Washington State Veteran Caregiver Support Program
Washington State offers caregiver support through both federal VA programs and state-specific initiatives, including the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) with a dedicated national hotline, the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program that allows veterans to hire family members including spouses as paid caregivers, and the Medical Foster Home program. The WA Cares Fund will begin paying family caregivers in July 2026. Support ranges from clinical services and respite care to financial compensation, all accessible through VA medical centers and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA).
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Caregiver stipends, respite care, training, mental health support, and VA clinical services for caregivers of eligible veterans |
| Eligibility | Caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare; post-9/11 veterans with serious injuries; caregivers do not need to be relatives or live with the veteran |
| Application | Contact your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator or call the national Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 |
| Processing Time | Varies; begins with VA provider referral and intake appointment |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) |
| Required Forms | Referral from VA primary care provider; admission paperwork with VA Caregiver Support team |
| Updated For | 2026: WA Cares Fund begins paying family caregivers starting July 2026; SB 5200 addresses Medical Foster Home licensure |
Understanding Washington State Caregiver Support
What Is the VA Caregiver Support Program?
The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is a federal program that offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. The mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our nation’s veterans through education, resources, support, and services . Caregiver Support Coordinators at VA medical centers help match caregivers with services, provide information about resources, and offer ongoing support .
What Veterans and Caregivers Should Do Next
Start by calling the national VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn about available services and connect with a Caregiver Support Coordinator at a VA medical center near you . The coordinator will guide you through eligibility, resources, and the application process.
VA Caregiver Support Options
Caregiver Support Line
The VA operates a national Caregiver Support Line available by phone. This service can:
Help access services
Connect you with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA medical center
Provide a listening ear when you need support
Caregiver Support Coordinators
Local Caregiver Support Coordinators are licensed professionals who support caregivers by matching them with eligible services and providing valuable information about resources to help caregivers stay organized and effective as they care for their veteran .
General Caregiver Eligibility
A general caregiver is a person who provides personal care services to a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare who:
Needs help with one or more activities of daily living, OR
Needs supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological impairment or other injury
Important: General caregivers do not need to be relatives or live with the veteran .
Post-9/11 Caregiver Eligibility
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVeterans who served after September 11, 2001, and suffered a serious injury—including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder incurred or aggravated in the line of duty—may be eligible for enhanced caregiver support .
Washington State-Specific Caregiver Programs
Veteran Directed Care (VDC)
The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program supports veterans in self-directing their home care. This program is an alternative to nursing home care, home health aide care, home respite care, and adult day health care .
Unique Feature: Unlike many other programs, in the VDC program, spouses can provide paid care .
How It Works:
Veterans work with their Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), VA PCS Coordinator, and local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) coordinator
The veteran directs their own care plan
Flexible work week limits allow clients to purchase overtime hours with prior approval
How to Enroll: Veterans interested in VDC should speak with their VA primary care physician about a referral .
Medical Foster Home Program
The Medical Foster Home (MFH) program is a long-term care option allowing veterans to receive personalized, around-the-clock care in a private home setting. Trained caregivers provide daily support and 24-hour supervision for veterans who can no longer live independently but prefer an alternative to nursing homes .
What Caregivers Provide:
A room in their home
Individualized care including help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meals
Medication assistance
Meals
Planned recreational and social activities
Caregiver Requirements :
Own and live in the home where veterans will reside
Provide personal care and supervision as primary residence
Be at least 18 years old with caregiving experience
Demonstrate financial stability
Identify at least one relief caregiver for backup
Be willing to provide hands-on care
Meet Washington state and local licensing requirements
Willingness to receive VA education and professional support
Important: VA provides medical oversight, training, and program support. VA does not pay caregivers directly—caregivers receive payment from the veterans or their families, with rates negotiated between parties. Caregivers may care for up to three veterans in their home .
2026 Legislative Update: Washington Senate Bill 5200, concerning veterans’ medical foster homes, would provide an exemption from the state’s Adult Family Home licensure requirements for a Medical Foster Home that meets certain requirements and provides care exclusively to three or fewer veterans under VA oversight .
