Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) - VA Caregiver Support
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VA Caregiver Support

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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.

Veterans may be eligible for this clinical program if they:

Sustained or aggravated a serious injury serious injury (now includes 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. This requirement is included in the definition of “serious injury;” and
  2. Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:

- an inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL)
- a need for supervision, protection, or instruction.  

For more information on these changes, please see Fact Sheet.

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.

You can apply online right now.
Apply for the program of comprehensive caregiver assistance

You can also apply:

By mail

Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG).
Download VA Form 10-10CG (PDF)

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

In person

Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local VA medical center's Caregiver Support Coordinator. To find the name of your local coordinator, you can:

Go to the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator directory, or
Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274

Do not send medical records along with the application. VA will follow up after the application is received. If you need assistance with completing the application or would like to check the status of your 1010CG application please call 1-855-488-8440, option 3.

What services does this program offer?

If approved, Veterans can select one (1) primary (main) caregiver and up to two (2) secondary caregivers. Secondary caregivers serve as a backup support to the primary caregiver when needed. The services you receive will depend on whether you are the primary or secondary caregiver.

If you are the primary caregiver, you may receive:

  • A monthly stipend (paid directly to you as the caregiver.)
  • Access to health care insurance through Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already have health insurance.
  • Mental health counseling.
  • Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. Note for specific details, speak to your Caregiver Support Coordinator.
  • At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.

If you are the secondary caregiver, you may receive:

  • Mental health counseling.
  • Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. Note for specific details, speak to your Caregiver Support Coordinator.
  • At least 30 days of respite care, per year for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.

Be sure to check www.caregiver.va.gov for updates or subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.

More Information about the program

PCAFC Roles, Responsibilities and Requirements document explains the roles, responsibilities and requirements for Family Caregivers and Veterans/service members participating in PCAFC as well as the roles, responsibilities and requirements of VA Caregiver Support Coordinators (CSCs).   
  - PCAFC - Roles, Responsibilities and Requirements (English-PDF)  
  - PCAFC - Funciones, responsabilidades y requisitos (Spanish-PDF)

PCAFC expansion Fact Sheets. (English)

Hojas de datos de expansión de PCAFC. (Spanish)

Mga Kadahilanan sa Pagpapalawak ng PCAFC. (Tagalog/Filipino)

Need Help!

Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love.

Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center.

Caregiver Support Program (CSP) - Menu of Resources

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