Summary of H.R. 95 - Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act
Summary of H.R. 95 - Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act
This law aims to help veterans who need child care while they receive important medical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
What does this law do?
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Child Care Assistance: The VA must provide help with child care costs or offer on-site child care for veterans who are getting mental health care or other intensive health services at VA facilities.
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Who qualifies?
- Veterans who are the main caretakers of their children.
- Veterans who are either receiving or need these covered health services, but can’t get them because they don’t have child care.
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Types of child care help available:
- Stipends (money) to pay for licensed child care centers.
- Child care provided directly at VA facilities.
- Payments made to private child care providers.
- Partnership with other government agencies to provide child care.
- Other forms of assistance the VA thinks are appropriate.
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The stipend provided will cover the full cost of child care when applicable.
Other important points in the bill:
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The law also extends some existing VA pension rules and fee collections for VA housing loans, pushing their deadlines from 2024 to late 2024 or 2026.
Why is this important?
Often, veterans who need mental health or intensive medical care might skip or delay appointments because they can’t find someone to watch their children. This law helps remove that barrier so veterans can get the care they need without worrying about child care.