Caregiver Support Program (CSP)
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
PCAFC is part of VA’s Caregiver Support Program and is available at every VA medical center. To participate in PCAFC, the caregiver and Veteran must participate in certain evaluations and be determined to meet multiple eligibility criteria and requirements, as described below.
Watch this video to learn more: PCAFC Overview Video
Topics on this page
PCAFC eligibility requirements
How to participate in PCAFC, including:
– Submit a joint application
– Participate in evaluations
– Submit non-VA records (optional)
Information for PCAFC applicants and participants
Information for Primary Family Caregivers
PCAFC eligibility requirements:
The Veteran (or Servicemember undergoing medical discharge) must meet all of the following requirements (additional criteria also apply):
Have a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
• For purposes of PCAFC, a serious injury means any service-connected disability that is rated 70% or higher, singular or combined.
Be “in need of personal care services” for a minimum of six (6) continuous months based on one or more of the following:
• To be "in need of personal care" service means that the Veteran requires in-person personal care services, and without such services, alternative in-person caregiving arrangements (including respite care or assistance of an alternative caregiver) would be required to support the eligible Veteran's safety.
Be “in need of personal care services” for a minimum of six (6) continuous months based on one or more of the following:
• An inability to perform an activity of daily living each time the activity is performed (the personal care services required must be “hands on” assistance),
• 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.
Have a determination that participation in PCAFC is in the Veteran’s best interest.
Personal care services that would be provided by the Family Caregiver will not be simultaneously and regularly provided by or through another individual or entity.
Receive care at home or will do so if VA designates a Family Caregiver.
Receive ongoing care from a primary care team or will do so if VA designates a Family Caregiver.
The caregiver must meet all of the following requirements (additional criteria also apply):
Be at least 18 years old.
Be either:
• Veteran’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, or extended family member, or
• Someone who lives with the Veteran full-time or will do so if designated as a Family Caregiver.
Have no determination by VA of abuse or neglect of the eligible Veteran by the caregiver.
Complete required caregiver training.
Participate in an initial home-care assessment, along with the eligible Veteran.
Demonstrate the ability to carry out the specific personal care services, core competencies, and any additional care requirements of the Veteran.
How to participate in PCAFC
Submit a joint application
To participate in PCAFC, an application is required. A Veteran can apply with one Primary Family Caregiver applicant and up to two Secondary Family Caregiver applicants. The requirements for Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers are the same, but some of the supports and benefits available are different.
To apply for PCAFC, the Veteran, along with each Family Caregiver applicant, must complete and sign a joint application using VA Form 10-10CG. VA Form 10-10CG can be submitted online. It can also be downloaded and mailed using the instructions on the form.
• English
• Spanish
Participate in evaluation
Once VA receives a joint application, a member of the local CSP Team will contact the Veteran and/or Family Caregiver applicant(s) to review eligibility criteria, complete an initial intake, and discuss the evaluation process. Learn more about how CSP evaluates PCAFC eligibility: PCAFC Application Process Fact Sheet(pdf)
Submit non-VA records (Optional)
Sometimes, individuals may be aware of records not available to VA that could support PCAFC eligibility. These types of records are referred to as non-VA records. Individuals who would like to submit non-VA records for VA to consider when making PCAFC eligibility determinations can submit the information directly to CSP or ask for help in obtaining the information.
To learn more and for instructions about how to submit information go to:
• Key Facts About Non-VA Records and Form 21-4142
• VA Form 21-4142a (Medical Provider Information)
PCAFC supports and benefits
Family Caregivers participating in PCAFC have access to a variety of supports and benefits including individual and group support, peer support, respite, and more. See the full range of opportunities available: PGCSS and PCAFC Supports and Benefits
In addition, through PCAFC, Family Caregivers have access to:
• Wellness contacts (participation is required)
• Mental health counseling through the Virtual Psychotherapy Program for Caregivers (VPPC). - VPPC Fact Sheet(pdf)
• Beneficiary travel (as applicable) Learn about VA Travel pay.
Plus, Primary Family Caregivers are eligible to receive:
• A monthly stipend: Learn more about PCAFC Monthly Stipend
• Access to healthcare coverage through Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if qualified: Learn more about CHAMPVA.
• Certain legal and financial planning services: Learn more about Legal and Financial Planning Services
Learn more about PCAFC
• PCAFC Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet(pdf)
• PCAFC Revocation and Discharge Fact Sheet(pdf)
Information for PCAFC applicants and participants
• The transition period for legacy participants, legacy applicants, and their Family Caregivers has been extended through September 30, 2028
• Placeholder for content about current suspension of reassessments & wellness contacts continue to be required. "Once you’re in the program, you’ll need to participate in wellness contacts. Wellness contacts are check-ins to ensure both you and the Veteran’s well-being and confirm the Veteran is getting their personal care services. These occur, generally, every 120 days, with 1 occurring in the Veteran’s home on an annual basis."
• Placeholder for content about pending rulemaking - VA continues to consider changes to eligibility requirements including changes proposed within AR96(P). A timeline for when any changes may take effect has not been identified.
Information for Primary Family Caregivers
• Monthly Stipend Information
• Direct Deposit of the Monthly Stipend - provides a secure way to deliver the monthly stipend directly to Primary Family Caregivers.
• Enroll in Direct Deposit through VA’s Customer Engagement Portal. You will need your social security number, address, and bank routing and account numbers to complete the required form. Step-by-step instructions for enrolling in direct deposit is available here: PCAFC Monthly Stipend Direct Deposit User Guide (pdf).
• Access to US DoD Installations Process for Veterans and Caregivers to Access US DoD Installations Fact Sheet
Disregard Developers notes below:
NOTE: All text in red needs content update
Other souces for developers
DRUPAL - The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
DRUPAL- Legal and financial planning services for Primary Family Caregivers
DRUPAL- Caregiver Direct Deposit
https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
For family members
Get started with caregiver benefits (PDF)
