A Comprehensive Guide to the VA Caregiver Support Program

VA Caregiver Support Program: Complete Guide for Veterans and Caregivers

The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is a Department of Veterans Affairs initiative that provides clinical services, education, resources, and financial support to family caregivers of eligible veterans. The program consists of two separate offerings: the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) for caregivers of any veteran enrolled in VA healthcare, and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) for caregivers of veterans with serious service-connected disabilities . To apply for PCAFC, submit VA Form 10-10CG online or by mail .

Quick Facts

What Is the VA Caregiver Support Program?

The VA Caregiver Support Program is a national initiative available at every VA medical center that promotes the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our nation’s veterans through education, resources, support, and services . The program recognizes that family caregivers play an essential role in helping veterans remain at home and in the community .

The program has two distinct components with different eligibility requirements and benefit levels .

Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

PGCSS provides support services to caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need personal care services. This program is available to all caregivers regardless of relationship to the veteran—you do not need to be a relative or live with the veteran to qualify .

Services include:

• In-person and virtual support groups 

• Building Better Caregiver (6-week online workshop) 

• REACH VA individual coaching 

• Peer support mentoring 

• Annie text messaging support 

• Caregiver health and well-being coaching 

• Respite care 

Eligibility for PGCSS :

• Veteran must be enrolled in VA healthcare

• Veteran must need personal care services because they are unable to perform an activity of daily living, or need supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury

• Caregiver must provide the personal care services to the veteran

How to enroll: Contact your local CSP Team and participate in a brief intake process. No application or clinical evaluation is required .

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

PCAFC provides enhanced support and benefits for family caregivers of veterans with serious service-connected injuries or illnesses. This program requires a formal application and eligibility determination .

Benefits for PCAFC participants include all PGCSS services plus :

• Monthly stipend for Primary Family Caregivers

• Health care coverage through CHAMPVA (if qualified)

• Mental health counseling

• Beneficiary travel benefits

• Up to 30 days of respite care per year

• Legal and financial planning services

Eligibility for PCAFC <span class=””>:

Veteran requirements:

• Service-connected disability rated 70% or higher (singular or combined)

• Need for in-person personal care services for a minimum of 6 continuous months

• Inability to perform an activity of daily living each time the activity is performed, OR need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment, OR need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision

• Enrolled in VA healthcare (or will enroll)

• Care received at home

• Participation in PCAFC is in the veteran’s best interest

Caregiver requirements:

• At least 18 years old

• Spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, extended family member, OR someone who lives with the veteran full-time

• No determination of abuse or neglect

• Complete required caregiver training

• Participate in initial home-care assessment

• Demonstrate ability to carry out personal care services

How to apply: Submit VA Form 10-10CG .

How to Apply for PCAFC

Step 1: Complete VA Form 10-10CG

This joint application must be completed and signed by the veteran and each Family Caregiver applicant (one Primary and up to two Secondary) .

Step 2: Submit the Application

You can submit your application in one of these ways :

Online (fastest method): Visit va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers

By mail: Send completed form to:

10-10CG Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, WI 53547-5154

In person or by phone: Contact your local Caregiver Support Team or call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 .

Step 3: Participate in the Evaluation Process

Once VA receives your application, a member of the local CSP Team will contact you to review eligibility criteria, complete an initial intake, and discuss the evaluation process .

The evaluation determines whether the veteran meets the functional and clinical requirements for PCAFC participation. The process includes a home-care assessment where the caregiver demonstrates the ability to carry out the specific personal care services needed by the veteran <span class=””>.

Step 4: Await Eligibility Determination

VA will notify you of the eligibility decision. The average time to complete the application is approximately 15 minutes, but the full evaluation process takes longer .

Program Comparison

What Veterans and Caregivers Should Know

Why This Program Matters

Caregiving can be extremely stressful and demanding, and research suggests it can be linked to high levels of stress, burden, depression, and anxiety . The VA Caregiver Support Program recognizes these challenges and provides both practical and emotional support to those who care for our nation’s veterans.

The program has grown significantly. In fiscal year 2025, VA data show the program served about 98,000 caregivers, and VA obligated $2.6 billion to implement the program .

What to Do Next

For veterans:

1. Ensure you are enrolled in VA healthcare

2. Discuss caregiver needs with your VA primary care team

3. Request a referral to the Caregiver Support Program

4. Work with your caregiver to determine which program is appropriate

For caregivers:

1. Contact your local VA medical center’s CSP Team

2. Call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for information 

3. If applying for PCAFC, complete VA Form 10-10CG

4. Participate in all required evaluations and assessments

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not applying for PCAFC due to confusion about eligibility
Many veterans with 70%+ service-connected disabilities who need personal care may qualify. Submit the application even if you’re uncertain—the CSP Team will help determine eligibility .

