law took effect in June 2019, caregivers were not able to access it because of problems with VA's information technology (IT) system. However, veterans were given additional private health care options, another piece of the legislation.

This new version of the program broadened eligibility by expanding what is considered a “serious injury” to include illness and disease. Veterans are required to have a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70 percent and require personal care for a minimum of six continuous months to qualify. Here are the detailed eligibility requirements.

Disability ratings are assigned by the VA based on the severity of an illness and how much it decreases a veteran's overall health and ability to function.

Monthly payments are set by a federal rate assigned to where a veteran lives. For example, a primary family caregiver of a veteran in Dallas who is unable to perform daily living activities or requires continuous supervision would receive approximately $2,800 a month. If the veteran is able to perform daily living activities, the caregiver would receive about $1,750 a month.

How to apply to the PCAFC

The caregiver and service member need to fill out a joint application, which asks for contact information and the VA medical center where the veteran receives or will receive care. Applications may be completed online, or forms and supporting documents may be provided in person to any VA medical center's caregiver support coordinator or be mailed to:

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

Additional Services Offered to Caregivers

Other new benefits offered through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) will include financial planning and legal services for the primary caregiver.

Caregivers also are eligible for the program's previous offerings, including:

• Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)

• Caregiver education and training

• Financial assistance, lodging and travel expenses for a caregiver when traveling with the veteran to receive care

• Mental health services and counseling

• A monthly stipend

• Up to 30 days of respite care a year

If a veteran is ineligible for the PCAFC, the VA's Program of General Caregiver Support Services provides resources, education and support to veterans’ caregivers. It is available for veterans of any era, regardless of illness or injury, who are enrolled for care in the Veterans Health Administration.

To learn more, contact the nearest caregiver support coordinator (CSC) or the department's Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET).

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Aaron Kassraie writes about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Kassraie previously covered U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent for the Kuwait News Agency’s Washington bureau and worked in news gathering for USA Today and Al Jazeera English.

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