VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

VA Family Caregiver Assistance Program | Veterans Affairs Skip to Content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely. Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now Family and caregiver benefits Health and disability benefits CHAMPVA benefits Apply now Submit other health insurance File a CHAMPVA claim Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Apply now El Programa de Asistencia Integral para Cuidadores de Familia Solicite ahora (en inglés) Benefits for spina bifida linked to Agent Orange Benefits for children of women Vietnam Veterans In this section The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers We recognize the important role of family caregivers in supporting the health and wellness of Veterans. Find out if you may be eligible and how to apply for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Am I eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers? You may be eligible if you and the Veteran you’re caring for meet all of these requirements. Eligibility requirements for the family caregiver You must be at least 18 years old. And at least 1 of these must be true for you: You’re a spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member of the Veteran, or You live full time with the Veteran, or you’re willing to live full time with the Veteran if we designate you as a family caregiver Eligibility requirements for the Veteran All of these must be true for the Veteran you’re caring for: The Veteran has a VA disability rating (individual or combined) of 70% or higher, and The Veteran was discharged from the U.S. military or has a date of medical discharge, and The Veteran needs at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care services, and The Veteran needs to be enrolled in VA health care Personal care services are services the Veteran needs from another person. They include care or assistance to support these parts of the Veteran’s life: Health and well-being Everyday personal needs (like feeding, bathing, and dressing) Safety, protection, or instruction in their daily living environment Note: Active-duty service members undergoing a medical discharge will need to apply for VA health care before or after submitting their application for caregiver assistance. Learn more about active-duty service members and VA health care How many caregivers can the eligible Veteran appoint? The Veteran can appoint this many caregivers: 1 Primary Family Caregiver (the main caregiver), and Up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers (people who serve as backup support to the primary caregiver when needed) What benefits can eligible Primary and Secondary caregivers receive? Eligible Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers can receive these benefits: Caregiver education and training Mental health counseling Certain travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to receive care Learn more about VA travel pay reimbursement Eligible Primary Family Caregivers may also receive these benefits: A monthly stipend (payment). Note: You must be enrolled in direct deposit using the VA customer engagement portal to get your monthly stipend. Learn how to set up direct deposit as a caregiver Go to the customer engagement portal Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)—if you don’t already qualify for care or services under another health care plan. Learn more about CHAMPVA Free legal and financial planning assistance related to the needs of the injured Veteran. At least 30 days of respite care per year. Respite is a period of rest or a break from caregiving. Access to telehealth therapy sessions through our virtual psychotherapy program for caregivers (VPPC). Access to military commissaries, exchanges, and recreation retail facilities. How do I apply for this program? You and the Veteran will need to apply together and participate in an application process to determine if you’re eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You’ll both need to sign and date the application, and answer all questions for your role. Note: If the Veteran is already enrolled in this program and wants to add a new family caregiver, the Veteran and the new caregiver will need to submit a new application. Remember, there can only be 1 Primary and up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers designated at any one time. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Option 1: Online You can apply online right now. Option 2: By mail Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG). Get VA Form 10-10CG to download Mail the form and any supporting documents to this address: 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center PO Box 5154 Janesville, WI 53547-5154 Option 3: In person Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to the caregiver support team at your nearest VA medical center. You can find a caregiver support team in 1 of these ways: Go to our caregiver support program teams directory , or Call the Caregiver Support Line at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Don’t send medical records along with your application. If you need help with completing the application or if you’d like to check the status of your application, you can call the Caregiver Support Line at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. What documents can I submit if I’m signing this application on behalf of a Veteran? If you’re a representative signing this application on behalf of a Veteran, you must have legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the Veteran. Or you must have authority to fill out and sign applications on behalf of the Veteran. You can submit 1 of these types of documents: A valid power of attorney, or A legal guardianship order, or Another type of legal document that your state considers proof of this authority, or An Alternate Signer Certification (VA Form 21-0972), or An Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22), or An Appointment of Individual As Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22a) What happens after I apply? A member of the caregiver support team where the Veteran receives care or plans to receive care will contact the Veteran and any caregivers to discuss this application and eligibility. Before you’re assigned as a caregiver, you must complete these requirements: Caregiver education and training A home care assessment We’ll assign you as a caregiver no later than 90 days after we get your application. If you disagree with our decision on your application, you have options to appeal or request a review of the decision. Learn about our decision reviews and appeals process Wellness contacts Once you’re in the program, you’ll need to participate in wellness contacts. Wellness contacts are check-ins to ensure both you and the Veteran’s well-being and confirm the Veteran is getting their personal care services. These occur at least once every 120 days, with 1 annual visit to the Veteran’s home. More questions you may have The Veteran must apply for VA health care benefits first. After the Veteran enrolls in VA health care, you can then ask about enrolling in the general caregiver program. Learn more about how to apply for VA health care Note: Active-duty service members undergoing a medical discharge will need to apply for VA health care before or after submitting their application for caregiver assistance. Learn more about active-duty service members and VA health care Family caregivers of Veterans who aren’t eligible for this program may still be able to get support and resources through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). Here’s how you can learn more: Read about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services Call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Discuss your options with a caregiver support team at your nearest VA facility Find your nearest VA facility You’ll need to enroll in direct deposit using the customer engagement portal. You must be enrolled to get your monthly stipend. For step-by-step instructions, download our Primary Family Caregiver User Guide for Direct Deposit Enrollment. Here’s how to find the guide: Go to our outreach materials page Find the Select a topic dropdown Select Family member and caregiver benefits from the dropdown menu Find the Caregiver direct deposit PDF to download You’ll need to contact your local caregiver support team in these situations: If you or the Veteran moves to a new address If the Veteran is admitted to a hospital, rehabilitation center, correctional facility, assisted living facility, medical foster home, or nursing home If the Veteran or another family caregiver dies Note: To avoid benefit overpayments, notify the caregiver support team within 30 days of the event by phone, in writing, or in person. Find your local caregiver support team How to contact us If you still have questions or need help with this program, call the Caregiver Support Line at . We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. You can also connect with your local caregiver support team. Find your local caregiver support team Last updated: February 11, 2026