Comprehensive List of VA and Veteran Resources for Caretakers and Veterans
VA Programs and Services:
These programs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer healthcare, rehabilitation, and support for veterans and their caretakers.
- VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP)
Provides training, peer support, and resources for caregivers of VA-enrolled veterans.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ - Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Offers stipends, CHAMPVA health coverage, and respite care for eligible post-9/11 and some pre-9/11 veterans with a 70%+ disability rating.
https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/ - VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL)
A toll-free helpline (1-855-260-3274) staffed by licensed social workers to assist caregivers with questions and connect them to local VA support teams.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp - VA Respite Care Services
Provides temporary relief for caregivers through in-home assistance or short-term facility care.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Respite_Care.asp - VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program
Offers home care services for veterans who need daily assistance, helping reduce caregiver burden.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Homemaker_Home_Health_Aide_Care.asp - VA Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)
A supervised day program providing veterans with social activities, nursing care, and therapy while giving caregivers a break.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Adult_Day_Health_Care.asp - VA Mental Health Support
Offers veterans and caregivers access to mental health resources, including PTSD support and counseling, via local VA facilities or telehealth.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ - VA Community Care Network (CCN)
Expands veteran healthcare options through community providers, which caregivers can coordinate for veterans unable to access VA facilities directly.
https://www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/community_care_network.asp - VA Telehealth Services
Provides home-based care for veterans, reducing travel demands on caregivers.
https://telehealth.va.gov/ - VA Geriatric Services
Specialized care for aging veterans, including home-based primary care and caregiver support for managing chronic conditions.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/ - VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)
Connects veterans and caregivers to volunteer opportunities and community support programs at VA facilities.
https://www.volunteer.va.gov/ - VA Office of Rural Health – Caregiver Resources
Specialized support for caregivers and veterans in rural areas, including telehealth and travel benefits.
https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/ - VA Home and Community-Based Services
Offers alternatives to nursing home care, including home health aides and adult day care.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Home_and_Community_Based_Services.asp - VA Polytrauma System of Care
Comprehensive care for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple injuries, with caregiver resources.
https://www.polytrauma.va.gov/ - VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Services
Specialized care and caregiver training for veterans with spinal cord injuries.
https://www.sci.va.gov/ - VA Blind Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation and support for visually impaired veterans, including caregiver training.
https://www.rehab.va.gov/blind/ - VA Amputation System of Care
Advanced rehabilitation and prosthetic services for veterans with limb loss, plus caregiver support.
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/amputation/ - VA Geriatric and Extended Care Services
Long-term care options for elderly veterans, easing caregiver load.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/ - VA Creative Arts Therapy
Art, music, and dance therapy for veterans, giving caregivers temporary relief.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/creative-arts-therapy/ - VA Recreation Therapy
Recreational activities for veterans, allowing caregivers time for self-care.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/recreation-therapy-service/ - VA National Cemetery Administration
Burial benefits and memorial services for veterans, aiding caregivers with end-of-life planning.
https://www.cem.va.gov/ - My HealtheVet
Online portal for managing veteran healthcare, prescriptions, and provider communication, usable by caregivers.
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
Financial Aid and Pension Programs
Financial support options to help veterans and caretakers manage economic challenges.
- VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Monthly benefits for surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from service-related causes.
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/ - VA Pension for Veterans
Financial support for wartime veterans with limited income.
https://www.va.gov/pension/ - VA Aid & Attendance (A&A) Pension
Financial aid for veterans or spouses needing long-term care, usable for family caregivers.
https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ - American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)
Emergency financial aid for veteran families with minor children.
https://www.legion.org/financialassistance - VFW Unmet Needs Program
Grants for veterans, service members, and families facing unexpected financial difficulties.
https://www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants
Mental Health and Counseling
Resources to support the mental well-being of veterans and their caretakers.
- VA Vet Center Program
Counseling and support for veterans and their families, including caregivers, addressing readjustment, PTSD, and stress.
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/ - VA Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program
Treatment and support for veterans with addiction, reducing caregiver burden.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/ - Give An Hour
Free mental health counseling for veterans and their caregivers.
https://giveanhour.org/ - VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)
Resources for veterans and families affected by intimate partner violence.
https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp - VA Chaplain Service Spiritual care and counseling for veterans and families.
https://www.patientcare.va.gov/chaplain/
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Programs to ensure housing stability for veterans and their families.
- VA Homeless Veterans Program
Services to prevent and end veteran homelessness.
https://www.va.gov/homeless/ - VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Case management and financial aid to prevent homelessness for low-income veteran families.
https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/ - Fisher House Foundation
Free lodging near VA medical centers for families and caregivers while veterans receive treatment.
https://fisherhouse.org/ - Homes For Our Troops
Builds adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, reducing caregiver burden.
https://www.hfotusa.org/ - VA Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program
Funds community organizations offering transitional housing and services for homeless veterans.
https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp
Education and Employment
Support for veterans transitioning to civilian life through education and job opportunities.
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR &E)
Helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for and maintain employment.
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ - VA Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36)
Personalized counseling for veterans and dependents to plan education and career goals.
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/education-and-career-counseling/ -
VA On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Programs
Hands-on training with GI Bill benefits for veterans learning trades or skills.
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/on-the-job-training-apprenticeships/ -
Online Resources for Veterans Seeking Remote Work – Remote work is a good option for accommodating different lifestyles after the military. https://www.wizcase.com/blog/remote-work-resources-for-veterans/
Community and Peer Support
Networks to connect veterans and caretakers with others for emotional and social support.
