This bill expands benefits and support for family members who serve as primary caregivers for veterans. It extends medical care coverage for caregivers for 180 days after they leave the program, provides employment assistance including fee reimbursement for professional certifications (up to $1,000 lifetime), and offers access to job training through the Department of Defense and Labor. The bill also adds bereavement counseling for caregivers who lose the veteran they were caring for and creates transition assistance to help caregivers return to work or plan for retirement. The VA must complete studies within one year to evaluate whether a "returnship" program could help former caregivers re-enter the workforce and whether to hire former caregivers at VA facilities, while Congress will receive a report within two years assessing how well the VA supports caregivers in transitioning away from caregiving. The legislation does not specify new funding amounts but directs the VA to use existing resources and coordinate with other federal agencies.
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