What does the VA caregiver stipend pay each month?
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend to a family caregiver. Pick the level VA assigned and we will show the monthly amount, the yearly total, and the exact math behind it.
- OPM GS-4, Step 1 annual salary (Rest of U.S., 2026)$36,409.00
- Divided by 12 to get the monthly stipend rate$3,034.08
- Level 2 (unable to self-sustain): 100% of the monthly rate$3,034.08
- The PCAFC monthly stipend equals the OPM General Schedule grade 4, step 1 annual rate for the veteran's locality, divided by 12, then multiplied by 100% for Level 2 or 62.5% for Level 1. 38 CFR 71.40(c)(4).
- The level is set by VA's clinical assessment of whether the veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community, not by a count of care hours.
- The stipend is paid to the Primary Family Caregiver. VA treats it as a difficulty of care payment, so it is generally not taxable income to the caregiver.
- Legacy participants enrolled before the 2020 rule change keep their existing amount during the transition period and are not reduced.
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| Caregiver level | Level 2 - 100% |
| Locality | Rest of U.S. (2026) |
| OPM GS-4, Step 1 annual salary (Rest of U.S., 2026) | $36,409.00 |
| Divided by 12 to get the monthly stipend rate | $3,034.08 |
| Level 2 (unable to self-sustain): 100% of the monthly rate | $3,034.08 |
| Estimated monthly stipend | $3,034.08 |
- ▸The PCAFC monthly stipend equals the OPM General Schedule grade 4, step 1 annual rate for the veteran's locality, divided by 12, then multiplied by 100% for Level 2 or 62.5% for Level 1. 38 CFR 71.40(c)(4).
- ▸The level is set by VA's clinical assessment of whether the veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community, not by a count of care hours.
- ▸The stipend is paid to the Primary Family Caregiver. VA treats it as a difficulty of care payment, so it is generally not taxable income to the caregiver.
- ▸Legacy participants enrolled before the 2020 rule change keep their existing amount during the transition period and are not reduced.
Questions families ask about the caregiver stipend
How is the VA caregiver stipend calculated?
VA takes the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule grade 4, step 1 annual salary for the veteran's locality, divides it by 12 to get a monthly rate, and then pays a percentage of that rate based on the caregiver level. This is set in 38 CFR 71.40.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 2 pays 100% of the monthly rate and applies when VA finds the veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community. Level 1 pays 62.5% of the monthly rate and applies when the veteran needs care but can self-sustain. VA assigns the level after a clinical assessment, not by counting care hours.
Does the stipend change depending on where I live?
Yes. The amount is tied to the OPM locality pay area where the veteran lives, so a caregiver in a higher cost area receives more. This tool uses the national Rest of U.S. rate by default; enter your locality's GS-4 step 1 annual salary for an exact figure.
Is the caregiver stipend taxable income?
VA treats the stipend as a difficulty of care payment, so it is generally not taxable income to the caregiver. Talk with a tax professional about your situation.
How do I apply for the PCAFC stipend?
File VA Form 10-10CG, the Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You can apply online, by mail, or with help from your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator. The Caregiver Support Line is 855-260-3274.