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Hidden Heroes
Advocacy, resources, and a peer network for military and veteran caregivers.
https://hiddenheroes.org/ - Wounded Warrior Project – Caregiver Support
Free health, wellness, and training programs for caregivers of wounded veterans.
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/family-support - Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB)
Connects veterans and caregivers to communities through physical and social activities.
https://www.teamrwb.org/ - Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) – American Red Cross
Offers peer-based support, online communities, and resource directories for caregivers of veterans and service members across all eras.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html - Operation Family Caregiver (OFC)
A free coaching program that helps caregivers develop skills to manage the stress of caring for a wounded veteran.
https://www.operationfamilycaregiver.org/ - Easterseals Military & Veteran Services
Offers employment assistance, respite care, and specialized training for caregivers.
https://www.easterseals.com/our-programs/military-veteran-services/ - TAPS Caregiver to Survivor Program
Supports caregivers who have lost a veteran with grief counseling, peer support, and advocacy.
https://www.taps.org/caregiver - Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Caregiver Resources
Offers support for caregivers of paralyzed veterans, including medical and financial resources.
https://pva.org/find-support/caregivers/ - Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI)
Provides advocacy, training, and resources for military and veteran caregivers.
https://rosalynncarter.org/ - American Legion Family Support Network
Assists families of deployed or injured veterans with essential daily needs.
https://www.legion.org/familysupport - Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
Offers free educational resources, peer support, and advocacy for caregivers of veterans.
https://caregiveraction.org/resources/veterans - Hope For The Warriors – Caregiver Support
Offers mental health services, peer support, and financial assistance for caregivers of wounded veterans.
https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/ - Blue Star Families Caregiver Resources
Provides networking, support groups, and resources for military and veteran families.
https://bluestarfam.org/ - Team Rubicon – Veteran Community Support
Engages veterans and caregivers in disaster response volunteering, fostering community and purpose.
https://teamrubiconusa.org/ - United Service Organizations (USO) – Caregiver Support
Programs and resources for caregivers transitioning with veterans from active duty to civilian life.
https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-caregivers
Caregiver-Specific Programs
Tailored support to help caretakers manage their responsibilities effectively.
- VA Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program
Connects new caregivers with experienced mentors for guidance and support.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_services.asp - VA Building Better Caregivers Workshop
Free, six-week online workshop teaching caregivers self-care and stress management skills.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/TIPS_trainings.asp - VA Annie App for Caregivers
Mobile app with health reminders, appointment alerts, and self-care tips for caregivers.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Annie_App.asp
Additional Resources
These resources provide further support, often acting as directories or connectors to additional services.
- National Resource Directory (NRD)
An online tool offering over 11,000 resources for veterans, caregivers, and families.
https://nrd.gov/ - Military OneSource Caregiver Support
24/7 support, counseling, and guidance for military and veteran caregivers.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/caregiving/caregivers/ - Semper Fi & America’s Fund – Caregiver Support
Financial aid, retreats, and peer support for caregivers of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans.
https://thefund.org/programs/caregiver-support/ - Code of Support Foundation – PATRIOTlink
Free online tool connecting veterans and caregivers to tailored resources, including legal, financial, and caregiving support.
https://www.codeofsupport.org/patriotlink/ - Heart of a Warrior Foundation
Retreats and peer support for caregivers and veterans focused on healing and resilience.
https://heartofawarriorfoundation.org/ - Calculate Your Estimated VA Disability Benefit Backpay
https://veteransguide.org/back-pay-calculator/
https://veteransguide.org/va-ratings/100-percent/
Key VA Forms and Programs for Veterans and Caregivers
VA Form 10-583 – Claim for Payment of Unauthorized Medical Services
Used to request reimbursement for unauthorized emergency medical services at non-VA facilities.
📄 Form: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/VA_Form_10-583.pdf
VA Form 21-526EZ – Application for Disability Compensation
Required for filing a disability claim with the VA.
📄 Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZ-ARE.pdf
📖 Guide: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
VA Form 21-2680 – Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Aid & Attendance
Determines eligibility for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit for homebound veterans or those needing regular aid.
📄 Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-2680-ARE.pdf
📖 More Info: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
VA Caregiver Support Resources
Offers financial assistance, peer support, and training for caregivers of veterans.
📖 Website: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
☎️ Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
National Resource Directory (NRD) – Veterans & Caregiver Support Hub
A comprehensive directory of veteran and caregiver resources, including financial aid, housing, and employment.
📖 Website: https://nrd.gov
VA Form 21-0779 – Nursing Home Information for Aid & Attendance
Used when applying for Aid & Attendance benefits for veterans in nursing homes.
📄 Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0779-ARE.pdf
VA Form 10-320 – Veteran Reimbursement Claim Form
Allows veterans to request reimbursement for emergency prescription costs or unauthorized emergency care at non-VA facilities.
📄 Form: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/VA_Form_10-320.pdf
📖 Filing Info: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/File-a-Claim.asp
VA Form 21-4138 – Statement in Support of Claim
Used by veterans to provide personal statements supporting their VA claims.
📄 Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4138-ARE.pdf
VA Form 21P-0847 – Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death
Allows an eligible survivor to continue a veteran’s pending VA claim if the veteran passes away.
📄 Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21P-0847-ARE.pdf
VA Form 21P-530a – Application for Interment Allowance
Used by state or tribal cemeteries to claim federal burial allowances for eligible veterans.
📄 Form: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21P-530a-ARE.pdf
📖 More Info: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Conclusion
This list provides a complete and accessible collection of resources for veterans and their caretakers, with full HTTPS links for every entry. Whether you need healthcare, financial aid, mental health support, or community connections, these resources are organized to help you find what you need quickly and easily.