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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).

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 1 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, and
  • The Veteran needs to be enrolled in VA health care

Personal care services are services the Veteran needs from another person. They include care or assistance to support these parts of the Veteran’s life:

  • Health and well-being
  • Everyday personal needs (like feeding, bathing, and dressing)
  • Safety, protection, or instruction in their daily living environment

Note: Active-duty service members undergoing a medical discharge will need to apply for VA health care before or after submitting their application for caregiver assistance.

Learn more about active-duty service members and VA health care

How many caregivers can the eligible Veteran appoint?

The Veteran can appoint this many caregivers:

  • 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)

What benefits can eligible Primary and Secondary caregivers receive?

Eligible Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers can receive these benefits:

Eligible Primary Family Caregivers may also receive these benefits:

  • A monthly stipend (payment).
    Note: You must be enrolled in direct deposit using the VA customer engagement portal to get your monthly stipend.
    Learn how to set up direct deposit as a caregiver
    Go to the customer engagement portal
  • 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
  • Free legal and financial planning assistance related to the needs of the injured Veteran.
  • At least 30 days of respite care per year. Respite is a period of rest or a break from caregiving.
  • Access to telehealth therapy sessions through our virtual psychotherapy program for caregivers (VPPC).
  • Access to military commissaries, exchanges, and recreation retail facilities.

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