1. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
The PCAFC is the VA's flagship caregiver program, providing monthly stipends, health insurance, training, and respite care to family caregivers of seriously injured veterans. Originally limited to post-9/11 veterans, the program has been expanded to cover all eras of service as of October 1, 2022.
What the PCAFC Provides
A tax-free monthly payment based on the level of care needed. Stipend amount is calculated using the Bureau of Labor Statistics hourly wage for home health aides in your geographic area, multiplied by the number of care hours per week.
Tax-FreeIf the caregiver has no other health insurance, they may be eligible for CHAMPVA coverage through the VA. This provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for the caregiver themselves.
HealthcareAt least 30 days per year of respite care, which means the VA provides a substitute caregiver so the primary caregiver can take a break, travel, or attend to personal needs.
30 Days/YearFree training on caregiving techniques, managing medications, wound care, PTSD support, and other skills specific to the veteran's needs. Training is available online and in person.
Free Training2. Who Qualifies for PCAFC
Veteran Eligibility
- All eras: The program now covers veterans from all service eras (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, post-9/11, and peacetime)
- Serious injury or illness: The veteran must have a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
- Need for personal care services: The veteran must be unable to perform one or more activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, transferring, adjusting prosthetics) OR need supervision, protection, or instruction due to a neurological or mental health condition
- Enrolled in VA healthcare: The veteran must be enrolled in VA healthcare (or eligible to enroll)
Caregiver Eligibility
- At least 18 years old
- A family member or someone who lives with the veteran (or is willing to live with or near the veteran)
- Not a member of the veteran's VA healthcare team
- Able to complete caregiver training required by the VA
As of October 2022, all era veterans are eligible. If you applied before and were denied because the veteran served before September 11, 2001, you should reapply. The VA is actively processing applications from all eras.
3. Stipend Amounts by Tier
The PCAFC uses a tier system to determine the monthly stipend amount. The tier is based on how many hours of personal care services the veteran needs per week.
| Tier | Care Level | Approximate Monthly Stipend | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Moderate | $2,000 - $2,300/month | Veteran needs assistance with at least one activity of daily living, or supervision due to neurological/mental condition. Minimum care needs. |
| Tier 2 | High | $2,800 - $3,200/month | Veteran needs assistance with multiple activities of daily living, or significant supervision. More intensive care requirements. |
| Tier 3 | Highest | $3,500 - $4,200+/month | Veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community without personal care services. Near-constant supervision or assistance required. |
Note: Actual stipend amounts vary by geographic location because they are tied to Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for home health aides in your area. Higher cost-of-living areas receive higher stipends. The VA reassesses tier levels and stipend amounts periodically. These figures are approximate for 2026.
4. How to Apply
The application process uses VA Form 10-10CG (Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers).
Processing time: Applications can take 60-90 days or longer to process. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. Consider working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the DAV or VFW for free assistance with your application.
5. General Caregiver Support Services
Even if you do not qualify for the PCAFC (or while waiting for approval), the VA offers General Caregiver Support Services available to caregivers of veterans from all eras:
- Education and training: Online and in-person training on caregiving skills, stress management, and self-care
- Peer support mentoring: Connect with other caregivers who understand your experience
- Caregiver support coordinator: Each VA medical center has a dedicated Caregiver Support Coordinator who can help you navigate resources
- Telephone support: The VA Caregiver Support Line provides information, referrals, and emotional support
- Respite care: Some general caregiver support programs offer limited respite care even outside PCAFC
- Support groups: VA-facilitated caregiver support groups at medical centers and online
- Wellness resources: Stress management, mindfulness, and wellness programs specifically designed for caregivers
6. Caregiver Support Line
Call 855-260-3274 — The VA Caregiver Support Line is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time, and Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Trained counselors can help you understand your options, connect you with local resources, and assist with applications. You do not need to be enrolled in any program to call.
7. Key Contacts & Resources
Main hub for caregiver programs and resources.
Website: caregiver.va.gov
Phone: 855-260-3274
Submit VA Form 10-10CG online through the VA website.
Website: va.gov/family-member-benefits/apply-for-caregiver-assistance-form-10-10cg
National nonprofit supporting military and veteran caregivers. Offers peer support, respite relief, and the Hidden Heroes campaign.
Website: hiddenheroes.org
24/7 support for veterans and their families in crisis.
Phone: Dial 988 then press 1
Text: 838255
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