VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)¶
VA program providing a monthly stipend, health insurance (CHAMPVA), respite care, and support services to primary family caregivers of eligible veterans with serious service-connected injuries.
Primary caregiver receives: monthly non-taxable stipend (Level 1: 62.5% of GS-4 Step 1, Level 2: 100% of GS-4 Step 1 — varies by locality; 2026 base $31,103/yr = ~$1,620–$2,592/mo before locality adjustment), CHAMPVA health insurance, 30+ days respite/year, telehealth therapy, travel benefits. Secondary caregivers receive respite and training. Legacy cohort protection: September 29, 2025 final rule (FR 2025-18828) extends stipend and benefit protections for legacy PCAFC participants and applicants through September 30, 2028, preventing loss of benefits during the ongoing program transition.
Eligibility¶
- Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
- Care recipient must be a veteran
- Applicant age: at least 18
- Must live with care recipient
- Relationship: spouse, parent, child, sibling, other relative, non relative
- Minimum VA disability rating: 70%
Services¶
Primary caregiver receives: monthly non-taxable stipend (Level 1: 62.5% of GS-4 Step 1, Level 2: 100% of GS-4 Step 1 — varies by locality; 2026 base $31,103/yr = ~$1,620–$2,592/mo before locality adjustment), CHAMPVA health insurance, 30+ days respite/year, telehealth therapy, travel benefits. Secondary caregivers receive respite and training. Legacy cohort protection: September 29, 2025 final rule (FR 2025-18828) extends stipend and benefit protections for legacy PCAFC participants and applicants through September 30, 2028, preventing loss of benefits during the ongoing program transition.
How to apply¶
Use the official program page for application details: official program page.