Family members who provide daily care for a disabled veteran can receive a monthly tax-free stipend, free health insurance, respite care, and mental health services through the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). In 2026, the monthly stipend ranges from approximately $1,896 to $3,793 depending on where the veteran lives and how much care they need. If you are caring for a veteran with a 70% or higher disability rating, this guide covers every benefit available, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.
What Is the VA Caregiver Support Program?
The VA Caregiver Support Program runs two main tracks: the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).
PCAFC is the more comprehensive program. It offers a monthly stipend, health insurance, and respite care to designated primary family caregivers of eligible veterans. PGCSS offers education, coaching, and peer support to all caregivers of enrolled veterans but does not include a stipend.
This article focuses on PCAFC, since it provides the most direct financial support.
A major eligibility expansion took effect in 2022 when the VA opened PCAFC to veterans from all service eras, not just post-9/11 veterans. As of 2026, caregivers of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and post-9/11 veterans can all apply.
2026 VA Caregiver Stipend Amounts
The monthly stipend is calculated using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule pay rate for a GS-4, Step 1 employee in the veteran's locality pay area, divided by 12 to get a monthly base. That base is then multiplied by a tier factor based on how much personal care the veteran requires.
There are two care levels under PCAFC:
- Level 1: The veteran needs personal care services but is not fully unable to self-sustain in the community. Stipend equals 62.5% of the monthly locality base.
- Level 2: VA determines the veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community without caregiver assistance. Stipend equals 100% of the monthly locality base.
Sample 2026 Stipend Amounts by Locality
| Locality Area | GS-4 Step 1 Annual | Monthly Base | Level 1 Stipend | Level 2 Stipend |
|---|
| Rest of United States | $36,409 | $3,034 | $1,896 | $3,034 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $42,446 | $3,537 | $2,211 | $3,537 |
| San Jose / San Francisco, CA | $45,516 | $3,793 | $2,371 | $3,793 |
The "Rest of United States" rate applies to veterans living in any area not assigned a specific OPM locality. Most veterans outside major metro areas fall into this category, making $1,896 per month (Level 1) the most common base stipend nationwide.
The stipend is paid directly to the primary family caregiver, not the veteran. It is currently treated as tax-free income, though caregivers should confirm current IRS guidance each year.
Full List of PCAFC Benefits in 2026
The monthly stipend is the headline benefit, but PCAFC provides a broader package.
Monthly Stipend
As described above, ranging from approximately $1,896 to $3,793 per month based on locality and care tier.
CHAMPVA Health Insurance
If the primary family caregiver does not already have health insurance, they qualify for coverage through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA covers inpatient and outpatient care, mental health services, prescriptions, and preventive care. The annual deductible is $50 per beneficiary, and cost-sharing is generally 25% of allowable charges after the deductible.
This benefit can be worth thousands of dollars per year for caregivers who would otherwise pay for individual market coverage.
Respite Care
PCAFC provides at least 30 days of respite care per year for the veteran. Respite care allows a substitute caregiver to take over so the primary caregiver can rest, work, or handle personal needs. Respite can be provided in the home, at a VA community living center, at a VA-contracted residential care facility, or at an adult day health care center.
Mental Health Services and Counseling
Caregivers enrolled in PCAFC can access mental health counseling through VA. This includes the Virtual Psychotherapy Program for Caregivers (VPPC), which provides telehealth therapy sessions. Caregiver burnout and depression are well-documented among family caregivers, and this benefit exists specifically to address that.
Beneficiary Travel Benefits
Primary family caregivers may be reimbursed for certain travel costs when accompanying the veteran to VA medical appointments. Rates and covered trips vary, so caregivers should confirm details with their local VA Caregiver Support Team.
Caregiver Support Line Access
All PCAFC caregivers can call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The line connects to trained VA staff who can answer questions, help navigate the program, and provide referrals to local services.
PCAFC Eligibility Requirements
Both the veteran and the caregiver must meet separate sets of requirements. You apply together, and both must sign the application.
Veteran Eligibility
The veteran must meet all of the following:
- Discharged from U.S. military service, or currently undergoing a medical discharge
- Enrolled in VA health care
- Has a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher (single disability or combined rating)
- Requires at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care services due to the service-connected disability
Veterans from any service era are eligible as of 2026. There is no requirement that the injury or illness be from combat.
Family Caregiver Eligibility
The designated primary family caregiver must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a family member of the veteran (spouse, child, parent, step-family member, or extended family), OR live full time with the veteran, OR be willing to live full time with the veteran if approved
- Be able to provide personal care services such as help with bathing, dressing, medication management, transportation, or supervision
A veteran can have one primary caregiver and up to two secondary caregivers. Secondary caregivers do not receive a stipend or CHAMPVA but do get access to mental health counseling and travel benefits.
What Does Not Disqualify You
- You do not need prior caregiving experience or training. VA provides training after approval.
- You can be employed outside the home, though VA assesses how much time caregiving requires.
- There are no income limits for PCAFC eligibility. The program is based on the veteran's disability rating and care needs, not household income.
