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

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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:

- a need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or
- a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the veteran to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.   

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.

PCAFC apply online


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 expansion Fact Sheets. (English)

PCAFC Roles, Responsibilities, and Requirements Fact Sheet. (English)

PCAFC Revocation and Discharge Fact Sheet. (English)

VA/DOD Expanding Access to Military Commissaries

Hojas de datos de expansión de PCAFC. (Spanish)

Mga Kadahilanan sa Pagpapalawak ng PCAFC. (Tagalog

Additional Options for Veterans and Caregivers who Disagree with a PCAFC Decision 

If you disagree, in whole or in part, with a decision under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), there are options for you to appeal or request a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) review the decision. 

Explore PCAFC Review and Appeal Options

Need Help?

Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line (CSL) at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you, and for assistance connecting with the CSP team, at your local VA facility.

VA CSL Expanded hours:
      -Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET
      -Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

CSP teams  are professionals who provide support and referrals to services. They provide valuable information about resources that can help you to stay informed and supported as you care for your Veteran.

Subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.

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