VA Caregiver Support

Caring for a Veteran can be rewarding, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. The VA Caregiver Support Program helps caregivers access training, support, and resources so they can care for their Veteran while also taking care of themselves.

How does the VA Caregiver Support Program work?

The VA Caregiver Support Program helps people who care for Veterans by offering services that support daily caregiving. CSP includes two programs:

1. Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

PGCSS provides services that help caregivers of Veterans manage everyday needs. Caregivers in this program are called General Caregivers. They do not need to be related to the Veteran or live with them.

Services include:

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Peer support and mentoring

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Caregiver training and education

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Coaching services

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Telephone support

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Online programs

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Respite care

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Referrals to helpful resources

2. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

PCAFC provides support for Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans. In this program, the Veteran can name one Primary Family Caregiver and up to two Secondary Family Caregivers. The services you receive depend on whether you are a Primary or Secondary Family Caregiver.

If you are a Primary Family Caregiver, you may receive:

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A monthly stipend (Learn more about stipends here).

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Health care coverage through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already have health insurance.

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Mental health counseling.

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Certain travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments.

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At least 30 days of respite care each year.

If you are a Secondary Family Caregiver, you may receive:

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Mental health counseling.

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Certain travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments.

Am I eligible for the Caregiver Support Program?

Since PGCSS and PCAFC have different requirements, eligibility depends on which program you want to enroll in.

PGCSS Eligibility

You may qualify for PGCSS if you provide care or support to a Veteran who is enrolled in VA health care.

PCAFC Eligibility

For PCAFC, both the Veteran and the caregiver must meet certain requirements.

The person receiving care must:

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Be a Veteran or a member of the Armed Forces who is going through a medical discharge.

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Have a serious injury, illness, or disability that was incurred in or aggravated during military service.

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Require ongoing personal care services or supervision because of a serious service-related injury, illness, or disability.

Note: Veterans must generally have a service-connected disability rating of at least 70% and meet additional functional eligibility requirements determined by the VA.

The caregiver must:

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Be age 18 or older.

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Be a family member or another individual approved by the VA who can provide personal care services to the Veteran.

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Be assessed by the VA and able to complete caregiver education and training.

How do I apply?

The application process depends on which Caregiver Support Program you are interested in. PGCSS and PCAFC have different requirements and steps, so be sure to follow the process for the program that best fits your situation.

Applying for PGCSS

Formal program enrollment is generally simpler than PCAFC and typically begins by contacting a local Caregiver Support Team. To enroll in PGCSS:

• Find your local Caregiver Support Team at a VA facility.

• Complete an intake appointment.

• Enroll in the program and start using the available services.

Applying for PCAFC

To apply for PCAFC, both the Veteran and the caregiver must complete the PCAFC application.

You can apply:

• Online

• By mail

• Download and print the PCAFC Application and mail completed application to:

10-10CG Evidence Intake Center

PO Box 5154

Janesville, WI 53547-5154

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In person through your local Caregiver Support Team

After you apply:

• A CSP Team member conducts an intake interview and clinical assessment with the Veteran and each Family Caregiver applicant.

• The Veteran completes a functional assessment to evaluate daily care needs.

• The CSP Team reviews the Veteran’s medical records and completed assessments.

• If eligibility requirements are met, each Family Caregiver applicant completes caregiver training.

• A home-care assessment is completed with the Veteran and each Family Caregiver applicant.

• The VA conducts a final review.

What if I need help?

If you have questions about the Caregiver Support Programs or need help applying, you can:

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Call the Caregiver Support Line (CSL) toll-free at 1-855-260-3274.

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Visit the Caregiver Support Team Locator to find local help and connect with someone who can assist you.