Mistake #2: Applying for PCAFC before the veteran is enrolled in VA healthcare
The veteran must be enrolled in VA healthcare before or at the time of PCAFC application. Submit VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) alongside Form 10-10CG if the veteran is not yet enrolled .

Mistake #3: Not knowing about available support services
Some caregivers report they wish they had learned about the program sooner . Contact the Caregiver Support Line to learn about all available services.

Mistake #4: Not updating contact or direct deposit information
Ensure your information is current to avoid delays in stipend payments. Caregivers receiving stipends by paper check should enroll in direct deposit .

Appeals and Disagreements

If your PCAFC application is denied or you disagree with a determination:

1. Call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for assistance understanding the decision 

2. Contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator to discuss options

3. Submit a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim if applicable

4. File a Notice of Disagreement if you wish to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

The appeals process for caregiver determinations follows VA’s standard decision review process.

State Differences

The VA Caregiver Support Program is a federal program with consistent benefits and eligibility nationwide. However, the local CSP Teams at each VA medical center administer the program, and wait times, appointment availability, and specific support group schedules may vary by location .

Some states offer additional caregiver support programs beyond VA benefits. Check with your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs for additional resources.

Latest Rule Changes and Updates

October 1, 2020 Expansion: PCAFC eligibility was expanded to include veterans of all eras, not just post-9/11 veterans. This change significantly increased the number of veterans and caregivers who can participate .

Current Status (2026): The program continues to serve approximately 98,000 caregivers annually. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recommended that VA strengthen its performance management for the program, including setting quantitative targets for outreach and collecting more comprehensive data on mental health services .

Common Questions

What is the VA Caregiver Support Program?

The VA Caregiver Support Program provides clinical services, education, resources, and support to family caregivers of eligible veterans. It includes two programs: PGCSS for all caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, and PCAFC for caregivers of veterans with serious service-connected disabilities .

Who qualifies for the VA Caregiver Support Program?

For PGCSS: veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need personal care services. For PCAFC: veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability, need 6+ months of personal care, and are enrolled in VA healthcare. Caregivers must be at least 18 and either family members or live with the veteran .

How do I apply for the VA Caregiver Support Program?

For PGCSS, contact your local CSP Team—no application is required. For PCAFC, submit VA Form 10-10CG online at va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers or by mail .

What is the VA Form 10-10CG?

VA Form 10-10CG is the joint application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). It must be completed and signed by the veteran and each Family Caregiver applicant. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete .

How much is the VA caregiver stipend?

Primary Family Caregivers in PCAFC receive a monthly stipend based on the percentage of the local home aide wage rate . The average stipend is approximately $1,600 per month . The exact amount varies by location.

Does the caregiver program provide health insurance?

Yes. Primary Family Caregivers participating in PCAFC may qualify for health care coverage through CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) if they do not already have health insurance .

Do I have to be a family member to be a caregiver?

For PGCSS, no. You do not need to be a relative or live with the veteran. For PCAFC, you must be a spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, extended family member, or someone who lives with the veteran full-time .

What if the veteran is not enrolled in VA healthcare?

The veteran must apply for VA health care benefits first. Active-duty service members undergoing a medical discharge will need to apply for VA healthcare before or after submitting their caregiver application .

What support services are available through PGCSS?

Services include in-person and virtual support groups, Building Better Caregiver workshops, REACH VA coaching, peer support mentoring, Annie text messaging, caregiver health coaching, and respite care .

What if my application is denied?

Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for assistance understanding the decision. You may request a Higher-Level Review, submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, or file a Notice of Disagreement to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals .

Key Takeaways

• The VA Caregiver Support Program has two components: PGCSS (general support) and PCAFC (comprehensive benefits including a stipend and CHAMPVA) 

• PGCSS requires no application—just contact your local CSP Team for enrollment 

• PCAFC requires submission of VA Form 10-10CG and a formal eligibility evaluation 

• Veterans qualify for PCAFC with a 70%+ service-connected disability and need for 6+ months of personal care 

• Primary caregivers in PCAFC receive a monthly stipend and may qualify for CHAMPVA health coverage 

• The program served approximately 98,000 caregivers in fiscal year 2025 with $2.6 billion obligated 

• VA has been recommended by GAO to strengthen outreach and mental health service performance management 

• Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 

• Official program website: caregiver.va.gov 

Official Resources