VA Proposes Rule to Expand Access to Benefits for Veterans’ Family Caregivers

Millions of Americans are feeling the strain of caring for a loved one. Helpful insights and practical advice can lessen some of that burden.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) this week proposed changes to its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) that could expand access to vital caregiver benefits for thousands of families.

According to the VA, the rule proposal aims to make it easier for family caregivers of eligible veterans to receive support, ranging from financial assistance and health care coverage to training, peer support, and beneficiary travel—broadening the scope of care available to veterans and their families.

One significant change involves reassessing caregiver eligibility less frequently, a move that could alleviate burdens on veterans and their families. Under the new rule, eligible veterans’ need for personal care services would be reassessed every two years rather than annually, except under specific circumstances. This adjustment aims to reduce stress for both veterans and their caregivers.

Additionally, the proposed rule includes an expansion of telehealth options, allowing for home visits via telehealth during federal, state, or local emergencies. This could improve access for those in remote or underserved areas, ensuring continuity of care in times of crisis.

This rule change is part of the VA’s ongoing effort to improve support for caregivers, who the agency notes play a critical role in the health and well-being of veterans.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized the importance of these changes.

“We understand the critical role that family caregivers play in supporting the health and well-being of Veterans, which is why VA is committed to ensuring our programs are meeting the needs of Veterans and their caregivers,” he 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.”

According to the VA, the PCAFC currently serves approximately 89,700 caregivers who either participate in this program or the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

The proposed rule changes could open eligibility to a larger group of veterans by expanding the definition of “serious injury” to include those with a rating of individual unemployability. This means that many more veterans who were previously excluded could now qualify for assistance, providing them and their caregivers with crucial support.

Another proposed change involves delaying discharges based on eligibility reassessments for legacy participants and their caregivers by an additional 18 months beyond the current expiration date of September 2025. This extension would ensure that those already enrolled under previous guidelines have continued access while new criteria are phased in, maintaining continuity of care during the transition.

Further clarifying eligibility, the VA said the proposed rule aims to expand the criteria on which a veteran may be determined to need personal care services for at least six continuous months.

The criteria for determining whether primary family caregivers are eligible for a higher stipend level will also be updated, potentially providing greater financial support for caregivers handling more intensive responsibilities.

The VA said the proposed changes align with President Joe Biden’s “Unity Agenda,” which aims to expand support for veterans and their caregivers.

The department has opened a public comment period on these proposed changes, inviting feedback from veterans, caregivers, and the public. Interested individuals can view the proposed rule in the Federal Register and submit comments on VA’s Federal Register webpage starting on Dec. 6.