Question:
Hello, I am an IHSS provider for my son. My father is a veteran. He's 86 and needs help grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. I also take him to doctor appointments. I have been doing all of this because I am his daughter but it's taking a financial toll on me. Would I be able to be my father's provider? Please advise. Thank you.
Jim's Reply:
Thank you so much for your concerns about your veteran father. You've just made my Saturday a lot better!
You may be eligible https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/
I have to advise you that this program has experienced a lot more turmoil and bad press than most VA programs and that's saying a lot. Caregivers have been approved, had the approval clawed back, been approved again and now the rules are changing and everyone has to reapply. Even for VA this is a terrific mess.
However, it seems you've had some experience with bureaucracy so you're somewhat prepared to face VA. The best advice I can offer is that when you apply, do it so well they have no choice but to award you the benefit. Every minute detail is important and the more info you provide, the better. If asked for medical records, hand over more than asked for. If asked for a doctor's opinion, get 2 or 3.
You get the idea, you want your first application to be so perfect and with so much information they'll have no choice but to approve you. It's worth the effort, the appeals process here is draconian at best.
Give your dad a salute from me. Good luck.