Family caregiver stipend and benefits (PCAFC)

What it is

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) supports the family member who gives a seriously disabled Veteran daily, hands-on care at home. The main caregiver can receive a monthly stipend paid by VA, health coverage, time off, training and counseling.

Who qualifies

The Veteran must meet all of these (VA lists all four as required):

• A VA disability rating of 70 percent or higher (single or combined)
• Discharged from the military, or has a medical discharge date
• Needs at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care services
• Enrolled in VA health care

The caregiver must be at least 18 and either be related to the Veteran by blood or marriage (spouse, child, parent, stepfamily or extended family) or live full time with the Veteran, or be willing to.

VA can approve one Primary Family Caregiver and up to two Secondary Family Caregivers.

What it gives

Primary Family Caregiver:

• A monthly stipend (you must set up direct deposit)
• CHAMPVA health coverage, if the caregiver does not already have other coverage or qualify for it
• At least 30 days of respite care a year
• Free legal and financial planning help, education, training and mental health counseling
• Commissary and exchange access
• Travel benefits when going with the Veteran to appointments

Secondary Family Caregivers: education and training, mental health counseling and travel benefits with the Veteran. Only the Primary Family Caregiver gets the stipend.

How to apply, step by step

1. Make sure the Veteran is enrolled in VA health care. Not enrolled yet? Call 877-222-8387.
2. Fill out VA Form 10-10CG. You can apply online, by mail to: 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5154, Janesville, WI 53547-5154, or in person with the Caregiver Support team at the nearest VA medical center.
3. Set up direct deposit so the stipend can be paid.
4. VA says it will assign you as a caregiver no later than 90 days after it gets your application.

If you do not qualify for the stipend

The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) is for people who care for any Veteran enrolled in VA health care. It offers peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support, online programs and referrals. The caregiver does not have to be a relative or live with the Veteran, and the Veteran must agree to list you as the caregiver. Contact the caregiver support team at the nearest VA facility.

Traps to avoid

• The 70 percent rating is required. If the Veteran is rated lower, PGCSS is the option.
• Only the Primary Family Caregiver is paid. Secondary caregivers are backup support.
• If the decision goes against you, VA has a review process. See the appeals link below.

Where to call and where to go

Phone

• Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Source: caregiver.va.gov
• VA health benefits hotline: 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Source: va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
• Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7: 988, then select 1. Source: Helpful VA phone numbers

Official pages

• VA: Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
• Apply online: VA Form 10-10CG
• Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
• CHAMPVA health coverage
• Review a caregiver program decision
• Find your local Caregiver Support team

Free accredited help

• Find an accredited representative (attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Organization representative)