VA Caregiver Support Program FAQs
No, the Caregiver doesn’t need to fill out a separate CHAMPVA Application for Benefits, VA Form 10-10d. Once approved by the VAMC as the Primary Family Caregiver, eligibility is processed and approved as long as the Primary Family Caregiver is not entitled to care or services under a health plan contract, including: Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Workers Compensations or any other health plan contract.
No, there is no difference in the benefits other than the Caregiver cannot have other health insurance. There is no medical coverage for dependents.
No, the Caregiver Support Program approves relatives, friends and other relationships as the Primary Family Caregiver to a Veteran and all are potentially eligible for CHAMPVA. There is no requirement for the Primary Family Caregiver to be a spouse and only the Primary Family Caregiver is eligible, no dependents. Only one Primary Caregiver at a time per Veteran is qualified for CHAMPVA.
Yes, they are processed identically.
No, the monthly stipend payment made to a Primary Family Caregiver is considered a non-taxable benefit; however it can be considered income.