VA Family Caregiver Program (PCAFC): Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply
Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below
On this page
- What PCAFC is and who it is for
- Veteran eligibility: the 70% rating and six-month personal care test
- Caregiver eligibility: primary vs secondary family caregivers
- How the 2026 stipend is calculated (Level 1 vs Level 2, locality examples)
- Everything else PCAFC includes: CHAMPVA, respite, travel, counseling
- How to apply with VA Form 10-10CG, step by step
- Reassessments, discharge and legacy participants through 2028
- Denied? How to appeal a caregiver decision
- What your state adds: Medicaid and state caregiver pay
- Common questions
What PCAFC is and who it is for
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Veteran eligibility: the 70% rating and six-month personal care test
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Caregiver eligibility: primary vs secondary family caregivers
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
How the 2026 stipend is calculated (Level 1 vs Level 2, locality examples)
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Everything else PCAFC includes: CHAMPVA, respite, travel, counseling
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
How to apply with VA Form 10-10CG, step by step
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Reassessments, discharge and legacy participants through 2028
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Denied? How to appeal a caregiver decision
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
What your state adds: Medicaid and state caregiver pay
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Common questions
- How much is the VA caregiver stipend in 2026?
- The stipend equals the monthly GS-4 Step 1 rate for the veteran's locality times 0.625 (Level 1) or 1.00 (Level 2). For most of the US in 2026 that is roughly $1,900 for Level 1 and about $3,000 for Level 2, more in high-cost areas.
- Who qualifies for the VA family caregiver program?
- The veteran must have a 70% or higher VA rating for a service-connected condition, be enrolled in VA health care and need at least six months of continuous in-person personal care. The caregiver must be 18 or older and either a family member or someone who lives (or will live) with the veteran full time.
- How do I apply for PCAFC?
- Apply online at va.gov, mail VA Form 10-10CG, or apply in person at a VA medical center's Caregiver Support Program. VA aims to decide within 90 days after a clinical assessment, home visit and caregiver training.
- What happens to legacy caregivers?
- Caregivers enrolled before October 1, 2020 and legacy applicants keep their eligibility and stipend level through at least September 30, 2028 while VA finalizes new rules.
- Can I appeal if my caregiver application is denied?
- Yes. You can request a VHA clinical appeal through the Caregiver Support Program and, for decisions after 2021, use the Board of Veterans' Appeals and other VA appeal options.
Sources
- To qualify for PCAFC the veteran must have a VA disability rating of 70% or higher and need at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care services.
- Primary Family Caregivers receive a monthly stipend, CHAMPVA if not otherwise insured, at least 30 days of respite care per year, mental health counseling and travel benefits.
- The monthly stipend is calculated from the GS-4 Step 1 hourly rate for the veteran's locality: Level 1 caregivers receive 62.5% and Level 2 caregivers 100% of that monthly amount.
- Applications for PCAFC are made on VA Form 10-10CG, online or by mail.
- The PCAFC eligibility and benefit criteria are set out in 38 CFR Part 71.
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 Respite Care for Veterans and Family Caregivers
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
VA Caregiver Training and Support Resources (PGCSS and Beyond)
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
CHAMPVA Benefits: Health Coverage for Families of Disabled and Deceased Veterans
Insurance
100% VA Disability Benefits: What Total Disability Gets You in 2026
Disability, Claims & Pension
Health Insurance for the Spouse of a Disabled Veteran: CHAMPVA Explained
Family, Survivors & Caregivers
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.