How to apply for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) — eligibility, the stipend and VA Form 10-10CG
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) supports one Primary and up to two Secondary Family Caregivers of a veteran who has a VA disability rating (individual or combined) of 70% or higher, was discharged or has a medical-discharge date, is enrolled in VA health care, and needs at least six months of continuous, in-person personal care services. The caregiver must be at least 18 and be a family member or live (or be willing to live) full time with the veteran. All caregivers get education, mental health counseling and travel benefits; the Primary Family Caregiver also gets a monthly stipend, CHAMPVA if not otherwise covered, legal and financial planning help, at least 30 days of respite care a year and commissary access. The program has been open to veterans of all eras since October 1, 2022 under the VA MISSION Act. Apply jointly online, on VA Form 10-10CG, or in person.
What you'll need
- VA Form 10-10CG (joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers), or the online application
- The veteran's VA health care enrollment and disability rating (70% or higher)
- Direct deposit enrollment through VA's customer engagement portal (required to receive the stipend)
- Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET
Step-by-step
Step 1: Check both sides of the eligibility test
The veteran must have a VA disability rating of 70% or higher (individual or combined), have been discharged or have a medical-discharge date, be enrolled in VA health care, and need at least six months of continuous, in-person personal care services — help with health and well-being, everyday personal needs such as feeding, bathing and dressing, or safety, protection or instruction in daily living. The caregiver must be at least 18 and be the veteran's spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily or extended family member, or live full time with the veteran (or be willing to). A veteran not yet enrolled must apply for VA health care first.
Step 2: Know what the program provides
Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers receive caregiver education and training, mental health counseling and certain travel benefits when accompanying the veteran to care. The Primary Family Caregiver also receives a monthly stipend (paid by direct deposit set up in VA's customer engagement portal; the amount is set by regulation and varies by the level of care and your locality), health coverage through CHAMPVA if you do not qualify for care under another plan, free legal and financial planning assistance related to the veteran's needs, at least 30 days of respite care per year, telehealth therapy through the virtual psychotherapy program for caregivers, and access to commissaries, exchanges and recreation facilities. The veteran may designate one Primary and up to two Secondary caregivers.
Step 3: Apply together
You and the veteran apply jointly, each signing and answering the questions for your role. Apply online, mail VA Form 10-10CG to 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5154, Janesville, WI 53547-5154, or bring the form to the caregiver support team at the nearest VA medical center. Do not send medical records with the application. Someone signing for the veteran needs a power of attorney, guardianship order, VA Form 21-0972 (alternate signer) or a VA Form 21-22/21-22a representative appointment. To add a caregiver later, the veteran and the new caregiver submit a new application.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10cg/
Step 4: After you apply
The caregiver support team at the facility where the veteran gets care contacts you both about the application and eligibility. Before you are designated you complete caregiver education and training and a home care assessment; VA designates eligible caregivers no later than 90 days after receiving the application. Once in the program you take part in wellness contacts at least every 120 days, including one home visit a year. If VA denies the application you can appeal or request a review.
Step 5: Keep the benefits in place
Report changes to the local caregiver support team within 30 days — a move, the veteran's admission to a hospital, rehabilitation or correctional facility, assisted living, medical foster home or nursing home, or the death of the veteran or another caregiver — to avoid overpayments. Caregivers of veterans who do not qualify for PCAFC can still get support through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) at any VA medical center.
Critical tips
- Questions about eligibility, the application or its status: Caregiver Support Line 855-260-3274 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET, or your local caregiver support team.
- If you applied before October 1, 2022 and the veteran served before 9/11, the program is now open to all eras — you can apply again.
- Enroll in direct deposit through the customer engagement portal as soon as you are designated; the stipend is not paid without it.
- The veteran's 70% rating is the gate; a county veterans service officer can help with a claim for an increased rating if the veteran is close: warriorsfund.org/find-cvso.
- In crisis: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255 — the Veterans Crisis Line also supports caregivers.