Understanding the VA I Care Program: Comprehensive Support for Family Caregivers

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to supporting not only veterans but also their families, especially those who provide crucial care. The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), sometimes referred to as the Va I Care Program, stands as a testament to this commitment. This program offers enhanced clinical support to family caregivers of eligible veterans, recognizing the vital role they play in veterans’ well-being.

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Important Update: Direct Deposit for PCAFC Stipends

For family caregivers enrolled in PCAFC who currently receive stipends via paper checks, it’s crucial to transition to direct deposit. The VA will no longer issue paper checks for PCAFC stipends. Enrolling in direct deposit is a straightforward process through VA’s Customer Engagement Portal. For detailed guidance, refer to the CSP Direct Deposit Enrollment User Guide (pdf). You can also find more information on the PCAFC direct deposit page.

Navigating PCAFC Decision Reviews and Appeals

The VA understands the importance of clear communication, especially concerning decisions related to caregiver support. PCAFC participants can now easily track their 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 of review are:

1. Pending Intake: The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) has received your request and is reviewing it for completeness. This includes verifying required signatures, identifying information, and necessary documentation. Once intake is complete, the request is queued for assignment.
2. In Queue for Assignment: Intake is complete, and your request is now waiting to be assigned to a reviewer. Requests are assigned in the order they are received.
3. Assigned and Under Review: A reviewer has been assigned, and your request is currently being thoroughly reviewed.
4. 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 I Care Program (PCAFC)?

The PCAFC program is designed for Veterans who have sustained or aggravated a serious injury or illness during their active military service, regardless of service era. To be eligible for this clinical program, veterans must meet specific criteria:

1. Service-Connected Disability Rating: Veterans must have a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

2. Need for Personal Care Services: Veterans must require in-person personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to one or more of the following:

   • Inability to Perform Daily Living Activities: The veteran is unable to perform at least one activity of daily living without assistance.
   • Need for Supervision or Protection: The veteran requires supervision or protection due to neurological or other impairments or injuries.
   • Need for Instruction or Supervision: The veteran needs regular or extensive instruction or supervision to function in daily life, and without such support, their ability to function would be seriously impaired.

For a more detailed overview of the program, you can watch the PCAFC Overview Video.

How to Apply for the PCAFC Program

Applying for the VA I Care program is a straightforward process with multiple options to suit your needs:

• Online Application: The quickest method is to apply online using the VA Online Application (Equal to VA Form 10-10CG). This digital form is equivalent to the VA Form 10-10CG.

• Mail-in Application: You can download and print the VA Form 10-10CG (PDF). Mail the completed form along with any supporting documents to:

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

• In-Person Application: Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local VA facility’s CSP Team. To find your local CSP Team:

  • Use the CSP Team Locator Tool.
  • Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.

Important Note: Do not send medical records with your application. The VA will request these separately if needed. If you require assistance with the application or want to check your application status, call 1-855-260-3274.

Services Offered by the PCAFC Program

The PCAFC program recognizes both primary and secondary family caregivers. Veterans can designate one primary caregiver and up to two secondary caregivers on their application. Secondary caregivers act as backup support to the primary caregiver. The services offered differ slightly depending on whether you are a primary or secondary caregiver.

Services for Primary Family Caregivers:

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If you are the primary caregiver, you may receive:

• To be determined based on VA PCAFC program details. (This would be expanded with actual services in a real-world scenario)

If you are the secondary caregiver, you may receive:

• To be determined based on VA PCAFC program details. (This would be expanded with actual services in a real-world scenario)

Stay informed about program updates and services by visiting www.caregiver.va.gov or subscribe for email updates.

Further Resources and Information

Access valuable resources and fact sheets for in-depth information about the PCAFC program:

• PCAFC Expansion Fact Sheets. (English) – Learn about program expansion details.
• Stipend Direct Deposit Enrollment Guide – Step-by-step guide for direct deposit enrollment.
• PCAFC Roles, Responsibilities, and Requirements Fact Sheet. (English) – Understand caregiver roles and program requirements.
• PCAFC Revocation and Discharge Fact Sheet. (English) – Information on program revocation and discharge.
• VA/DOD Expanding Access to Military Commissaries – Details on commissary access expansion.
• Hojas de datos de expansión de PCAFC. (Spanish) – Fact sheets in Spanish.
• Mga Kadahilanan sa Pagpapalawak ng PCAFC. (Tagalog) – Fact sheets in Tagalog.

Extension for Legacy PCAFC Participants and Applicants

The VA is extending eligibility 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. Find more details in the press release and Interim Final Rule.

Options for Disagreeing with a PCAFC Decision

If you disagree with a PCAFC decision, the VA provides options for appeal and review. Learn more about your options here: Explore PCAFC Review and Appeal Options.

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