This bill expands benefits for family caregivers of veterans by extending their medical coverage for 180 days after they leave the caregiving program and providing new employment support services. Caregivers would receive reimbursement for professional certifications and licensing costs, up to $1,000 over their lifetime, along with free access to training modules and employment assistance programs through the Department of Defense and Department of Labor. The bill also adds bereavement counseling services for caregivers who lose the veteran they were caring for and requires the VA to study the feasibility of creating "returnship" programs to help former caregivers return to work and potentially hire them at VA facilities. Additionally, the bill directs the VA to study whether family caregivers should have access to retirement savings plans, with reports due to Congress within one to two years of enactment.
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