The PCAFC will expand to enhance the health and well-being of thousands of Veterans by supporting the caregivers who care for them. Two anticipated changes for the program are improved standardization and increased transparency.

PCAFC expansion will open up the program to eligible WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans. In addition, eligibility will change to eligible Veterans who have a single or combined VA service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher. This applies regardless of whether the disability is the result of an injury, illness or disease.

The specific launch date will be announced in mid-September

With this expansion, Primary Family Caregivers in PCAFC will also have access to financial planning and legal services.  Currently, PCAFC is only available to family caregivers of eligible Veterans seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

The program will expand in two phases

  • In October, PCAFC will expand to eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service on or before May 7, 1975.
  • Two years after the expansion, PCAFC will expand again. Access then will include eligible Veterans from all eras who have a serious injury – incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service.

VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP) also offers robust educational services and supportive resources to Veteran caregivers. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) has a range of services. These services include workshops, self-care courses, a Caregiver Support Line, psychoeducational group calls, Peer Support Mentoring and much more.

Many services are available via phone or online which is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic. All caregivers who provide personal care services to Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare have access to PGCSS.

Please consider contacting your local Caregiver Support Coordinator and asking about PGCSS.   To apply please use the application:
https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-10CG.pdf#

Check the Caregiver Support Program website at www.caregiver.va.gov for updates or subscribe to the Listserv to receive email updates.