If you are the person who handles the medications, the appointments, the showers and the middle-of-the-night worries for a veteran you love, the VA counts you as a caregiver. It has programs built for you, and some of them come with real money and real time off.
Two programs, very different doors
| Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) | General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it serves | Caregivers of veterans with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher who need ongoing personal care | Caregivers of veterans of any era who are enrolled in VA health care |
| Rating required? | Yes, 70% or higher, individual or combined | No |
| Money for the caregiver? | Yes, a monthly stipend for the Primary Family Caregiver | No stipend |
| Main benefits | Stipend, health coverage, respite, training, counseling, legal and financial planning help | Skills training, coaching, peer mentoring, support groups, online programs, referrals |
| How to start | VA Form 10-10CG | Call the local caregiver support team or the national line |
The comprehensive program, step by step
Who qualifies
The veteran must:
- Have a VA disability rating of 70% or higher.
- Be discharged from the military, or have a date of medical discharge.
- Need at least six continuous months of in-person personal care services.
- Be enrolled in VA health care.
The caregiver must be at least 18 and be the veteran’s spouse, son or daughter, parent, stepfamily member or extended family member, or live with the veteran full time (or be willing to, if chosen).
What a Primary Family Caregiver receives
- A monthly stipend, paid by direct deposit.
- Health coverage through CHAMPVA, if the caregiver has no other plan.
- At least 30 days of respite care each year.
- Free legal and financial planning help.
- Mental health counseling, caregiver training, and some travel benefits when traveling with the veteran for care.
Secondary Family Caregivers, who back up the primary caregiver, receive the training, counseling and travel benefits. The VA sets the stipend amount; it is not listed on the program page, so ask the caregiver support team what level would apply to your situation.
How to apply
The veteran and the caregiver apply together on VA Form 10-10CG, and both must sign it. You can apply online, take the form to the caregiver support team at a VA medical center, or mail it to the 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5154, Janesville, WI 53547-5154. The VA asks that you not send medical records with the application.
General caregiver support, for everyone else
If the veteran is not rated 70%, or was never injured in service at all, you are still welcome. The general program is open to caregivers of enrolled veterans who served in any era. Services include:
- Building Better Caregivers, a six-week online workshop on providing care and managing your own stress and health.
- Peer support mentoring, pairing you with another caregiver who has been there.
- REACH VA, one-on-one or telephone group support for caregivers who are stressed and stretched thin.
- Annie, a text message service with self-care reminders you can pause any time.
- Skills training, coaching, and referrals to VA and community help.
Who to call
VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Utah). The line is staffed by VA clinical social workers who can answer questions, offer support on a hard day, and connect you to your local team.
Locally, VA Salt Lake City health care has its own Caregiver Support Program with coordinators for both the comprehensive and general programs. Reach them through the medical center at 801-582-1565, or use the Caregiver Support Team locator on caregiver.va.gov.
Another way to pay a family caregiver
Some veterans who do not qualify for the comprehensive program can still get help paying a relative through Veteran-Directed Care, which gives the veteran a budget to hire their own in-home helpers, including family members or neighbors. It depends on clinical need and local availability. Our overview of VA long-term care benefits covers it alongside the VA’s other home services.
What to do next
- Check the veteran’s current disability rating. It decides which program you start with.
- Call the Caregiver Support Line or VA Salt Lake City and ask for the caregiver support team.
- If the veteran is rated 70% or higher, fill out VA Form 10-10CG together.
- Sign up for one support service for yourself this month, even a small one.
- If home is becoming too much, look at home health or other options before a crisis forces the choice.
Common questions
Does the VA pay family caregivers?
Yes, through the comprehensive program’s monthly stipend for eligible Primary Family Caregivers of veterans rated 70% or higher. Veteran-Directed Care, where available, can also pay a family member the veteran hires.
Can I get VA caregiver help if my veteran is not service-connected?
Yes. The general caregiver support program serves caregivers of veterans of any era who are enrolled in VA health care, with no rating requirement.
What hours is the VA Caregiver Support Line open?
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, which is 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain time. The number is 1-855-260-3274.
Do I need to send medical records with VA Form 10-10CG?
No. The VA specifically asks applicants not to include medical records with the caregiver application.
Caring for a veteran can be lonely work. If you are starting to wonder what comes next, a Grace With Care guide will listen and help you sort out options, free. Tell us about your loved one or call 801-859-7000.
Sources
- VA: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
- VA Caregiver Support Program
- VA Salt Lake City health care: Caregiver support
- VA Lovell FHCC: Caregiver support services
- VA: Veteran-Directed Care
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules change; confirm details with the program or your plan.
