The Caregiver Support Program available to Veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consists of 2 sub-programs: the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is for eligible Veterans who have incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975 or on or after September 11, 2001. This program provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend, and health insurance (if eligible), beneficiary travel (if eligible), to caregivers of eligible Veterans.

Moreover, through VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), Veterans can appoint one primary and up to two secondary caregivers who may be eligible to receive financial assistance, training, and more to support their important role of caring for a Veteran.

Veterans may be eligible for the PCAFC program if they sustained or aggravated a serious injury or a serious illness in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975 or on or after September 11, 2001; and meet both of the following criteria to be eligible for PCAFC. Among other applicable eligibility criteria, the Veteran must:

1. Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or more; and
2. Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on (i) an inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL), or (ii) a need for supervision, protection, or instruction.

In order to be eligible to act as a family caregiver under the PCAFC program, you must be at least 18 years old and be either:

• A spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member of the Veteran, or
• Someone who lives full-time with the Veteran, or is willing to do so if designated as a family caregiver

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
• At least 30 days per year of respite care for the Veteran

The Veteran and the caregiver must apply together and participate in an application process to determine to determine eligibility for the PCAFC program. Both must sign and date the application, and answer all questions. You can apply online right here.

You can also apply by mail. To do so, fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG).

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

Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) 

If the Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for the PCAFC program, the Veteran may still be eligible for support and resources under the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides resources, education and support to caregivers of Veterans. The Veteran does not need to have a service-connected condition, for which the caregiver is needed, and may have served during any era.

Caregivers who enroll in PGCSS have access to education and training, including courses at local VA medical centers (VAMCs). In addition, caregivers can participate in support services and take advantage of VA home and community-based care. 

Learn more about the PGCSS program here.

For additional information concerning VA compensation and pension benefits, visit:

VA Compensation and Pension Benefits