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VA Caregiver Support Program

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VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) - Announcements

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Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Announcements!

VA Caregiver Support Stipend Scams

Caregivers and Veterans, recently we learned of a potential scam that included an “e-mail “ about VA Caregiver stipend recoupment and another potential scam that included a “text” asking for personal information to set up an informal meeting. 

If you receive a suspicious email, or text from anyone representing the Department of Veterans Affairs, DO NOT respond to the text, DO NOT open the email or click on any attachments or links. VA does not send emails or texts asking for personal information. In addition, VA does not send threatening emails, or emails claiming to take adverse actions on claimants or beneficiaries (jail or lawsuits). If you receive any of these suspicious texts or emails, or are in doubt about any suspicious communication appearing to be from VA, please contact VA directly at 1 (800) 827-1000.

Protect yourself against potential scams with these tips:

  • Do not provide personal, benefits, medical or financial details online or over the phone. Federal agencies will not contact you unless you make a request.
  • Do not click on online ads or engage with social media that seem suspicious.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts.
  • Do not respond to suspicious texts.
  • Work with Veteran service providers you already know.

Visit the Cybercrime Support Network for additional resources to help Veterans, service members, and their families combat cybercrime.


PCAFC Eligibility – Then & Now 

On March 25, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a decision that set aside VA's definition of “need for supervision, protection, or instruction.” As a result of this decision, VA has made changes to the criteria used to evaluate eligibility for PCAFC when making determinations issued under PCAFC regulations that became effective on October 1, 2020. This is the only criteria that has changed.

Evaluation of PCAFC eligibility includes, among several other criteria, whether the individual is in need of personal care services based on any one of the following as seen in this graphic:

If Veteran or caregiver received a decision under PCAFC based, in part, on VA’s definition of need for supervision, protection, or instruction and disagree with that decision, individuals have options to seek further review of that decision. For more information see PCAFC decisions and PCAFC Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet (pdf).


Phase II Expansion - Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

VA begin Phase II Expansion of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers PCAFC on October 1, 2022. This phase will open PCAFC to Veterans who served after May 7, 1975 and before September 11, 2001, making Veterans of all eras eligible to apply to PCAFC.  In preparation, CSP engaged in a robust recruitment effort to ensure adequate staff are in place and have completed training to enable timely processing of PCAFC applications.

Learn more about PCAFC


Reassessment Update - Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

VA is committed to supporting Veterans and their Family Caregivers by listening to concerns raised and working diligently to address them as we continue to ensure Veterans and their caregivers get the support they need and deserve. VA halted discharges for all participants based on reassessment and undertook an effort to put meaningful solutions in place that will have an immediate and positive impact on current and new caregivers and Veterans participating in PCAFC.

No Legacy Veteran or caregiver has been dropped from the PCAFC based on reassessment since October 1, 2020, and—as we just announced—this cohort will remain enrolled in PCAFC and continue to receive support and services under PCAFC for at least the next three years.

Here’s what Veterans’ caregivers can expect


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 available for you to appeal or to request a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) review of the decision. 

Explore PCAFC Review and Appeal Options


PCAFC 1099-NEC for Caregiver Stipend Payments  

Several Primary Family Caregivers participating in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) recently expressed concern over receiving a 1099-NEC form from VA. After researching this matter, VA found that a total of 149 PCAFC Caregivers received a 1099-NEC form. These PCAFC Caregivers were all paid taxable wages in 2020 as providers of bowel and bladder care for their Veteran family member under VA’s Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) Program. The 1099-NEC form received by these 149 PCAFC Caregivers reflected only their bowel and bladder wages.

Bowel and bladder care for Veterans with SCI/D are supportive and necessary medical services when they are unable to manage bowel and bladder functions independently. The clinic of jurisdiction, or VA medical facility, authorizes such care under the Community Care Program to enrolled Veterans with SCI/D who are dependent upon others for bowel and bladder care while residing in the community. Veterans with SCI/D who qualify for bowel and bladder care may receive that care through a home health agency, a family member, or an individually employed caregiver.

Starting Monday, February 8, the Office of Community Care will begin calling the 149 Caregivers to explain why they received the 1099-NEC form and answer any questions they may have.



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.  We’re here 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.

*Be sure to check back for updates or subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.