VA Caregiver Training and Support Resources (PGCSS and Beyond)
Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below
On this page
- Who VA caregiver training is for (no rating required)
- PGCSS: what the Program of General Caregiver Support Services offers
- Skills courses: Building Better Caregivers, Caregivers FIRST, S.A.V.E.
- One-on-one and group coaching: REACH VA and health coaching
- Everyday support: Annie texts, peer mentoring, VA Caregiver Connect
- The required PCAFC core curriculum and how to complete it
- Condition-specific training: dementia, TBI, PTSD, spinal cord injury
- Non-VA training partners worth knowing
- How to reach your Caregiver Support Coordinator
- What your state adds
- Common questions
Who VA caregiver training is for (no rating required)
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
PGCSS: what the Program of General Caregiver Support Services offers
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Skills courses: Building Better Caregivers, Caregivers FIRST, S.A.V.E.
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
One-on-one and group coaching: REACH VA and health coaching
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Everyday support: Annie texts, peer mentoring, VA Caregiver Connect
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
The required PCAFC core curriculum and how to complete it
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Condition-specific training: dementia, TBI, PTSD, spinal cord injury
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Non-VA training partners worth knowing
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
How to reach your Caregiver Support Coordinator
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
What your state adds
Common questions
- Who can get VA caregiver training?
- Any caregiver of a veteran enrolled in VA health care who needs help with at least one activity of daily living or needs supervision can join PGCSS. There is no disability-rating requirement and no application form; contact the Caregiver Support Program at your VA facility.
- Is training required for the PCAFC stipend?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR 71.25 caregivers must complete VA's caregiver core curriculum (online, workbook or in person) before being approved as a Family Caregiver.
- What is Building Better Caregivers?
- A free six-week online workshop run by VA that teaches stress management, problem solving and self-care skills to caregivers of veterans with dementia, TBI, PTSD or other conditions.
- What is REACH VA?
- An evidence-based coaching program delivering four one-on-one sessions over two to three months, or six group sessions, to help caregivers manage behaviors, stress and safety.
- What are the Caregiver Support Line hours?
- 855-260-3274, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Sources
- PGCSS serves caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care who need assistance with one or more activities of daily living or need supervision or protection.
- Building Better Caregivers is an online six-week workshop that helps caregivers reduce stress and anxiety.
- REACH VA provides four coaching sessions over a two-to-three-month period, or six group sessions over three to six months.
- Family Caregiver applicants for PCAFC must complete caregiver training provided by VA before approval (38 CFR 71.25).
- The VA Caregiver Support Line is 855-260-3274.
Related guides
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
Every guide in this section
VA Caregiver Support Programs: PCAFC Stipend, PGCSS and How to Apply
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
VA Family Caregiver Program (PCAFC): Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
VA Respite Care for Veterans and Family Caregivers
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
VA Mental Health Services Guide: How to Get Care, Even If You've Never Used VA
VA Health Care
VA Family and Couples Counseling: Who Qualifies and How to Get It
VA Health Care
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and Veterans Alliance is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change; the linked VA.gov pages are always the authoritative source.