Our veterans and service members deserve the best care and support possible, especially during the transition from active service to discharge. To provide that, the Department of Defense (DoD) established the Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL). For those eligible, SCAADL can provide relief of the financial burden that caregivers face when caring for veterans needing non-medical care, support, and general daily assistance for up to 90 days after discharge.
What is SCAADL?
As described directly by DoD – the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living. This special monthly compensation is for eligible catastrophically injured or ill service members who require assistance with daily living activities or who are at a high risk for personal safety and therefore cannot live independently in the community without caregiver support. SCAADL provides financial assistance for the non-medical care, support, and assistance by a primary caregiver for the service member. This is a taxable special monthly compensation. It is paid directly to the service member to help offset the primary caregiver’s loss of income.
The monthly compensation will range based on the required amount of time the daily service is needed (10 to 40 hours a week) and is calculated by using the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics wage rate for home health aides. Some examples include:
- Bethesda, MD, (Tier 1) minimal support needed = $644/month
- Austin, TX, (Tier 2) medium support needed = $1,780/month
- Detroit, MI (Tier 3) maximum support needed = $2,180/month
For a monthly estimate in your area click here.
Who is Eligible for SCAADL?
Those eligible for SCAADL must, at a minimum:
- Have a catastrophic injury or illness incurred in the line of duty;
- Have been certified by a licensed physician to be in need of assistance from another person in order to perform the personal functions of everyday living; or
- Would, in the absence of this provision, require some form of residential institutional care.
This specific caregiver compensation was designed to support service members and caregivers before, during, and 90 days after the transition/discharge date.
How Do You Apply for SCAADL?
This offering of financial support is not automatic for veterans who are eligible and need it. You must apply directly with the DoD for this compensation. If you think you or the veteran you care for may be eligible, have your physician fill out the DD Form 2948 and send it to your Wounded Warrior Regiment for review and processing.
Looking for more veteran benefits? Click here to read our list of the top benefits and resources available.
