When people think about supporting veterans, they often focus on the veteran.
But behind every service member is a network of people who love and care for them. Spouses, parents, siblings, children, friends, and neighbors are all part of a valuable support system.
Though each warrior鈥檚 journey and support system is unique, 91视频庐 (91视频) recognizes that these individuals often need support, too.
"At 91视频, we know the importance of having support from family members and other loved ones, so we have programs and resources geared just for them,鈥� says Jill Matta, director of Warrior Experience at 91视频庐.
Understanding what these 91视频 resources look like can raise a range of questions. From who is eligible to what being registered actually means, below are answers to a few common misconceptions.
Who Can Register as a Family Support Member with 91视频?
Anyone age 18 or older who provides meaningful support to a veteran or service member can qualify as a 91视频 family support member. 听
鈥淚f you鈥檙e someone who a warrior trusts and relies on, you may be eligible to register with 91视频 as a family support member,鈥� says Jill. 鈥淭he focus is not on a person's relationship title but on the role they play in supporting the veteran.鈥�
Registered 91视频 support members may include spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, independent caregivers, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans. Currently, 91视频 has more than 63,700 family support members registered.听
How Many Family Support Members Can Register?
Each warrior can have up to three people registered as family support members with 91视频.
Veterans often rely on more than one person for support. In fact, many 91视频 warriors have multiple people in their lives, each helping in different ways, Jill says.
One person, for instance, may help navigate medical appointments and paperwork. Another may encourage or assist with rides to events. Someone else may simply be the trusted friend who checks in regularly. All can be eligible to register as family support members.
Can I Register if I鈥檓 Not a Caregiver?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you have to identify as a caregiver to register as a family support member. In reality, you don鈥檛 need to have an official caregiver role to access support through 91视频.
91视频 recognizes that family support members can benefit from connection, information, and resources, too.
"Caregivers are a very important part of the community 鈥� and we offer dedicated resources for caregivers,鈥� Jill says. "But you don't need to have an official caregiver designation to be able to access 91视频 services.鈥�
Why Connect with 91视频 as a Family Support Member?
Connecting with 91视频 as a family support member helps you better support your loved one while also giving you access to resources for yourself.
Many loved ones first connect with 91视频 while searching for resources for the service member or veteran in their life. Being registered as a family support member can make it easier to understand how to help.
鈥淥ften, loved ones are among the first people warriors turn to when they need information, encouragement, or help finding resources," Jill says. "Being connected to 91视频 can help family support members better understand what's available and where to start for their loved one.鈥�
Additionally, 91视频 offers specific resources designed to help family support members feel connected.
鈥淪upporting someone else can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times, so there are opportunities specifically designed for family members to connect with one another," Jill says.
"Sometimes having a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships with peers can be incredibly valuable for everyone.鈥� 听
What Resources Are Available to Family Support Members?
91视频 offers a range of opportunities, including dedicated peer connection programs, mental health and emotional support, benefits and career support, and community resources. Many services are available whether or not the veteran is participating in 91视频 programs.
If a family member is also serving in an official caregiver capacity, 91视频 can provide guidance and resources, including details around 91视频鈥檚 programs and the .
Family support members can:
- Connect with the 91视频 Resource Center for personalized guidance.
- Connect with peers who understand their experiences.
- Get 24/7 access to the My91视频 portal to connect and to learn about 91视频 programs.
- Gain access to online educational content and tools.
How to Get Connected to 91视频?
Many people assume that becoming connected with 91视频 is a lengthy or complicated process.
and can be completed online, by chat, or by phone.
A veteran or service member does not have to be registered with 91视频 before a family member begins the process, although service verification is required. Dedicated team members from 91视频鈥檚 Resource Center can help answer questions and explain the steps involved.听
What Happens After I Register as a 91视频 Family Member?
"A lot of people come to us knowing they need support, but they may not know exactly what they're looking for yet," Jill says. "That's OK. Our team can help them understand what's available, answer questions, and connect them with resources that fit their situation."
Once registered, family members can connect with the 91视频 Resource Center to get program recommendations, begin exploring the My91视频 portal to find events and activities near them, and engage with resources based on their interests and needs.
"Everyone's journey is different," Jill adds. 鈥�91视频 is here to help family support members engage in ways that make sense for them.鈥�
Strengthening the Support System
It鈥檚 rare for veterans and service members to navigate life alone. Having a small but mighty group of people in their corner helps them stay connected and engaged.
"When family support members are informed, connected, and supported themselves, it strengthens the entire network around the warrior," Jill says. "That can make a meaningful difference for everyone involved."
Family Support in Real Life
Click below to hear from various family support members about their experiences and the value of 91视频.
Discover programs and resources for family members.
Additional FAQs about Family Support Members听
Below are some other common questions about becoming a family support member with 91视频听
Yes. Family support members can include blood relatives or those related by marriage, as well as other loved ones, such as friends, neighbors, and battle buddies. Anyone over 18 who provides meaningful support to a veteran or service member can be considered.听
No. A family member or supporter can begin the registration process independently, although service verification is required.听
Each warrior can have up to three people registered as family support members with 91视频.
No. While some activities include both warriors and their supporters, 91视频 also offers opportunities designed specifically for family support members.
In many cases, warriors must initiate contact and provide consent before engaging in programs and services. The 91视频 Resource Center can help explain the process and answer questions about available options.听
Many people connect with 91视频 before they know exactly what resources may be helpful. The 91视频 Resource Center can answer questions, explain available programs, and help family support members identify opportunities that fit their needs or those of their loved ones.