The va caregiver program, officially called the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), pays a monthly stipend to family members who care for seriously injured veterans. It also offers health coverage, training, respite care, and counseling. This guide explains who qualifies, what the program pays, and how to apply in 2026. Because this affects your money and your family, accuracy matters, so we point you to official VA sources.
What is the VA caregiver program?
The VA caregiver program is a support program for family caregivers of eligible veterans. It is run by the VA's Caregiver Support Program (CSP). PCAFC is the part that pays a monthly stipend.
The goal is simple. It helps veterans stay at home with care from a loved one instead of moving to a facility. In return, the VA supports that caregiver with pay and services.
Primary caregivers can receive a stipend, CHAMPVA health coverage, at least 30 days of respite care each year, and mental health support. Secondary caregivers get training, counseling, and travel benefits. You can learn about related programs on our VA benefits overview.
Who qualifies for the VA caregiver program?
A veteran usually qualifies for the va caregiver program with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher. This can be a single rating or a combined rating. The veteran must need in-person personal care for at least six continuous months.
That care must cover daily activities, called ADLs. Examples include help with bathing, dressing, eating, or staying safe. The veteran must also be enrolled in VA health care.
The caregiver has rules too. The caregiver must be at least 18 years old. The caregiver must be a relative or someone who lives with the veteran full time.
A common reason applications get denied
Many applications fail because the paperwork does not clearly show a need for hands-on, in-person care. The VA looks for proof that the veteran cannot safely perform daily activities alone. Vague statements like "needs help around the house" often are not enough.
Strong applications describe specific tasks and how often the veteran needs them. Medical records that match these needs help a lot. If your VA claim file already documents these limits, reference it.
What does the VA caregiver program pay?
The va caregiver program pays a monthly stipend based on a federal pay scale. The VA starts with the yearly OPM GS-4, step 1 rate for the veteran's local pay area. It divides that number by 12 to get a monthly base.
Then the VA applies a percentage based on the care level. Because GS-4 rates differ by region, the dollar amount varies a lot by location. So we will not invent a single national number here.
You can look up the exact figure for your area using official VA caregiver program resources and current GS-4 locality tables. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Stipend level | Who it is for | Stipend amount |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Veteran cannot self-sustain in the community and needs near-constant care | 100% of the monthly base rate |
| Level 1 | Veteran needs significant but less intensive daily care | 62.5% of the monthly base rate |
Level 1 versus Level 2 in real life
Level 2 means the veteran cannot manage alone for long and needs supervision most of the day. Level 1 means the veteran needs real daily help but has more independence. The VA decides the level during its assessment, not the family.
This difference is large. Level 1 pays about 62.5% of what Level 2 pays. A change in the veteran's condition can move the level up or down.
Is the VA caregiver program taxable?
The va caregiver program stipend is generally not taxable income. The VA treats the stipend as a benefit, not as wages for a job. This follows the 2010 Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act.
Because of this, caregivers usually do not get a W-2 or 1099 for the stipend. You also do not pay Social Security or Medicare tax on it. This is similar to how VA disability pay is not taxed.
Tax situations can still get complex. Always confirm with a tax professional before you file. This page is general guidance, not tax advice.
How to apply for the VA caregiver program
You apply for the va caregiver program using VA Form 10-10CG. Both the veteran and the proposed caregiver must sign the form. You can submit it in three ways.
- Online: Complete VA Form 10-10CG at VA.gov.
- By mail: Send it to the Evidence Intake Center listed on the VA website.
- In person: Bring it to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA medical center.
After you apply, the VA reviews eligibility and sets up an assessment. This includes a look at the veteran's care needs and a home visit. The caregiver must also finish required training.
The VA aims to make decisions within about 90 days. After approval, expect ongoing wellness contacts, often about every 120 days. Keep notes on the veteran's needs for these check-ins.
Reassessments and the legacy cohort risk
Reassessments can raise, lower, or end your stipend, and this surprises many families. The VA reviews care needs over time. If the veteran improves, the level or eligibility can drop.
There is also a special group called legacy participants and legacy applicants. These are families approved or in process around the program's 2020 expansion. The VA extended protections so these families would not face stipend cuts from reassessment through September 30, 2028.
After that protection window, legacy families face the same review rules as everyone else. If you are in this group, plan ahead. Keep strong medical records that show ongoing care needs.
Other benefits to consider
The va caregiver program is one of several supports for veterans who need help at home. Some families also qualify for Aid and Attendance, which adds to a pension for veterans who need daily assistance. Compare it with VA pension if income is low.
Veterans with very severe disabilities may also look into special monthly compensation. These programs can sometimes work alongside caregiver benefits. Check the rules for each before you assume you can stack them.
For free help and questions, call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274, Monday through Friday. A coordinator can walk you through the steps.
Documents to gather before you apply
Gathering the right documents before you apply makes approval far more likely. The VA needs clear proof that the veteran needs hands-on, in-person care. Pull these records together first.
- The veteran's VA rating decision showing a 70% or higher rating.
- Recent medical records that describe limits with bathing, dressing, eating, or safety.
- A list of daily tasks the caregiver performs and how often.
- Proof of relationship or shared address for the caregiver.
- VA health-care enrollment confirmation for the veteran.
Write the daily-task list in plain, specific language. Say "helps the veteran bathe and dress every morning," not "helps around the house." Specific, repeated, hands-on needs are what the VA assessment looks for.
Conclusion
The va caregiver program can bring real financial and emotional relief to families caring for injured veterans. It pays a monthly, generally tax-free stipend and adds health coverage, respite, and training. The amount depends on your location and the veteran's care level.
Start by checking eligibility, gathering strong medical records, and completing VA Form 10-10CG. Then call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 if you have questions. Apply today and get the support your family has earned.