Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Expands Number of Caregivers included in Caregivers Program

Congress first announced the Caregivers Program last year, in which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would pay family members serving in caregiver roles for wounded veterans. The program was lauded by thousands.

Then, it was learned the number of people actually qualifying for the payments were not as many as originally believed. Then for those that did qualify, the payments were delayed to the point where many questioned if they would ever receive them.

The VA has now announced thousands of family member caregivers will now qualify for payments under the Caregivers program. Once the VA cut down the number of qualifying family members and then failed to make those timely payments, Congress began to lean, and it appears their interest in making the Caregivers Program successful worked.

Originally written, the Caregivers Program was to pay 3,500 caregivers. The VA was not going to pay more than 840. According to the VA's announcement, however, that number has jumped to 3,596, which will cost approximately $777 million over the next 5 years.

The amount caregivers will be paid will depend on geographic locations but will be on par with commercial caregivers in the area. In addition to the stipend, caregivers will also receive healthcare insurance as well as mental health services if they are not currently enrolled in another health care plan.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.