The National VA Caregiver Support Line turned one year old on February 1, and VA Secretary Eric Shinseki marked the occasion by extolling the virtues of the veterans benefits support service.

The toll-free support line, 1-855-260-3274, was created in 2011 to help veterans, their family members and caregivers access certain veterans services. Services provided by the support line include education on VA benefits and programs, information on community service, and referrals to a Caregiver Support Coordinator in the event that caregivers or family members require further guidance.

“It is the care and commitment of caregivers that allows veterans with chronic illnesses or severe injuries to remain in the homes they defended, surrounded by the loved ones they hold dear," Shinseki said. "I am proud we have been able to help so many caregivers in this first year of the support line’s operation.”

The support line has so far received more than 25,000 calls and emails. Veterans and caregivers can also access the service's information online at www.caregiver.va.gov.

In addition to providing informational resources for caregivers, VA extends financial support in the form of monthly stipends. In July, VA issued its first payments to caregivers under the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program.

---

Read More VA News