When a loved one returns from military service with serious injuries or illnesses, the responsibility of caregiving often falls on family members. Recognizing this sacrifice, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial support through the VA caregiver stipend application process, officially known as the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Understanding the VA Caregiver Stipend Program
The VA Caregiver Stipend Program provides crucial financial and clinical support to family members who care for veterans with serious service-connected injuries and illnesses. The program offers a full range of support services and benefits to families caring for veterans, ensuring they receive comprehensive assistance throughout the caregiving process.
Unlike the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS), which provides support resources but no financial stipend, PCAFC specifically includes monthly payments to compensate caregivers for their dedication and time. Key benefits and other benefits available through the program include financial assistance, healthcare, support services, and counseling, all designed to alleviate the burdens faced by caregivers. Since October 1, 2022, the program has expanded to include eligible veterans from all service eras, significantly broadening access to these critical benefits.
Who Qualifies for the VA Caregiver Stipend?
The VA caregiver stipend application requires both the Veteran and the family caregiver to meet specific eligibility criteria. This program is designed to support veterans with service-connected disabilities and mental health conditions, providing assistance to those who need it most.
Veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher to qualify for the VA Caregiver Stipend program. The veteran’s enrollment in VA health care is an important part of the eligibility process, as access to VA health care benefits is required.
Veteran Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PCAFC benefits, Veterans must meet all of the following conditions:
Service-Connected Disability Rating: The Veteran must have either a single service-connected disability rated at 70% or higher, or a combined service-connected rating of 70% or more by the VA.
Need for Continuous Care: The Veteran must require in-person care for at least six months based on one of these criteria:
- Inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Requiring personal care services each time they complete one or more daily activities, including dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding, or mobility assistance
- Need for supervision or protection: Based on neurological impairment or injury affecting daily safety (risk of getting lost, choking, or self-harm), which may require constant supervision
- Need for regular instruction: Without which the veteran’s ability to function would be seriously impaired
- Veterans with traumatic brain injury may require higher levels of care and supervision under this program.
The veteran’s level of care needs is assessed to determine eligibility and the caregiver stipend amount.
Additional Requirements:
- The injury or illness must have been incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
- Participation in the program must be in the veteran’s best interest
- The program is designed to support the veteran’s care at home
- The veteran must have ongoing care from a Primary Care Team
- Personal care services cannot be simultaneously provided by another individual or entity
Family Caregiver Eligibility Requirements
Both the caregiver and the veteran must meet eligibility requirements. Designated family caregivers must meet these criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a spouse, child, parent, stepfamily member, extended family member, or live full-time with the veteran
- Successfully complete VA caregiver education and training
- Demonstrate the ability to provide required personal care services
- Have no determination of abuse or neglect
Benefits Provided Through the VA Caregiver Program
Primary Family Caregiver Benefits
The designated Primary Family Caregiver receives comprehensive support:
Monthly Stipend: A tax-free monthly payment ranging from approximately $1,800 to $2,900 (depending on location and veteran’s needs). This stipend is a form of financial assistance provided to caregivers and is determined based on a standardized pay scale set by the VA. The VA evaluates the veteran’s care needs to assign the appropriate stipend tier, which directly impacts the monthly payment amount. The stipend tier is determined by the level of care required by the veteran.
Healthcare Access: If not already covered, caregivers may receive health insurance through CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs)
Mental Health Services: Professional counseling to address the emotional challenges of caregiving
Respite Care: At least 30 days per year, providing temporary relief while alternative care is arranged for the Veteran
Travel Benefits: Reimbursement when traveling with the Veteran for VA-approved medical care
Education and Training: Comprehensive caregiver skills training
Additional Perks:
- Free legal and financial consultation
- Access to military commissaries, exchanges, and recreation facilities
Secondary Family Caregiver Benefits
Veterans can designate up to two Secondary Family Caregivers who serve as backup support. These caregivers receive:
- Caregiver education and training
- Mental health counseling
- Travel benefits when accompanying the Veteran to VA medical appointments
VA Caregiver Stipend Application Process
Complete VA Form 10-10CG
The VA caregiver stipend application begins with VA Form 10-10CG (“Application for Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers”). This is a joint application that both the Veteran and caregiver(s) must complete and sign together. VA will follow up if medical records are needed after the initial application submission.
Three Ways to Submit Your Application:
Online (Fastest Method):
- Visit: va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/apply-form-10-10cg/
- Complete the digital form directly on the VA website
By Mail:
- Download VA Form 10-10CG from va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10cg
- Mail completed form to:
10-10CG Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, WI 53547-5154
In Person:
- Bring your completed form to the Caregiver Support Team at your local VA medical center
- Use the VA facility locator at va.gov/find-locations/
Important Application Tips:
- Do NOT send medical records with your initial application—the VA will request these if needed
- Provide personal information for both veteran and caregiver, including Social Security Numbers, addresses, and the name of the VA medical center where care is received
- If a representative is signing on behalf of someone, include legal documentation (power of attorney or guardianship papers)
Initial Review and Intake
After the VA receives your caregiver stipend application, a local Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Team member will contact you to discuss the application and review eligibility. This conversation may occur in person, by phone, or via VA Video Connect. The VA evaluates the caregiver’s and veteran’s information to determine eligibility after application submission.