How to Apply for VA Caregiver Benefits in 2026
The application is a joint process. Both the veteran and the caregiver must participate.
Step 1: Confirm the veteran is enrolled in VA health care.
If not already enrolled, the veteran must first apply for VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply or by calling 1-877-222-8387.
Step 2: Gather documentation.
Collect the following before starting the application:
- Veteran's Social Security number and date of birth
- Veteran's VA file number (if known)
- Veteran's discharge documents (DD-214 or equivalent)
- Medical records documenting the disability and care needs
- Caregiver's Social Security number and date of birth
- Proof of relationship to the veteran (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Step 3: Complete VA Form 10-10CG.
This is the Joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Both the veteran and caregiver must sign the form.
You can apply three ways:
- Online: Submit Form 10-10CG at va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/apply-form-10-10cg/
- By mail: Send the completed form to VA Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
- In person: Deliver the form to your nearest VA medical center. In-person submission lets you ask questions and get same-day guidance from VA staff.
Step 4: Participate in the VA assessment.
After receiving the application, VA will schedule a home visit or clinical assessment to evaluate the veteran's care needs. A VA clinician will determine care tier (Level 1 or Level 2) based on the level of personal care the veteran requires.
Step 5: Receive approval and complete caregiver training.
If approved, the primary caregiver must complete a VA-provided caregiver education and training program before benefits begin. This covers basic caregiving skills, safety, and how to access VA services. Most training can be completed online or at a local VA facility.
Once training is complete, stipend payments begin and CHAMPVA enrollment can be initiated.
Secondary Caregivers: A Separate Role
PCAFC allows up to two secondary caregivers in addition to the primary caregiver. Secondary caregivers can step in when the primary caregiver is unavailable and receive a limited benefits package:
- Mental health counseling
- Beneficiary travel benefits when accompanying the veteran to appointments
Secondary caregivers do not receive a monthly stipend or CHAMPVA coverage. They must meet the same age and relationship requirements as primary caregivers and are included on the same Form 10-10CG application.
2026 Program Updates: Legacy Participants
Veterans and caregivers who were in the PCAFC program before the eligibility expansion are called "legacy participants." The VA published a final rule extending the transition period for legacy participants through September 30, 2028. This means:
- Legacy participants will not face reduced stipends due to reassessment during the transition period
- They remain eligible for all PCAFC benefits through at least September 2028
- The VA will provide advance notice before any future changes to legacy status
If you are a current PCAFC participant who was enrolled before the 2022 expansion, no action is required to maintain benefits through 2028.
PGCSS: Support for All Veteran Caregivers
If the veteran does not meet the 70% disability rating or other PCAFC criteria, the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) is still available. PGCSS does not offer a stipend but provides:
- The Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) for information and referrals
- Peer support mentoring programs connecting caregivers with trained peers
- Caregiver education and skills training
- The Building Better Caregivers workshop (an evidence-based online program)
- Local VA social work and case management referrals
PGCSS is available to caregivers of any veteran who is enrolled in VA health care, regardless of disability rating or service era.
Check Your Full Benefits Eligibility
VA caregiver benefits often overlap with other programs. Caregivers who are low-income may also qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, or other federal and state assistance. Use the free screener at BenefitsUSA.org/screener to check eligibility across 11 programs at once based on your household size and income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VA caregiver stipend taxable?
The monthly PCAFC stipend is currently treated as non-taxable income. However, tax treatment can change, and caregivers should check IRS guidance each year or consult a tax professional.
Can I work while receiving the VA caregiver stipend?
Yes. There is no rule prohibiting outside employment. VA assesses how much time caregiving requires during the eligibility review, but having a job does not automatically disqualify you.
What happens if the veteran's disability rating changes?
If the veteran's rating drops below 70%, the VA will conduct a reassessment. For legacy participants, the transition period protection through September 2028 limits stipend reductions during that window. All caregivers can appeal VA decisions about tier level or continued eligibility.
Can I apply if the veteran is not yet discharged?
Yes. Service members who are undergoing a medical discharge are eligible to apply for PCAFC before formal discharge is complete.
How long does the application process take?
Processing times vary. After submitting Form 10-10CG, the VA reviews intake requirements, then assigns the application to a clinician for assessment. Average processing times have ranged from several weeks to a few months depending on VA workload. Applying online tends to be the fastest option.
Is there an income limit for the VA caregiver program?
No. PCAFC eligibility is based entirely on the veteran's disability rating and care needs. Household income is not a factor.
Can a spouse be a paid VA caregiver?
Yes. A spouse who provides qualifying personal care services can be designated as the primary family caregiver and receive the monthly stipend. There is no restriction on the nature of the family relationship as long as other eligibility criteria are met.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 stipend tiers?
Level 1 applies when the veteran needs ongoing personal care but can still manage some daily activities in the community independently. Level 2 applies when VA determines the veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community without the caregiver's help. Level 2 pays 100% of the locality monthly base versus 62.5% for Level 1. The tier is set by the VA clinical assessment.
Where can I get help with the application?
Contact the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. You can also visit your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak with the Caregiver Support Program coordinator.
