VA Extends Caregiver Benefits for Veterans Through 2028

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced an extension of benefits for veteran caregivers, ensuring their participation in a crucial support program through September 30, 2028. This decision affects “legacy” caregivers enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which provides health care and financial support to those caring for combat veterans with severe service-connected injuries or illnesses.

In a statement released on Thursday, VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the significance of this extension. He noted, “Legacy caregivers have helped shape VA’s Caregiver Support Program for many years. This decision underscores VA’s commitment to veterans and caregivers across the nation and will help provide consistency and stability to nearly 15,000 legacy participants for years to come.”

The PCAFC was initially designed to support post-9/11 veterans and their families. However, it expanded in 2018 to include combat veterans from all eras. With the expansion came new eligibility criteria that inadvertently limited access to the program. The revised qualifications primarily focused on a veteran’s ability to perform daily tasks, neglecting the need for safety and continuous supervision. This oversight raised concerns that up to 90% of participating families could be excluded, prompting the VA to pause the implementation of these new criteria for further review.

Concerns regarding the potential impacts of these changes had been voiced by various stakeholders, including Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. In May, he highlighted the “fear and anxiety” caregivers felt about the impending October 2025 deadline for the VA to reassess their cases. Schwab stated, “While we know this is not the final step in a very long journey, we commend Secretary Collins and his team for taking this action to give these families financial breathing room.”

The recent extension allows the VA additional time to finalize its policies and ensure that affected caregivers will continue to receive benefits. On September 3, a coalition of seven veteran organizations, including the Quality of Life Foundation and the National Veterans Legal Services Program, urged the VA to formally announce its plans to extend the deadline. They expressed that the uncertainty surrounding this issue was generating significant anxiety among legacy participants and hindering their ability to provide reassurance or guidance.

The PCAFC offers a variety of support services, including respite care, health care, and monthly stipends ranging from approximately $1,800 to $3,000 to designated caregivers. As of December 2024, nearly 90,000 veterans were enrolled in either the PCAFC or the VA’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services, which provides counseling and coaching to caregivers.

This extension signifies a crucial step in addressing the needs of veteran caregivers and ensuring they receive the support necessary for their vital roles. The VA’s commitment to these caregivers reflects an understanding of the essential services they provide and the challenges they face in caring for veterans.