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Support
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs assists veterans, their family members, and survivors in connecting to benefits earned through military service. The WDVA provides support through:
Counseling services and wellness programs
Brain Injury Program resources
Referral to community-based caregiver support services
If you’re caring for a loved one with a brain injury, the WDVA reminds caregivers: “You are not alone. We have a network of agencies and community services dedicated to supporting both you and your family every step of the way” .
WA Cares Fund: Family Caregiver Compensation (2026)
Starting July 1, 2026, the WA Cares Fund can be used to pay family caregivers—even if you are caring for your spouse .
How It Works
Check eligibility: Your loved one must meet WA Cares contribution and care needs requirements
Apply for benefits: The person you care for applies for WA Cares benefits
Apply for a caregiver job: You become an employee of Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington or a registered home care agency
Start receiving pay: Once hired, your loved one approves authorization for the care you provide
Caregiver Exemptions
As of July 2023, Washington law (House Bill 1694) added exemptions from certified home care aide requirements for certain caregivers. This exemption applies when caring for the following individuals in Veteran Directed Care programs :
Spouses
Registered domestic partners
Children (biological, step, or adopted)
Parents (biological, step, or adoptive)
Siblings
Grandparents
Grandchildren
Aunts/Uncles
Nieces/Nephews
Cousins
Common Questions
How do I become a VA caregiver in Washington State?
Start by calling the national Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or contact your local VA medical center’s Caregiver Support Coordinator. A referral from the veteran’s VA primary care provider may be required .
Can I get paid for caring for my veteran spouse in Washington State?
Yes. The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program allows spouses to provide paid care. Starting July 2026, the WA Cares Fund also allows family caregivers, including spouses, to be paid for care services .
What does the VA Caregiver Support Program cover?
The program provides clinical services, education, resources, support, and access to services. Caregiver Support Coordinators help match caregivers with appropriate services for their specific situation .
What are Medical Foster Homes in Washington State?
Medical Foster Homes are private residences where trained caregivers provide around-the-clock care for up to three veterans who cannot live independently but prefer a home-like setting to a nursing home. VA provides medical oversight and training. Caregivers are paid by veterans or their families .
Do I need to be related to the veteran to be their caregiver?
No. For general VA caregiver support, you do not need to be a relative or live with the veteran . However, some specific programs like Medical Foster Homes have additional requirements.
How do I find a Caregiver Support Coordinator in Washington?
Call the national Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to be connected with a Caregiver Support Coordinator at a VA medical center near you .
Is there support for caregivers of veterans with brain injuries?
Yes. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Brain Injury Program provides resources and connection opportunities for both veterans and caregivers. The WDVA reminds caregivers they are not alone and that a network of agencies and community services exists to support them .
What is the difference between general caregiver and post-9/11 caregiver eligibility?
General caregiver support is available for caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need help with daily living activities. Enhanced caregiver support is available for caregivers of veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and suffered a serious injury, including traumatic brain injury or psychological trauma .
What is SB 5200 and how does it affect veteran caregivers?
SB 5200 is Washington State legislation concerning veterans’ medical foster homes. It would exempt VA-supervised Medical Foster Homes that provide care exclusively to three or fewer veterans from state Adult Family Home licensure requirements, potentially expanding the MFH program in Washington .
When does the WA Cares Fund start paying family caregivers?
The WA Cares Fund begins allowing family caregivers to be paid for their services starting July 1, 2026 .
Key Takeaways
The VA Caregiver Support Program provides clinical services, education, and resources—call 1-855-260-3274 to get connected
Washington’s Veteran Directed Care program allows spouses to be paid caregivers
Medical Foster Homes provide in-home care for veterans who prefer a home-like setting to nursing homes; Washington’s SB 5200 may expand access
The WA Cares Fund begins paying family caregivers, including spouses, starting July 2026
Caregivers do not need to be relatives or live with the veteran to receive general VA caregiver support
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs provides counseling, wellness programs, and brain injury resources
Starting in 2026, family caregivers can be paid through WA Cares by becoming employees of Consumer Direct Care Network or a home care agency
Official Resources
VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
VA Puget Sound Medical Foster Home Program: Contact (206) 277-4410 or kari-mae.miles@va.gov
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) : Counseling, wellness programs, and benefits assistance
Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) : Veteran Directed Care program support
VA.gov: General VA caregiver information and resources
WA Cares Fund: Information about family caregiver payments starting July 2026
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
