Good news for family caregivers caring for an older loved one who’s a veteran: A newly announced expansion for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) extends benefits and broadens eligibility. If you’re a caregiver for a veteran, you may now be able to receive payment for your caregiving services through the Department of Veterans Affairs — along with access to other benefits that help support caregivers.
For those who already enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs caregiver support program before October 2020, there’s no need to reapply. Benefits will automatically continue through September 30, 2025.
If you haven’t already enrolled, you may now be eligible under the new expansion. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility and enrollment for the PCAFC.
How to know if you’re eligible for VA caregiver benefits
Starting October 2022, family caregivers of veterans that served between May 7, 1975 and September 10, 2001, are eligible for PCAFC benefits. This means that spouses, children, parents, stepfamily members and extended family who are caregivers for the veteran are eligible.
The family caregiver needs to live with the veteran on a full-time basis to qualify. The veteran can appoint one primary family caregiver and up to two secondary family caregivers as part of the program.
In order to qualify for benefits from the PCAFC, the veteran being taken care of also needs to:
- Require care for a minimum of six consecutive months.
- Have been discharged from the U.S. military.
- Have a disability rating of 70% or greater.
The Department of Veteran Affairs evaluates disability ratings, which assesses factors such as how severe a veteran’s illness is and how much it compromises the veteran’s health and functionality.
PCAFC benefits are paid monthly and are based on:
- The veteran’s disability rating.
- The amount of care they require.
- The state where they reside.
In addition to payment for veteran caregivers, the PCAFC also offers access to caregiver education, mental health counseling and health care benefits. Qualifying veterans can receive up to 30 days of respite care per year through the PCAFC. Caregivers are also eligible for financial assistance for travel expenses related to the veteran’s care.
If you’re providing care for a veteran but don’t meet the above caregiving parameters, other programs like the Aid and Attendance benefit can help offset senior care costs. Government programs like the Administration on Aging & Department of Aging Services also offer resources to help with senior caregiver costs.
For more information on PCAFC benefits, visit the VA PCAFC webpage, apply for caregiver assistance, find a local VA caregiver support coordinator (CSC) or dial the VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET).
