Comprehensive Assistance For Family Caregivers

[allansc2005]

Morning folks,

 

Have a veteran and his wife who have an upcoming interview for the Family Caregiver Program.

 

He already meets the basic requirements, he's 100% SC, meets the active duty time frames(this will change October 1st)...etc.

 

Has anyone been to one of these interviews? What questions do they ask? Were you approved or denied..?

 

Please provide as much info as you can.

 

Thanks,

Allan 2-2-0 HOOAH!

 

 

[Tbird]

I found a few articles I thought you might find helpful. I do not have any personal experience with the program, so I hope others with personal experience jump in.

First here is a site where you can ask questions about the program, it is not affiliated with HadIt.com but I have read through their site and it seems it might be helpful check out this link https://veterancaregiver.com/questions-and-answers/

Quote

 

How To Get VA Caregiver & Family Program Approval

https://www.hillandponton.com/va-caregiver-program-veterans-eligibility-assessment/

From the article:

Tips and tricks for a smooth approval process

When applying for benefits as a caregiver, it is important to bear in mind that the VA has specific requirements. There are several things you can do to increase your chances of being approved by VA:

• Have a VA examiner certify your veteran needs caregiving services and have him or her complete an assessment form. This will help VA to better understand the level of care your veteran needs.
• Be sure to provide accurate and complete information in your application. VA will not approve an application that is incomplete or inaccurate.
• Get help from a VA-accredited representative or agent when filling out your application. This will ensure that everything is done correctly and increases the chances of a successful application.
• Stay organized and keep all of your paperwork in one place. This will make it easier for VA to review your application and determine eligibility.
• If you have any questions about the VA caregiver program or how to apply, be sure to contact a caregiver support coordinator or the department of veterans affairs for more information.

 

 

 

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[john999]

I tried to get Caregiver benefits for my wife.  I found it extremely difficult for my wife to get the benefit.  Unless you are bedridden or really out of it.   I don't think that benefit is easy to get.  This is wrong because many of us need help with meds and keeping track of things.  I am diabetic and high blood and I definitely need my wife's help, but she became Irate with the VA and told them to shove it.  They insulted her intelligence and she does not play well with fools.

[allansc2005]

john999,

There is a lot of political backlash going on now with the Caregiver program.

 

The VA recently sent out fliers to those who were previously denied the program, inviting them to reapply.

 

It's my understanding that come 1 October, 2022, the program will have some new features that allow veterans who were previously denied, to get a second look.

 

You might call your local Caregiver office and get the 411.

 

Allan 2-2-0 HOOAH!

 

 

[Tbird]

VA Caregivers: Removals from the program will halt, according to VA DepSec Remy. #VACaregiver #Veterans https://t.co/fOOUTRARZC

 

[john999]

Thanks for the advice. I think my wife will never deal with the caregiver program again.  I tried to get her to retry the program but she is hating the VA pretty bad by now.  I try to explain to her that she would get paid for doing the same things she does for free now, but she is pissed at them.  With  her you get one chance and they did blow it.

[allansc2005]

john999,

If you don't mind, could you tell us the reason(s) why you and the wife were denied the program?

 

It's been my experience that generally, denials fall into three categories:

 

1. The veteran doesn't meet the criteria because of his/her active duty service period*(this will change come 1 October).

 

2. The veteran isn't at least 70% SC.

 

3. The veteran's service connected conditions aren't considered severe enough to need the daily assistance of someone else.

 

Of course #3 above is a very subjective ordeal, and I would imagine it depends on who you ask on any given day; by law the VA is SUPPOSED to rule in favor of the veteran when medical evidence doesn't prove something one way or the other.

 

*On October 1st 2022, the VA will be changing it's required active duty service period for the program. Basically, those who served on active duty AFTER the official end of the Vietnam war-May 7th, 1975, and meet the 70%+ SC criteria, are encouraged to apply/reapply for the program.

 

Allan 2-2-0 HOOAH!