VA proposes expansion of family caregiver benefits program

Adam Healy

December 5, 2024

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday proposed changes that would increase access to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which provides training, education, financial support, healthcare coverage and more to family caregivers of veterans.

“We understand the critical role that family caregivers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of veterans, which is why VA is committed to ensuring our programs are meeting the needs of veterans and their caregivers,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. “These proposed changes would expand the program to tens of thousands of Veterans and their family caregivers — ensuring we can provide these caregivers with the respite care, education, support, and resources they need to care for their Veteran.”

The proposed changes would, if finalized, expand PCAFC eligibility criteria to include more veterans who have a serious injury or who meet the standards of individual unemployability. Eligibility for PCAFC benefits would also be reassessed every two years, rather than every year, allowing participants to continue receiving services for a longer period of time.

And the rule would help a greater share of veterans receive care virtually by allowing the VA to furnish home visits via telehealth during public emergencies declared by federal, state or local governments.

In its current state, PCAFC enables family caregivers to access training, respite care, counseling and other support services through a monthly stipend. The proposed rule aims to update criteria for determining family caregivers who may be eligible to receive a higher stipend based on their needs.

A notice of proposed rulemaking is slated for publication in the Federal Register today. VA representatives encouraged stakeholders to provide feedback during the 60-day comment period.

“We are listening closely to veterans, caregivers, Veterans Service Organizations and other stakeholders as we consider changes to PCAFC, including changes to eligibility,” Colleen Ricardson, Psy. D., executive director of the VA’s Caregiver Support Program, said in a statement. “Your feedback is essential in refining these updates and improving the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.”

In a related development, the House last month passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which would expand veterans’ access to home- and community-based services.

https://www.concernedveteransoh.org/post/va-proposes-expansion-of-family-caregiver-benefits-program