Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program is a grant-funded program from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), supported by ACL grant #90LRLI0041, that provides annual reimbursements to family caregivers for temporary respite care expenses.

Eligible applicants must be Virginia residents serving as primary caregivers for a person with a documented disability or medical condition who lives with the caregiver at least part-time; kinship caregivers raising minor relatives are also eligible through the Kinship Caregiver Expansion. Approved households can receive up to per year for respite care costs, excluding rent, food, cleaning, or medical supplies.

Funds are available through June 30, 2026 or until exhausted. Applicants must submit proof of disability or medical condition, such as a physician diagnosis, SSDI/SSI letter, or hospice enrollment documentation.

Lifespan Respite Voucher - DARS Home Aging Services Caregiver Support Lifespan Respite Voucher Caring for a loved one can be difficult. Through the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program , Virginia’s caregivers can receive a once yearly reimbursement for the cost of temporary, short-term rest or relief from caregiving. Who is eligible to apply?

You live in the Commonwealth of Virginia You are a primary caregiver of a loved one with a documented disability or medical condition (or relatives raising a child with the Kinship Expansion ) You reside at least part-time with your loved one What would I get if approved? You can receive up to $595 per household per year through June 30, 2026, or until funds run out. Funds can’t be used for rent, food, cleaning, or medical supplies.

Not all who apply will be approved due to limited funding. Submit the completed Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program Application * Obtain a valid verification of disability or medical condition that is less than two years old for the Respite Care Recipient.

These can include: Doctor’s written diagnosis of disability/condition Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Vocational Rehabilitation Statement of Qualifying Disability Long-term Disability Insurance Statement of Eligibility Letter of current participation in Hospice/Palliative Care Send the verification to vlrvp@dars. virginia.

gov or by mail to: Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) You will be notified of your approval within 30 days via mail or email. * The application can be completed and submitted online. If you prefer, you can print this application and mail it to the address above.

Kinship Caregiver Expansion The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program can provide up to $595 per household per year in reimbursement to grandfamilies and kinship caregivers for the cost of childcare or camps, so they can take time to rest and recharge.

To be eligible, you must: Be a grandparent or other relative raising a minor child Have custody of that child Kinship Specific Application Resource Guide for grandparents raising grandchildren Frequently Asked Questions Will DARS arrange the Respite Care? DARS does not provide or arrange for respite care.

YOU are responsible for selecting, hiring, training, and paying a respite care provider of your choice, at a time that is convenient for you and your loved one. Members of the Virginia Caregivers Coalition may be able to help. Can I hire a Respite Provider who lives in my home or is under age 18?

The individual selected to provide the respite care MUST be at least 18 years old and cannot be someone who currently resides in your home. How much can I pay the Respite Care Provider? You are responsible for negotiating the rate of pay with the respite care provider you select.

The program allows for a maximum rate of $20. 00 per hour for an individual and $30. 00 per hour for an agency.

Can I use my current Respite Provider? Yes, you may, but program funds cannot be used to replace current funding for respite or to pay for respite just to allow the caregiver to work. Funding must be used to provide services that allow the caregiver to take a break from caregiving duties.

It must go “above and beyond” what is currently being received. View our full list of FAQs Caregiver : An individual who provides care to someone who has a physical or mental health condition, or who is chronically ill or frail. Care Recipient : A person who receives care from an unpaid caregiver, paid care provider, or volunteer, either at home, in the community or in a facility.

Respite Provider : A person who provides respite care–that is, serves as a substitute for the primary caregiver–and receives payment for it. Respite Providers can range from a healthcare professional (such as a nurse), homemakers, or companionship providers, to name a few. They may be employed, self-employed, or contracted to work in facilities or at the Care Recipient’s home.

Types of Respite: There are different types of respite care that may be available in your area. Some programs offer care in your home for a few hours, while others may provide overnight or longer stays in a healthcare facility if your loved one needs skilled care. Respite can be provided by trained staff through formal programs, or by people you know—like friends, family, volunteers, or members of your faith community.

For more information about Respite Care, visit ABCs of Respite – A Consumer Guide for Family Caregivers The Lifespan Respite Voucher Program would not exist without the support of the Virginia Caregiver Coalition . This project was supported by a grant, number 90LRLI0041, from the Administration on Aging, Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC 20201.

Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration on Aging Policy. Learn more about the Division for Aging Services .