Clinical Assessments
- Veteran Clinical Assessment: Evaluating the veteran’s medical condition, care needs, and level, which determines the appropriate support and stipend for veteran’s care
- Caregiver Assessment: Examining the caregiver’s ability to provide care, including questions about employment, obligations, medical history, and managing mental health conditions
- Veteran Functional Assessment Instrument (VFAI): A detailed evaluation of the veteran’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living
- Home-Care Assessment: An in-home evaluation of the living environment, safety equipment, and the caregiver’s competence to provide care at home
Complete Caregiver Training
Once assessments are completed favorably, caregivers must complete the mandatory “Caregiver Core Curriculum” training. This comprehensive program can typically be finished in one day and is available online, via DVD/workbook, or through in-person classes.
Final Review and Approval
The Clinical Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) conducts a final review of all documentation, assessments, and medical records to make the eligibility determination. The VA will provide a written eligibility decision within 90 days of receiving the complete application. Both the Veteran and caregiver(s) receive written notification of the decision.
If Approved:
- The stipend is retroactive to the date the VA received your application
- Monthly payments typically arrive by the 5th of each month for the previous month’s services
- Direct deposit enrollment is mandatory—paper checks are no longer issued
How Much Is the VA Caregiver Stipend?
The monthly stipend amount is calculated using a pay scale that is based on the veteran’s level of care needs and the assigned stipend tier. Specifically, the calculation uses the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule (GS) Grade 4, Step 1 annual rate, adjusted for the locality where the Veteran resides.
The VA uses a tier system (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3) to adjust payments based on the time and effort required for caregiving.
Two Payment Levels
Level One (62.5% Rate)
Level Two (100% Rate)
- This applies when Veterans require assistance with three or more ADLs and are fully dependent, or need continuous supervision/protection. This level may involve constant supervision, especially for Veterans with severe disabilities such as traumatic brain injury, and is often required for those with the highest care needs.
Higher levels of care may provide more resources to caregivers, including additional training, travel reimbursements, and support services, to address the increased caregiving demands. Caregivers in Tier 3 provide the highest level of care for veterans with severe disabilities, receiving the highest financial support.
Stipend rates vary by location due to locality pay adjustments and may be updated annually when OPM adjusts the GS pay tables.
Setting Up Direct Deposit
All caregivers receiving stipends must enroll in direct deposit through the VA Customer Engagement Portal at cep.fsc.va.gov. Detailed instructions are available at va.gov/resources/how-do-i-set-up-direct-deposit-as-a-caregiver.
What If You Don’t Qualify for PCAFC?
If your VA caregiver stipend application is denied or you don’t meet PCAFC requirements, you may still access valuable support through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). Other VA programs also offer additional support and other program benefits, such as respite care, training, health insurance, and counseling. Utilize VA resources, including the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator and mental health support, for ongoing assistance.
PGCSS Benefits Include:
- Access to Caregiver Support Teams at VA facilities
- Phone and text support via the Caregiver Support Line
- Peer support mentoring and support groups
- Education and training opportunities
- Enhanced respite care
- Information and referrals to VA and community resources
Key Difference: PGCSS does not include a monthly stipend or health insurance benefits, but no formal application is required. Simply contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator or call the VA Caregiver Support Line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When completing your VA caregiver stipend application, avoid these pitfalls:
- Being Vague About Care Needs: Provide specific, detailed examples of daily caregiving tasks
- Inconsistent Information: Ensure the Veteran and caregiver provide aligned information during assessments
- Incomplete Applications: Answer all questions thoroughly on Form 10-10CG
- Missing Deadlines: Respond promptly to all VA communication
- Not Preparing for Assessments: Practice describing caregiving duties using VA terminology
- Not Staying Informed: Stay up to date on payment dates, benefit changes, and your application status to ensure smooth financial management.
Taking the Next Step
The VA caregiver stipend application process may seem complex, but the potential benefits—including monthly financial support, healthcare coverage, and comprehensive caregiver resources—make it well worth the effort. Whether you’re caring for a Veteran who served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other era, you may be eligible for this life-changing support.
Ready to Apply? Start your VA caregiver stipend application today by:
- Visiting va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/apply-form-10-10cg/ to apply online
- Calling the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for personalized guidance
- Contacting your local VA medical center’s Caregiver Support Team
Don’t let the application process intimidate you. Thousands of family caregivers have successfully navigated this system and are now receiving the support they deserve. Your dedication to caring for a Veteran matters, and the VA is ready to help.
At Allveteran.com, we seek to help veterans connect with resources that may make all the difference. To find out your disability rating, take our free medical evidence screening today!
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