VA caregiver benefits: support for family caregivers

Family members who care for a seriously injured or ill veteran often do it around the clock, unpaid, and without knowing the VA has programs built for them. There are two — one comprehensive, one broader — and it's worth understanding both.

PCAFC — the comprehensive program (with a stipend)

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) supports the primary caregiver of a veteran with serious service-connected needs. To qualify, the veteran generally must:

• Have a single or combined service-connected rating of 70% or higher, and
• Need at least six months of continuous, in-person personal care (help with daily activities or supervision for safety).

All service eras now qualify — the old post-9/11-only restriction has been removed. The caregiver must be 18 or older and live with the veteran (or be willing to).

PCAFC provides:

• A monthly stipend to the primary family caregiver, based on the federal GS-4 hourly rate for the veteran's location and the level of care needed (there are two levels).
• Health coverage (CHAMPVA) for caregivers who don't otherwise have insurance.
• Respite care, mental health services, caregiver training, and travel/lodging when accompanying the veteran to care.

PGCSS — support for every caregiver

If you don't meet the PCAFC bar, the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) is open much more broadly — no disability-rating requirement and any service era. It offers caregiver training, peer mentoring, support groups, and respite care. It doesn't pay a stipend, but it's a real source of help and often the right starting point.

How to apply & get help

1. Apply to PCAFC jointly (veteran + caregiver) using VA Form 10-10CG at caregiver.va.gov.
2. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 — they'll walk you through both programs and connect you to your local Caregiver Support Coordinator.

Related: VA health care enrollment, the rating-increase guide (a higher rating can open PCAFC), mental health resources, and survivor benefits.

General information, not a determination of eligibility. Stipend amounts depend on location and care level — see the VA's Monthly Caregiver Stipend fact sheet. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (caregiver.va.gov).