Overview
Caring for a veteran with serious injuries or illnesses is demanding work. The VA offers several programs to support family caregivers, with the most substantial being the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Eligibility
The veteran must:
- Have a serious injury (physical, mental, or both) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, OR have a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975 (Vietnam era and earlier — expanded under the MISSION Act)
- Need at least 6 months of continuous personal care services
- Be enrolled in VA health care
Note: The expansion to pre-9/11 veterans was phased in under the MISSION Act. All eligible eras are now included.
The caregiver must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling) or someone who lives with the veteran full-time (or is willing to)
- Not be a member of the veteran's health care team
- Complete required training
Benefits for Approved Caregivers
Monthly stipend based on the level of care needed:
- Calculated as a percentage of a GS-5 step 3 federal employee salary for the veteran's geographic area
- Ranges from approximately $1,800–$3,200+/month depending on care level and location
- Paid directly to the caregiver
Health insurance through CHAMPVA if the caregiver doesn't have their own
Mental health counseling and support services
Training on how to care for the veteran's specific conditions
Respite care — at least 30 days per year of substitute care so the caregiver can rest
Travel expenses for medical appointments
How to Apply
- Download VA Form 10-10CG (Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers)
- Both the veteran and caregiver sign the form
- Submit online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center
- A Clinical Team evaluates the application (home visit and assessment)
- If approved, caregiver completes training and benefits begin
Care Levels
The PCAFC uses a tiering system:
- Tier 1 — veteran needs periodic personal care assistance
- Tier 2 — veteran needs regular personal care assistance
- Tier 3 — veteran needs extensive, ongoing daily personal care
The tier determines the stipend amount. Reassessments occur periodically.
General Caregiver Support Services
Even if you don't qualify for PCAFC, the VA offers:
Caregiver Support Line
Call 1-855-260-3274 — trained staff available Monday–Friday to:
- Answer questions about available support
- Connect you with local resources
- Provide emotional support and crisis intervention
Caregiver Support Coordinators
Every VA medical center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator who can:
- Help you navigate benefits and programs
- Connect you with local community resources
- Assist with the PCAFC application process
Peer Support Programs
- Peer Support Mentoring — connects caregivers with experienced mentors
- Building Better Caregivers — online self-management workshop
- Support groups — both in-person and virtual
Respite Care
Available to caregivers of enrolled veterans even outside PCAFC:
- In-home respite — a trained provider comes to the home
- Adult day health care — supervised activities at a VA or community facility
- Short-term nursing home care — for extended respite needs
Aid and Attendance
If a veteran needs regular help with daily activities, they may also qualify for Aid and Attendance pension benefits — an additional monthly payment. This is separate from PCAFC and can sometimes be received simultaneously.
Common Questions
Can a paid caregiver also be a family member?
Yes — the PCAFC stipend is specifically for family caregivers. You can receive the stipend while being the veteran's primary caregiver.
Does the stipend count as income?
PCAFC stipends are generally not taxable as income. However, consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What if the veteran's condition improves?
Reassessments may result in a lower tier or discharge from the program. The VA must provide notice and you can appeal the decision.
Can there be more than one caregiver?
Yes — the PCAFC allows one primary caregiver and up to two secondary caregivers. Only the primary caregiver receives the full stipend and CHAMPVA eligibility.