A legislative lifeline for veteran caregivers who face an uncertain future as their caregiving duties end was among six MOAA-backed bills advanced through the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee late last month.

[TAKE ACTION NOW: Urge Your Lawmakers to Support Veteran Caregivers] 

The committee’s efforts will result in progress across critical areas of veteran and caregiver support. The bills moving forward as of July 30:

• S. 879, Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement (3R) Act: Provides job training, professional relicensure support, retirement planning, and bereavement counseling to family caregivers who are enrolled in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which will assist them after their caregiving duties conclude.
  
  
• S. 275, Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act: Expands residential rehabilitation treatment program for veterans with mental health and substance use disorders, particularly in geographic areas where VA services are limited or not available. It also enhances veterans’ access to community care.
  
  
• S. 607, Improving Veteran Access to Care Act: Requires VA to establish an interdisciplinary patient team to modernize scheduling, coordinate services, and cut wait times.
  
  
• S. 1245, Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act: Strengthens health care and benefits for survivors of military sexual trauma and assault.
  
  
• S. 1383, Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act: Creates an independent advisory body to improve accessibility for veterans with disabilities.
  
  
• S. 2392, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Authorizes an annual cost-of-living adjustment to protect the value of veterans’ compensation and benefits.

These measures reflect MOAA’s longstanding commitment to protecting earned benefits and expanding services for those who have served.

[RELATED: $455 Billion VA Spending Bill Clears Final Hurdle in Senate]

Why Caregiver Support Matters, Especially Now

Two caregivers recently filed a federal lawsuit challenging the VA’s practice of automatically denying appeals to PCAFC caregivers after their veteran’s death. These caregivers argue they deserve benefits retroactive to their application date, even if the veteran has passed away.

This development highlights the deeply troubling challenges caregivers must overcome when their caregiving duty ends — either due to the veteran’s death or separation from the program. Many caregivers face financial instability, limited bereavement support, and barriers to employment or retirement planning.

Your Voice Matters – Take Action Today

MOAA has been a strong advocate for the Caregiver 3R Act, which addresses many of these challenges head-on. By providing education and retraining assistance, employment support, retirement counseling, and transition resources, the bill would give caregivers the tools they need to rebuild their lives when caregiving ends. It ensures the nation honors caregivers’ sacrifices and recognizes the vital role they play in the health and recovery of our veterans.

Support the Caregiver 3R Act by visiting MOAA’s Legislative Action Center. Join us in urging lawmakers in both chambers to pass legislation (S. 879 and H.R. 2148) that would ensure caregivers receive the long-term resources and recognition they’ve earned.