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VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

VA program providing a monthly stipend, health insurance (CHAMPVA), respite care, and support services to primary family caregivers of eligible veterans with serious service-connected injuries.

Primary caregiver receives: monthly non-taxable stipend (Level 1: 62.5% of GS-4 Step 1, Level 2: 100% of GS-4 Step 1 — varies by locality; 2026 base $31,103/yr = ~$1,620–$2,592/mo before locality adjustment), CHAMPVA health insurance, 30+ days respite/year, telehealth therapy, travel benefits. Secondary caregivers receive respite and training. Legacy cohort protection: September 29, 2025 final rule (FR 2025-18828) extends stipend and benefit protections for legacy PCAFC participants and applicants through September 30, 2028, preventing loss of benefits during the ongoing program transition.

Eligibility

  • Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
  • Care recipient must be a veteran
  • Applicant age: at least 18
  • Must live with care recipient
  • Relationship: spouse, parent, child, sibling, other relative, non relative
  • Minimum VA disability rating: 70%

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does your relationship to the person — spouse, parent, child, sibling, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?
  • What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?
  • Does the veteran’s service history and discharge status fit this program’s rules?
  • Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists 70%)?
  • Do you need to live with the person receiving care, and how is that verified?
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

Services

Primary caregiver receives: monthly non-taxable stipend (Level 1: 62.5% of GS-4 Step 1, Level 2: 100% of GS-4 Step 1 — varies by locality; 2026 base $31,103/yr = ~$1,620–$2,592/mo before locality adjustment), CHAMPVA health insurance, 30+ days respite/year, telehealth therapy, travel benefits. Secondary caregivers receive respite and training. Legacy cohort protection: September 29, 2025 final rule (FR 2025-18828) extends stipend and benefit protections for legacy PCAFC participants and applicants through September 30, 2028, preventing loss of benefits during the ongoing program transition.

How to apply

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.