How much can a spouse be paid for taking care of a disabled vet?

2023-11-16T13:47:22-05:00

I am 83 years old and have to use a walker plus other issues. At one point I understood that a spouse could be paid I think $400 a month for taking care of a disabled Vet.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 16 at 2023 2:08 PM

2023-11-16T14:08:17-05:00

I believe what you are referring to is the VA's Caregiver Support Program*, specifically the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). If the eligibility criteria* are met, then she would receive a monthly stipend equivalent to 5/8ths of the monthly salary for a GS-4/Step 1 based on your location. However, that would be in the range of $1,200+ for the month.

The VA also has an Aid and Attendance/Housebound* allowance which you might be eligible for if you served during any of the designated wartime periods (i.e., you're a "wartime veteran"). There are also eligibility requirements that have to be met as well as income/net worth limits.

My suggestion is to contact your State's Veterans Affairs Office (or whatever they are called) or a VSO such as the DAV, American Legion, etc. and work with them on getting your claim submitted.
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* Caregiver programs - https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
* https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/CSP_Eligibility_Criteria_Factsheet.pdf#
* Aid and Attendance - https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

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