CAREGIVER (PCAFC)

NOTE! On some devices such as phones or tablets you may see a black box. Click the box to open the document. 

PCAFC - CAREGIVER PROGRAM

(Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers):

PCAFC provides caregivers of eligible Veterans with resources, education, financial assistance, health insurance, beneficiary travel, peer support and more. NOW OPEN FOR ALL ELIGIBLE VETERANS.

• Veteran must have service-connected disability rating(s) of 70% or more combined, AND

• Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:

- An inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL).

- 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.

If you are the primary caregiver, you may receive:

• A monthly stipend (paid directly to you as the caregiver.)

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

• Mental health counseling.

• Beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments.

• At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.

The amount of the monthly stipend:

• Level One: The Primary Family Caregiver’s monthly stipend is calculated by multiplying the monthly stipend rate (OPM GS Annual Rate for grade 4, step 1, based on the locality pay area in which the eligible Veteran resides) divided by 12, multiplied by 0.625.

For example: The GS rate at grade 4, step 1, in Dallas, Texas, for 2022 was $34,916 annually.

Thus, the monthly stipend amount for a Primary Family Caregiver of an eligible Veteran in Dallas, TX, at this rate ($34,916, divided by 12 multiplied by 0.625) was approximately $1,818.54 in 2022.

• Level Two: If VA determines the eligible Veteran meets the definition of “unable to self- sustain in the community” for the purposes of PCAFC, the designated Primary Family Caregiver’s monthly stipend is calculated by multiplying the monthly stipend rate (OPM GS Annual Rate for grade 4, step 1, based on the locality pay area in which the eligible Veteran resides) divided by 12 multiplied by 1.

For example: The GS rate at grade 4, step 1,in Dallas, Texas, for 2022 was $34,916 annually.

The 2022 monthly stipend amount for a Primary Family Caregiver of an eligible Veteran in Dallas, TX, at this rate ($34,916 divided by 12 multiplied by 1.00) was approximately $2,909.67

For purposes of PCAFC, the “inability to perform an ADL” means the Veteran or Service member requires personal care services EACH AND EVERY TIME he or she completes one or more of the ADLs listed below.

• Dressing or undressing oneself

• Adjusting any special prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that by reason of the particular disability cannot be done without assistance (this does not include the adjustment of appliances that nondisabled persons would be unable to adjust without aid, such as supports, belts, lacing at the back, etc.)

• Bathing

• Grooming oneself in order to keep oneself clean and presentable

• Toileting or attending to toileting

• Feeding oneself due to loss of coordination of upper extremities, extreme weakness, inability to swallow, or the need for a non-oral means of nutrition

• Mobility (walking, going up stairs, transferring from bed to chair, etc.)

For purposes of PCAFC, “unable to self-sustain in the community” means that an eligible Veteran either:

• Requires personal care services each time he or she completes three or more of the seven activities of daily living (ADL) listed in the definition of an inability to perform an activity of daily living and is fully dependent on a caregiver to complete such ADLs; OR

• Has a need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury on a continuous basis; OR

• Has 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 on a continuous basis.

A Family Caregiver must be at least 18 years of age and be either:

• The eligible Veteran’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member; or

• Someone who lives with the eligible Veteran full-time or will do so if designated as a Family Caregiver.

A family Caregiver will initially be assessed by VA as being able to complete caregiver education and training.

Must complete caregiver training and demonstrate the ability to carry out the specific personal care services.

In addition, there must be no determination by VA of abuse or neglect of the eligible Veteran by the caregiver

NOTE: The reason for need of a caregiver does not need to be service connected.

NOTE: Veteran must be enrolled in VA Healthcare and ADLs must be documented in the VA healthcare records.

NOTE: PCAFC is not employment and does not count as such if the caregiver is receiving SSDI or TDIU.

NOTE: This will not impact a current rating including Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Apply with a VHA Form 10-10CG. Contact VA Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274 toll-free