Apply for comprehensive caregiver assistance
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, or PCAFC, evaluates the Veteran and caregiver together.
Who this program may help
Both people must meet requirements, including the Veteran’s qualifying rating, care needs and health enrollment.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Read both sets of requirements
VA evaluates the Veteran and proposed caregiver.
Read care-needs, caregiver relationship and Veteran eligibility requirements.
Why this matters
Providing care alone does not establish the program benefits.
Official action:
Read PCAFC requirementsVA evaluates both applicants.
Official references
2. Complete the joint application
Both applicants answer their sections and sign the application.
Use 10-10CG. Do not send medical records with the initial application.
Why this matters
The caregiver team conducts the program evaluation.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 10-10CG — Apply for the family caregiver assistance program
Joint Veteran and caregiver application
alternative - Document showing authority to sign for another person
Only if signing on behalf of the Veteran
conditional
The team may ask for application information.
Official references
3. Send the application to caregiver intake
The program supports online, mail and caregiver-team submission.
Apply online or send the joint form to the caregiver intake center or local support team.
Why this matters
A pension or compensation address is not the caregiver intake address.
Official action:
Continue to VA to apply for caregiver assistanceKeep the application copy and official receipt.
The caregiver team contacts the applicants.
Official references
4. Participate in the program evaluations
The team discusses eligibility and care needs.
Complete requested evaluations, caregiver education and training, and the home-care assessment.
Why this matters
Submitting the form does not itself designate a caregiver.
Follow team scheduling; VA’s stated 90-day designation instruction is not a guarantee of approval.
VA communicates the program decision and review choices.
Official references
5. Follow the designated program requirements
Approved caregivers have program-specific follow-up.
Read the decision, arrange required direct deposit when applicable, and participate in wellness contacts.
Why this matters
Stipends and CHAMPVA follow the actual designation and coverage rules.
Report listed changes within VA’s stated 30-day instruction.
Keep designation, coverage and follow-up notices.
The team maintains program contacts and reviews changes.
If the application is not approved
Read the actual review instructions. General caregiver support remains a separate option to discuss with the team.