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Family + VA Toolkit

VA Caregiver Program (PCAFC)

How the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers actually works. 70%+ rating threshold, the 6-month personal-care requirement, Level 1 vs Level 2 stipend math. Plus the free Caregiver Support Coordinator at every VA medical center.

The 30-second version
  • Who qualifies: Veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability + 6 months of needed personal care (ADL impairment or cognitive/supervision needs)
  • Caregiver gets: Monthly stipend (Level 1 or 2) + health insurance if uninsured + respite care + training
  • Stipend math: Based on OPM GS-4 Step 1 annual rate × locality pay × tier multiplier (0.625 or 1.00)
  • Apply via: VA Form 10-10CG online at VA.gov, or via your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator (free)
  • Free help: Every VAMC has a Caregiver Support Coordinator. Use them before paying any service.

Eligibility — the 4 thresholds

The 70% rule

The veteran or transitioning service member must have a single service-connected disability rated at least 70%, OR a combined service-connected rating of 70% or more. This expanded in 2020 from the original "post-9/11 era only" criteria — Vietnam-era and pre-9/11 veterans now qualify.

Personal-care requirement (6 months)

The veteran must need in-person personal care services for at least 6 continuous months based on: (a) inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility); OR (b) need for supervision/protection due to neurological/cognitive impairment; OR (c) need for regular/extensive instruction without which they cannot function in daily life.

Caregiver eligibility

The Primary Family Caregiver must be 18+, capable of providing care, and is typically a spouse, parent, adult child, or family-equivalent. They do NOT need to live with the veteran but must be available to provide care. Up to one Primary and two Secondary Family Caregivers can be designated.

Discharge/separation status

Veterans must have been discharged or released from active duty (any era post-1975 after the 2020 expansion). Currently-serving members undergoing medical discharge (MEB/PEB) may also be eligible during their transition.

Stipend tiers

Level 1

× 0.625 multiplier

Standard PCAFC stipend. Veteran needs care but does not meet the "unable to self-sustain in the community" criteria.

Approximately $1,800–$2,400/month depending on locality (calculated as OPM GS-4 Step 1 annual rate ÷ 12 × 0.625, by locality pay area).

Level 2

× 1.00 multiplier

Higher tier. Veteran meets the "unable to self-sustain in the community" definition — needs continuous personal care, supervision, or protection.

Approximately $2,900–$3,800/month depending on locality (full OPM GS-4 Step 1 monthly rate, by locality pay area).

Locality pay areas vary widely. Use the OPM locality pay area lookup at opm.gov to find the exact rate for the veteran's ZIP. The caregiver.va.gov stipend calculator on the official site gives exact numbers.

How to apply

  1. Read PCAFC eligibility criteria at caregiver.va.gov/PCAFC-Eligibility.asp
  2. Veteran and caregiver complete VA Form 10-10CG together. Available online via VA.gov.
  3. Submit via VA.gov, in person at a VA medical center, by mail, or by fax (1-877-222-VETS / find your VA caregiver support coordinator).
  4. VA conducts a clinical evaluation of the veteran's needs and the caregiver's ability to provide care.
  5. Decision arrives in writing. If approved, the Tier (Level 1 or 2) is assigned with the stipend amount.
  6. Caregiver completes training (Building Better Caregivers or equivalent) and home assessment.
  7. Stipend begins; CHAMPVA-equivalent health coverage available if caregiver has no other insurance.
Common pitfalls
  • Underestimating the "personal care" requirement — meal prep alone doesn't qualify; you need ADL impairment or supervision needs.
  • Caregiver providing care from a different state — works, but the locality pay rate uses the VETERAN's ZIP, not the caregiver's.
  • Reassessments — VA periodically re-evaluates. A condition that improves can result in tier reduction or removal from the program. Document any worsening.
  • Confusion with the Caregiver Support Program (broader, includes Vietnam/Korea-era vets but NOT cash stipend) vs PCAFC (the stipend program).
  • Missing that CHAMPVA-equivalent coverage exists for caregivers with no other health insurance — separate benefit, often overlooked.
Free help — use these
  • VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 (free, M–F 8 AM – 10 PM ET, Sat 8 AM – 5 PM ET)
  • Find your Caregiver Support Coordinator: caregiver.va.gov → ZIP search
  • Building Better Caregivers training: Free 6-week online program for designated PCAFC caregivers
  • VFW / DAV / American Legion / VVA: Will help with the application at no cost
  • Stipend calculator (official): caregiver.va.gov/support/PCAFC-Stipend.asp
Adjacent tools
Sources

Program rules per 38 CFR § 71 (Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers). PCAFC expansion to all eras per VA MISSION Act of 2018 + October 2020 implementation. Stipend math per 38 CFR § 71.40 + VA Form 10-10CG Eligibility Factsheet. OPM GS-4 Step 1 annual rates published at opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/. Verify the current locality rate before relying on a specific dollar amount.

Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards