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).
As of October 1, 2022, this program is now open to family caregivers of eligible Veterans of all eras. This includes eligible Veterans who served after May 7, 1975, and before September 11, 2001.
Family caregivers of eligible Veterans of all eras can now apply.
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 one 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
What are personal care services?
These are services the eligible Veteran needs from another person. They include care or assistance to support the Veteran’s:
- Health and well-being
- Everyday personal needs (like feeding, bathing, and dressing)
- Safety, protection, or instruction in their daily living environment
How many caregivers can the eligible Veteran appoint?
The Veteran can appoint:
- 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)
Eligible Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers can receive:
- Caregiver education and training
- Mental health counseling
- Travel, lodging, and financial assistance when traveling with the Veteran to receive care
Eligible Primary Family Caregivers may also receive:
- A monthly stipend (payment)
- 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 - At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran
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.
You can apply online right now.
Apply for caregiver assistance
Note: Each time the Veteran 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 also apply:
By mail
Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG).
Download VA Form 10-10CG (PDF)
Mail the form and any supporting documents to:
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
In person
Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local VA medical center’s Caregiver Support Coordinator. To find the name of your local coordinator, you can:
- Go to the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator directory, or
- Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Please don’t send medical records along with your application. We’ll follow up after we receive your application. If you need help with completing the application or if you’d like to check the status of your application, call us at 855-488-8440, option 3. We’re available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
What if the Veteran I’m caring for doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria for this program?
Family caregivers of Veterans who aren’t eligible for this program may still be able to get support and resources. The VA Caregiver Support Program consists of 2 programs: this Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and another program called the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). To learn more, you can:
- Read about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services
- Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
- Discuss your options with your local Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC)
Go to the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator directory
What if the Veteran isn’t enrolled in VA health care yet?
If the Veteran isn’t yet enrolled in VA health care, or is on active duty and undergoing a medical discharge, they’ll first need to apply for VA health care benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).