#Middlebury #Veterans #VA
VETERANS POST
By Freddy Groves
If you’re a family caregiver, or if you’re a veteran receiving family care services, heads up: The Department of Veterans Affairs is suspending the annual reassessments for those in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. At the same time, at least for now while they review the program, the VA won’t change stipends based on a reassessment nor remove anyone from the program.
They will, however, continue to do reassessments when there is a reason, such as the veteran or caregiver is asking for an increase in the stipend or if there’s a need for more personal care services. The VA also will keep making wellness visits.
If you aren’t part of the program and want to be, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is for veterans who were seriously injured (or who now have a serious illness) while in active duty on or before May 7, 1975, or on or after Sept. 11, 2001, if they meet two criteria:
- Service-connected disability of 70% or more.
Need personal care services for at least six months because of inability to perform activities of daily living or have a need for supervision, protection or instruction.
Primary caregivers can receive a monthly stipend, access to CHAMPVA health care insurance and 30 days of respite care per year for the veteran so the caregiver can take a break. Other caregiver benefits include online and in-person educational sessions, counseling, use of telehealth and techniques and skills for caring for the veteran.
Apply online at www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp or download VA Form 10-10CG on that same page and send it in by mail. You also can hand the form in at your local VA medical center by contacting the caregiver support coordinator.
For more info, call them at 855-260-3274 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Do not send in any medical records with this application. They’ll ask for it later.
See the fine print at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-71.
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
