---
title: "VA Caregiver Program: Who Qualifies and What It Pays"
description: "The VA family caregiver program (PCAFC): who qualifies, the monthly stipend and other benefits, how to apply with VA Form 10-10CG, and help for others."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/va-caregiver-program/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

Veterans

# The VA caregiver program: who qualifies and how to apply

If you care for a veteran with a serious service-connected disability, the VA may support you directly, including with a monthly stipend. Here's how the program works.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) supports family caregivers of veterans with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher who need at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care and are enrolled in VA health care. Primary family caregivers may get a monthly stipend, CHAMPVA health coverage, at least 30 days of respite a year, and more. The veteran and caregiver apply together with VA Form 10-10CG. Caregivers who don't qualify can still get help from the VA's general caregiver support program.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ Who qualifies](#g-who-qualifies)
2. [What caregivers can get](#g-what-caregivers-can-get)
3. [How to apply](#g-how-to-apply)
4. [If you don't qualify](#g-if-you-don-t-qualify)
5. [Questions](#g-faq)

## Who qualifies

**The veteran** must:

- have a VA disability rating (individual or combined) of 70% or higher;
- be discharged, or have a date of medical discharge;
- need at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care;
- be enrolled in VA health care.

**The caregiver** must be at least 18 and be a family member, or live full time with the veteran (or be willing to).

## What caregivers can get

| Benefit | Primary caregiver | Secondary caregiver |
|---|---|---|
| Education and training | Yes | Yes |
| Mental health counseling | Yes | Yes |
| Certain travel benefits | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly stipend | Yes | No |
| CHAMPVA health coverage, if not otherwise covered | Yes | No |
| At least 30 days of respite care a year | Yes | No |
| Legal and financial planning help | Yes | No |

A veteran can have 1 primary and up to 2 secondary family caregivers.

## How to apply

1. The veteran enrolls in VA health care first.
2. Apply together online, by mail or in person with VA Form 10-10CG. Both sign.
3. By mail: 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5154, Janesville, WI 53547-5154. Don't send medical records.
4. In person: take the form to the caregiver support team at your nearest VA medical center, such as the Kansas City VA Medical Center.
5. The caregiver support team contacts you; caregivers complete training and a home care assessment.

VA says it will assign caregivers no later than 90 days after it gets the application.

## If you don't qualify

The Program of General Caregiver Support Services helps caregivers of any enrolled veteran with training, support and resources. Older veterans who need help at home may also qualify for VA home and community care, or for [Aid and Attendance](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/aid-and-attendance/).

### Caring for a veteran at home?

We'll help you understand VA support and find extra help near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### How much is the VA caregiver stipend?

VA pays eligible primary family caregivers a monthly stipend. Ask the caregiver support team how the amount would be set for your family.

### Can a spouse be paid by the VA caregiver program?

Yes. A spouse can be a primary family caregiver if the veteran qualifies.

### Does the veteran's disability have to be service-connected?

The veteran needs a VA disability rating of 70% or higher.

### What if my parent is an older veteran without a high disability rating?

Look at the VA's general caregiver support, home and community care, and Aid and Attendance.

## Sources

- [VA.gov: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers](https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/)
- [VA Caregiver Support Program](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/)
- [VA Kansas City health care](https://www.va.gov/kansas-city-health-care/)

## Related guides

- [Veterans](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/)
- [Paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/)
- [Aid and Attendance](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/aid-and-attendance/)
- [Caring for elderly parents](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/caring-for-elderly-parents/)
- [Respite care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/respite-care/)
- [VA benefits for assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/assisted-living/)
- [Veterans homes](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/veterans-homes/)
- [Veterans Pension](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/veterans-pension/)

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