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 one 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

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.

What are personal care services?

These are services the eligible 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

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:

• 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 these benefits:

• 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
  Learn more about CHAMPVA

How do I apply for this program?

You and the Veteran will need to apply together and participate in an application process to determine if you’re eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You’ll both need to sign and date the application, and answer all questions for your role.

Note: If the Veteran is already enrolled in this program and wants to add a new family caregiver, the Veteran and the new caregiver will need to submit a new application. Remember, there can only be 1 Primary and up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers designated at any one time.

You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

Option 1: Online

You can apply online right now.

Option 2: By mail

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 this address:

10-10CG Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, WI 53547-5154

Option 3: In person

Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to the Caregiver Support Team at your nearest VA medical center.

You can find a Caregiver Support Team in one of these ways:

• Go to our Caregiver Support Program Teams directory, or
• Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

Don’t send medical records along with your application. If you need help with completing the application or if you'd like to check the status of your application, you can call us at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. ET.

What documents can I submit if I’m signing this application on behalf of a Veteran?

If you’re a representative signing this application on behalf of a Veteran, you must have legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the Veteran. Or you must have authority to fill out and sign applications on behalf of the Veteran.

You can submit one of these types of documents:

• A valid power of attorney, or
• A legal guardianship order, or
• Another type of legal document that your state considers proof of this authority, or
• An Alternate Signer Certification (VA Form 21-0972), or
• An Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22), or
• An Appointment of Individual As Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22a)

What happens after I apply?

A member of the Caregiver Support Team where the Veteran receives care or plans to receive care will contact the Veteran and any caregivers to discuss this application and eligibility.

What if the Veteran I’m caring for doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria for this program?

Family caregivers of Veterans who aren’t eligible for this program may still be able to get support and resources. The VA Caregiver Support Program consists of 2 programs: this Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and another program called the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

Here’s how you can learn more:

• Read about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services
• Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711)
• Discuss your options with a Caregiver Support Team at your nearest VA medical center
  Go to our Caregiver Support Program Teams Directory

What if the Veteran isn’t enrolled in VA health care yet?

If the Veteran isn’t yet enrolled in VA health care, they’ll first need to apply for VA health care benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).

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.

Last updated: August 19, 2024