Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

A monthly stipend, training, respite, mental health counseling and, in some cases, CHAMPVA health coverage for the family caregiver of a veteran rated 70% or more who needs in-person personal care.

Also called: PCAFC, caregiver stipend, family caregiver, caregiver program, VA Form 10-10CG.

For: Caregiver.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers supports a family caregiver, or a non-family member who lives with the veteran, who provides personal care services. It has been open to veterans of every era since October 1, 2022. The veteran must have a service-connected disability rating, individual or combined, of 70% or more, and need in-person personal care services for at least six continuous months because of an inability to perform an activity of daily living or a need for supervision, protection or instruction. The caregiver must be at least 18. A Primary Family Caregiver receives a monthly stipend set by 38 C.F.R. 71.40(c)(4): the monthly stipend rate is the GS-4 step 1 annual salary for the veteran's locality divided by 12, multiplied by 0.625, or by 1.00 when VA decides the veteran cannot self-sustain in the community. Because the rate follows locality pay, no single national amount is stated here. Primary caregivers also get access to CHAMPVA if they have no other coverage, beneficiary travel, financial planning and legal services. Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers both get training, counseling and respite care. Apply on VA Form 10-10CG. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services, which needs no rating, offers training and support to any caregiver of an enrolled veteran.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Gate	Rule
Veteran rated 70% or more	The veteran must have a single or combined service-connected rating of 70% or more.
Needs in-person personal care for six months	The veteran must need in-person personal care for at least six continuous months.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG)
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers read 2026-10-10
Needed Proof of legal authority to sign for the veteran, such as a power of attorney or a guardianship order
If a representative signs for the veteran.
Where to get it Your own legal papers, or VA Form 21-0972, 21-22 or 21-22a.
Listed by VA, Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers read 2026-10-10

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.