VA issues first payments to caregivers

American Forces Press Services

WASHINGTON — Department of Veterans Affairs officials will send out more than $430,000 in stipend payments in July to nearly 200 family caregivers of veterans. These family caregivers were the first to complete their caregiver training under the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. The first payments to 96 recipients were issued July 1.

Family caregivers will receive an average $1,600 in monthly stipend payments. The initial payments will average $2,500 because the first stipend checks are retroactive to the date of application. The amount of the stipend is based on the condition of the veteran and the amount of care he or she requires as well as the geographic location where the veteran resides. An additional 80 stipend payments will be released from the U.S. Treasury on July 8 bringing the total to 176 family caregivers receiving the stipend in July.

Since May 9, nearly 1,250 caregivers of veterans who were seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, have applied for the program.