When most people think about VA benefits, the veteran comes to mind. But what about the person who drives them to appointments, keeps track of their medications, or helps them get dressed. That caregiver might need support, too.
According to a 2024 RAND study, approximately 14.3 million Americans provide care to military members and veterans. The good news is that the VA has programs built specifically to support them. These benefits don’t get talked about nearly enough.
If you're one of those caregivers, you should know that you may qualify for coaching, training, counseling, respite care, or even a monthly stipend.
Here's how the VA caregiver program works, who qualifies, and how to access the support available to you.
Two VA Caregiver Programs to Know
The VA offers two main caregiver support programs. Which one is right for you depends on the veteran's care needs, disability rating, and other eligibility requirements.
1. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
This is the more comprehensive of the two programs. It provides financial assistance and additional benefits to qualifying family caregivers.
Since October 1, 2022, veterans from all service eras have been able to qualify, not just those who served after September 11, 2001.
To qualify, the veteran generally must:
- Have an individual or combined VA service-connected disability rating of at least 70%.
- Need in-person personal care services for at least six continuous months because of difficulty performing activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating, or because they require supervision, protection, or instruction.
- Be enrolled in VA health care and receive ongoing care from a primary care team.
- Receive care at home or plan to receive care at home if approved.
Certain service members undergoing medical discharge may also qualify.
As the caregiver, you must be at least 18 years old and either be a qualifying family member or live with the veteran full-time, or be willing to do so.
The VA evaluates both the veteran's care needs and the caregiver's ability to provide the necessary support. Meeting the disability rating requirement alone does not guarantee approval.
Review PCAFC Eligibility Requirements
2. Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
PGCSS offers support to caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care who need assistance.
Unlike PCAFC, it does not require a 70% service-connected disability rating or provide a monthly caregiver stipend.
However, it offers valuable services, including education, coaching, peer support, and connections to other resources.
If you don't qualify for PCAFC, don't assume you're out of options. PGCSS is worth exploring.
How Much Does the VA Pay Family Caregivers?
For many families, this is the biggest question.
The PCAFC monthly stipend is based on the federal General Schedule (GS) Grade 4, Step 1 pay rate, adjusted for the locality where the veteran lives.
The VA divides the annual salary by 12 to determine a monthly reference amount. It then applies one of two stipend levels.
- Level 1: 62.5% of the monthly reference amount.
- Level 2: 100% of the monthly reference amount for veterans who meet VA's criteria for being unable to self-sustain in the community.
Here's a simple example.
If the applicable annual GS-4, Step 1 salary were $36,000, the monthly reference amount would be $3,000.
Your actual payment depends on the applicable federal pay rate, geographic location, and VA's assessment of the veteran's care needs. These figures are examples, not guaranteed payment amounts.
One important distinction: A veteran can have one designated Primary Family Caregiver and up to two Secondary Family Caregivers. Only the Primary Family Caregiver receives the monthly PCAFC stipend.
Secondary Family Caregivers may qualify for other support services, but they do not receive a portion of the stipend.
Learn How VA Caregiver Stipends Are Calculated
What Other VA Caregiver Benefits Can You Receive?
The monthly stipend gets most of the attention, but PCAFC offers more than financial assistance.
Depending on your caregiver designation and eligibility, benefits may include:
- Health coverage: Qualifying Primary Family Caregivers who do not have other qualifying health coverage may receive CHAMPVA benefits.
- Mental health counseling: Support to help caregivers manage stress, emotional challenges, and the demands of caregiving.
- Respite care: At least 30 days of respite care annually for the veteran under the Primary Family Caregiver benefit, giving caregivers time to rest or manage personal responsibilities.
- Education and training: Instruction in caregiving skills and managing the veteran's specific needs.
- Travel benefits: Qualifying assistance with certain travel expenses related to the veteran's care.
- Financial and legal planning: Certain services to help eligible caregivers prepare for their family's future.
Through PGCSS, caregivers can also access coaching, skills training, peer mentoring, community resource referrals, and programs such as Building Better Caregivers, a structured six-week workshop.
Explore General Caregiver Support Services
How to Apply for the VA Caregiver Program
For PCAFC, the process starts with VA Form 10-10CG, the Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
The veteran and caregiver generally apply together.
You can submit your application in three ways:
1. Online: Apply through the VA caregiver program application page.
2. By mail: Send the completed application to:
10-10CG Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, WI 53547-5154
3. In person: Bring your completed application to the Caregiver Support Program office at your local VA medical center.
After submission, the VA Caregiver Support Team will guide you through the evaluation process. This may include clinical assessments, interviews, caregiver training, and a home-care assessment.
The VA uses this information to determine eligibility and, if approved, the applicable stipend level.
Keep your medical records and contact information up to date, but don't send additional medical documentation with your initial application unless VA requests it.
What If You Don't Qualify for the VA Caregiver Stipend?
Not qualifying for PCAFC doesn't mean you have to manage everything on your own.
Start with PGCSS, which offers support without the 70% disability rating requirement.
Depending on the veteran's eligibility and local availability, other VA programs may also help:
- Homemaker and Home Health Aide services: Assistance with everyday personal care needs.
- Veteran-Directed Care: Greater flexibility in arranging qualifying home and community-based services.
- VA respite care: Temporary assistance that gives caregivers time away from their responsibilities.
These programs have separate eligibility requirements, but your local VA Caregiver Support Team can help you identify which options are worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get paid to care for my veteran spouse?
Yes. If you and your spouse meet PCAFC requirements and you are approved as the Primary Family Caregiver, you may receive a monthly stipend.
Does a 100% VA disability rating automatically qualify someone for the caregiver program?
No. Although a 100% service-connected disability rating meets the program's rating requirement, the veteran must also meet the personal care and other eligibility requirements.
Can I receive VA caregiver support if the veteran has less than a 70% disability rating?
Yes. PGCSS and certain other VA home and community-based services may still be available. The 70% requirement applies to PCAFC, not every caregiver support program.
Can VA caregiver benefits change after approval?
Yes. VA may review eligibility and care needs over time. Certain existing participants have special transition protections. Contact your Caregiver Support Team to understand how current reassessment rules apply to your situation.
One More Thing
Caring for a veteran can be rewarding, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. You don't have to wait until you're overwhelmed to ask for help.
Start by contacting your local VA Caregiver Support Team or calling the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.
The team can explain eligibility requirements, help you understand the application process, and connect you with resources even if you don't qualify for a monthly stipend.
Applying for PCAFC takes time, so it's worth starting the conversation early.
Find Your Local VA Caregiver Support Team
Visit the VA Caregiver Support Program
Eligibility, stipend amounts, and available services depend on individual circumstances and VA program requirements. Confirm your eligibility and current benefit information directly with the VA.
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