Press Releases

Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) reintroduced the Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act, bipartisan legislation to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make VA-designated primary family caregivers eligible for the public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) program.

“Today, there are approximately 5.5 million Americans who serve as caregivers for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. This is noble service, and it’s high time we honor it. These Hidden Heroes should be treated like other public servants who qualify for the public service loan forgiveness program,”  Connolly said.

“This bipartisan legislation recognizes the selfless service of those who care for our veterans by allowing VA-designated primary family caregivers to qualify for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program. I will continue to support legislation that eases the financial burden for our veterans and those who care for them,” said Turner.

At the beginning of 2022, approximately 100,000 pre-1975 and post-9/11 veterans and their caregivers were designated by and enrolled in the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) out of a total of 5.5 million caregivers. On October 1, 2022, eligibility for PCAFC was extended to post-1975 and pre-9/11 veterans, so enrollment numbers will continue to rise. Despite their sacrifice and public service to their country, these heroic primary caregivers are not currently eligible for the PSLF program. 

The Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act would recognize these PCAFC-certified primary caregivers' service and allow their participation in the existing PSLF program. Once a primary caregiver in the PCAFC completes 120 qualifying payments, the remaining balance on their federal Direct Loans will be forgiven – as is the case for any public servant.

The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: National Alliance for Caregiving, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, American Red Cross, Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“The Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act is a positive step in recognizing the service and sacrifices of those caring for our wounded, ill or injured service members. Oftentimes military and veteran caregivers must leave school or employment to tend to the medical needs of those that have served our country. Providing military and veteran caregivers with student loan relief lessens the financial burdens on their families and is a recognition of their value in the rehabilitation and recovery of our veterans,” said Koby Langley, Senior Vice President of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services for the American Red Cross.

“Caregiving is a pathway to poverty for too many Americans, including military and veteran caregivers. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Student Loan Relief Act is a strong step toward improving the economic security of this essential community,” said Jason Resendez, President & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving. 

Full text of the Military and Veterans Caregivers Student Loan Relief Act is available here.