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? 

1. You live in the Commonwealth of Virginia
2. 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)
3. 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.

Apply

1. Submit the completed Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program Application *
2. 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 
   • Hospital Visit Summary 
   • 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
3. 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) 
   5620 Cox Rd
   Glen Allen, VA 23060  
4. 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• View our full list of FAQs

Important Terms to Know

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

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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.