In July the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sent out the first stipend payments to nearly 100 family caregivers of veterans, including men with prostate cancer. To qualify for the benefits the caregivers first had to complete a training program, “Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers”.
Qualified family caregivers receive an average $1,600 in monthly stipend payments. The amount of the stipend is based on the condition of the veteran and the amount of care they require, as well as the geographic location where the veteran resides.
Since May 9, nearly 1,250 caregivers of veterans have applied for the program. A comprehensive training curriculum, developed by Easter Seals in collaboration with VA clinical experts, is required and is being well received by caregivers. Eligible family caregivers can also access mental health services and are provided health care insurance, if they are not already entitled to care or services under a health plan.
Veterans may review the criteria for eligibility and download the family caregiver program application (VA CG 10-10) at www.caregiver.va.gov. Caregiver Support Coordinators are stationed at every VA medical center to assist with coordinating the training or assist Caregivers in locating available services.
Joel T Nowak, M.A., M.S.W.
Can you tell me how I can get more info on cargiver’s benefits. Do you have to be in a certain income level to receive benefits? My Dad Has advanced prostate cancer and is WWII vet, he currently needs round the clock in home health care. Would love to get financial help.
Lisa,
You can contact your local Office of Veterans Affairs and ask. Go to the following link to learn more about these new benefits,
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=62752
Joel
The VA Caregiver Stipend Benefit is only for veterans that who sustained a line of duty injury requiring a caregiver for 6 months continuously, and their time of service must be after 9/11. This stipend benefit is not for caregivers of any other period of service. Just thought I would share this information as this article doesn’t mention anything about the specific eligibility criteria.
my son is a veteran,whom was in hospital at time of 9-11 considered after 9 11 veteran,injured in marines,i am his caregiver,and qualify for astipend for 3hours aday,but does not qualify me for health insurance,therefore i have to purchase it out of my pay.my son would of been considered 9-11 was still active duty when in hospital,from injurj while in marines i am 50years old,to young for medicare,i do not understand why i am not intitled to insurance through caregiver support,he became parlized in marines{quaderpelegic}ihave no other insurance,so i have to purchase it
Dear Shirley,
Unfortunately, the VA does not provide the CHAMPVA Healthcare to Caregivers, just the Veterans’ dependents. I am a Caregiver, but I’m also a spouse, so I’m entitled to the healthcare as well as the monthly stipend.
Have you checked into Medicaid? Some states offer healthcare as such to those unable to afford it. I would definitely call my local Health & Human Services to see if I qualified.
Best wishes,
Stacy
The amount of the stipend is based on the condition of the veteran and the amount of care they require, as well as the geographic location where the veteran resides.