What is the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers of Veterans?

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Family Caregivers provide crucial support in caring for veterans. If you are a family member of a veteran who sustained a serious injury – including a traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma or other mental disorder – incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, on or after September 11, 2001, then you may be eligible for support from the Veterans Administration program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

What is the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers?

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers provides certain medical, travel, training, and financial benefits to caregivers of certain veterans and service members who were seriously injured during service on or after September 11, 2001. This program offers a lifeline to families across the country by providing those veterans with the ability to remain in a comforting home environment surrounded by loved ones, while receiving support from a dedicated Family Caregiver.

Who is Eligible for this Program?

The following table breaks down who is eligible to receive this program’s benefits.

Veteran’s Eligibility Caregiver Eligibility
  • Veterans eligible for this program are those who sustained a serious injury - including traumatic brain injury (TBI), psychological trauma or other mental disorder - incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, on or after September 11, 2001.
  • Veterans eligible for this program must also be in need of personal care services because of an inability to perform one or more activities of daily living and/or need supervision or protection based on symptoms of residuals of neurological impairment or injury.
  • Veterans must first be enrolled for VA health services, if not enrolled previously.
  • The Caregiver must be at least 18 years of age.
  • The Caregiver must be either:
    1. A. The Veteran's Spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, or extended Family member; or
    2. B. Someone who lives with the Veteran full time.
  • Prior to approval, the Caregiver will be provided with training and must be able to demonstrate the ability to assist the Veteran with personal care functions required in everyday living.

What Benefits Does This Program Provide?

The program is intended to provide these caregivers with the necessary financial, physical, and healthcare support to provide the best care for our veterans. The following list of benefits provided by this VA program include:

  • A monthly stipend
  • Travel expenses (including lodging and per diem while accompanying Veterans undergoing care)
  • Access to health insurance (if the Caregiver is not already entitled to care or services under a health care plan)
  • Mental health services and counseling
  • Comprehensive VA Caregiver training provided by Easter Seals
  • Respite care (not less than 30 days per year)

Caregivers in a home environment can enhance the health and well-being of veterans under VA care using this program. For more information about this program, check out the VA Caregiver factsheet and contact your local VA to discuss in more detail.

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