The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), a vital initiative providing enhanced support to Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans. This program recognizes the critical role family members play in caring for Veterans and offers clinical support to those who qualify. If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran and seeking support, understanding the application process for the VA home care program is your first step.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the application form for the VA Home Care Program, also known as PCAFC. We’ll cover eligibility requirements, how to apply, the services offered, and where to find the application form.
Alt text: Important notice: VA no longer issues PCAFC stipend payments via paper checks. Direct deposit enrollment is mandatory for Family Caregivers.
Important Update: Direct Deposit for PCAFC Stipends
Please note that the VA has transitioned to direct deposit for stipend payments under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). If you are currently receiving stipend payments via paper check, you must enroll in direct deposit through VA’s Customer Engagement Portal. For detailed instructions, please refer to the CSP Direct Deposit Enrollment User Guide (pdf). You can also find more information on the PCAFC direct deposit page.
Understanding the PCAFC Review Process
For those already participating in or applying to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), the VA has improved communication regarding decision reviews. You can now track your claim’s progress through the 4-step review or appeal process by contacting the Caregiver Support Line (CSL) at 1-855-260-3274. The four stages are:
- Pending Intake: Your request has been received and is undergoing initial review to ensure all necessary requirements are met, including signatures, identifying information, and supporting documentation.
- In Queue for Assignment: The intake process is complete, and your request is now waiting to be assigned to a reviewer.
- Assigned and Under Review: A reviewer has been assigned, and your request is currently being reviewed.
- Decision Issued: A decision has been made, and a decision letter has been mailed to you. Expect to receive the letter within 10-14 business days from the mailing date.
Who is Eligible for the VA Home Care Program (PCAFC)?
Veterans may be eligible for the PCAFC clinical program if they meet specific criteria related to their service-connected disabilities. To be eligible, Veterans must have:
- Sustained or aggravated a serious injury or illness in the line of duty during active military, naval, or air service, regardless of service era.
- A single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- A need for in-person personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to one or more of the following:
- Inability to perform an activity of daily living.
- Need for supervision or protection due to neurological or other impairments or injuries.
- Need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision to prevent serious impairment in daily functioning.
For a more detailed overview of the program, you can watch the PCAFC Overview Video.
How to Access and Complete the Application Form For Va Home Care Program
Applying for the VA Home Care Program (PCAFC) is a straightforward process. The VA provides multiple options to access and submit your application form, VA Form 10-10CG:
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Apply Online: The easiest and fastest method is to use the VA Online Application (Equal to VA Form 10-10CG). This online form is equivalent to the paper VA Form 10-10CG and allows for direct submission.
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Download and Print: You can download and print the VA Form 10-10CG (PDF). After completing the form, you can mail it along with any required supporting documents to:
10-10CG Evidence Intake Center PO Box 5154 Janesville, WI 53547-5154 -
Apply In Person: Alternatively, you can bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local VA facility’s CSP Team. To locate your nearest CSP Team, you can utilize the CSP Team Locator Tool or contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.
Important Note: Do not include medical records with your application. The VA will request any necessary medical information after your application is received.
If you require assistance with completing the application form or wish to check the status of your VA Form 10-10CG application, please call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
Services Offered Under the VA Home Care Program
The PCAFC program allows Veterans to designate one Primary Family Caregiver and up to two Secondary Family Caregivers. Secondary Caregivers provide backup support to the Primary Caregiver when needed. The services offered vary depending on whether you are a Primary or Secondary Family Caregiver.
Services for Primary Family Caregivers:
Services for Secondary Family Caregivers:
For the most up-to-date information on services and program changes, please visit www.caregiver.va.gov. You can also subscribe to receive email updates about VA Caregiver Support Program services.
Further Resources and Information
The VA provides various resources to help you understand the PCAFC program in detail:
PCAFC Expansion Fact Sheets (English)
Stipend Direct Deposit Enrollment Guide
PCAFC Roles, Responsibilities, and Requirements Fact Sheet (English)
PCAFC Revocation and Discharge Fact Sheet (English)
VA/DOD Expanding Access to Military Commissaries
PCAFC Expansion Fact Sheets (Spanish – Hojas de datos de expansión de PCAFC)
PCAFC Expansion Fact Sheets (Tagalog – Mga Kadahilanan sa Pagpapalawak ng PCAFC)
Extension for PCAFC Legacy Participants/Legacy Applicants
The VA has extended the eligibility period for Legacy Participants, Legacy Applicants, and their Family Caregivers in the PCAFC program for an additional three years. This extension includes all services, supports, and benefits. More details can be found in the press release and the Interim Final Rule.
Options for Disagreeing with a PCAFC Decision
If you disagree with a PCAFC decision, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers review and appeal options. You can Explore PCAFC Review and Appeal Options to learn more about the process.
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