Has anyone ever applied and been accepted for the VA Caregivers Program? What does it entitle and what rights am I giving up?

SSgt Liam Babington — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:15:21 -0400

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 13 at 2018 3:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:24:34 -0400

I applied and got the Caregiver funds. A woman from the VA to interviewed my wife and I. They asked questions as to why I needed help. The less you can do or the more you are hurt means more funds.

Response by Amber Lockey made Jan 17 at 2019 4:40 PM

Amber Lockey — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 16:40:45 -0500

I was a caregiver for my husband. You don’t give up any of your rights. All it means is that your spouse or other live-in relative will receive compensation for helping you. For my husband, I handled the finances, all the VA & military correspondence, scheduling, etc. for his disabilities. I handled his medications and took care of things around the house that he couldn’t manage or remember. I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have or put you in contact with a representative.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Jan 19 at 2019 2:41 AM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 02:41:15 -0500

I did the paperwork for my Mom my Daughter is her caregiver. I faxed it in and the people working on it called me every week to keep me informed on the progress they were really helpful. It only took about 4 month's.

Response by SGT Dave Brimmer, MS, MPA made Jan 19 at 2019 9:36 AM

SGT Dave Brimmer, MS, MPA — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 09:36:55 -0500

The VA Caregiver Support Program is in the process of restructuring. Take what you get from the comments with a grain of salt, please. I’m not saying anyone is wrong, they just may not be correct when you go to apply for services. Your best bet is to go to your local VA Medical Center and speak with the Caregiver Support Coordinator in person. Every VA Medical Center should have at least one on staff. Start in the Transition and Care Management Program suite (used to be called OIF/OEF program).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 19 at 2019 3:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:11:56 -0500

The precept of the Care Giver programs is how much help the veteran needs. The VA should be able to provide a phone number to contact the Care Givers. Then they will interview you at your home to see what the situation is.