Help for Caregivers on the Way?

A few new bills have recently been introduced in the House and Senate that are aimed at providing assistance to the families and caregivers of Disabled Veterans. One of the major points of these bills is expanded eligibility for veterans under the Family Caregiver Program by removing the requirement that a veteran’s qualifying injury or disabling illness occurred after 9/11/2001.

 

These bills would also expand the services offered to disabled veterans and their families to include child care, legal and financial services relating to the needs of disabled veterans, respite care, and training for caregivers, among other things. In addition, these bills would improve access to services and community resources for families of disabled veterans, increase stipends for caregivers, and expand the requirements for disabled service members to receive Aid and Attendance before they separate from the military.

 

These bills have just been introduced and are currently in committee, which means it could be several months before we know if they have a chance of becoming law. We will keep watch on these bills and let you know when any progress is made.

 

It is encouraging that lawmakers recognize the incredible service and sacrifice caregivers make for our disabled veterans, and that they are looking for ways to make life easier for them and their veterans.