Serving Oakland · Macomb · Wayne counties
Family guide
VA help for family caregivers: stipends, support and respite
If you are caring for a veteran at home, VA has programs for you too. Here is what each one offers and who qualifies.
If you're the one doing the caregiving
Most care for older veterans comes from a spouse, a daughter or a son. VA has programs for you, not just for the veteran. They fall into two groups:
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC): the larger program, with a monthly stipend, for caregivers of veterans who meet stricter requirements.
- Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS): support, training and resources for caregivers of any enrolled veteran.
The VA Caregiver Support Line, 1-855-260-3274, can tell you which fits and connect you with the Caregiver Support team at the veteran's VA medical center.
The two VA caregiver programs
| Comprehensive Assistance (PCAFC) | General Caregiver Support (PGCSS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran must have | A VA disability rating of 70% or higher, need at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care, and be enrolled in VA health care, among other requirements | Enrollment in VA health care and a family or friend who helps them |
| Caregiver must be | 18 or older and related to the veteran, or living with the veteran full time (or willing to) | Anyone providing care |
| Monthly stipend | Yes, for the Primary Family Caregiver | No |
| Health coverage | CHAMPVA for the Primary Family Caregiver, if not covered elsewhere | No |
| Respite | At least 30 days a year | Ask the VA care team; respite is a separate VA service |
| Training and counseling | Yes | Yes: skills training, peer support, and help finding services |
| How to apply | VA Form 10-10CG, online, by mail or at a VA medical center | Call the Caregiver Support Line or the local Caregiver Support team |
Source: VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and VA Caregiver Support Program.
Getting a break: respite
Respite is VA-paid time off for the family caregiver. Someone comes to the home, or the veteran spends time at a program, so you can rest, run errands or just sleep.
In-home respite through VA is one of the services VETTED provides. A caregiver comes to the house during the time VA authorizes, follows the veteran's routine and keeps them safe until you're back. Read more on our respite care page.
If you're running on empty, say so to the VA social worker. Caregiver burnout is a reason to change the care plan, not a failure.
Other help worth knowing about
- Veteran-Directed Care: in this VA program, the veteran gets a budget and can hire their own helpers, sometimes including family members. See our Veteran-Directed Care page.
- Aid and Attendance: extra monthly pension money for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. See Aid and Attendance vs. VA home care.
- Area Agencies on Aging: local caregiver classes, support groups and respite programs. In Oakland and Macomb counties, that's AgeWays.
Common questions
Can VA pay me to take care of my dad?
Possibly. VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers pays a monthly stipend to an approved Primary Family Caregiver. The veteran needs a VA disability rating of 70% or higher and at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal care, among other requirements. Veteran-Directed Care can also let a veteran hire a family member in some cases.
What if my veteran doesn't have a 70% rating?
You can still use VA's Program of General Caregiver Support Services: training, peer support, counseling and help finding services. The veteran may also qualify for VA home care or respite, which don't require a disability rating.
What is the VA Caregiver Support Line number?
The VA Caregiver Support Line is 1-855-260-3274.
How much respite can a family caregiver get?
For Primary Family Caregivers in the comprehensive program, VA provides at least 30 days of respite a year. For other families, the VA care team decides what respite to authorize.
Independent and veteran-owned. VETTED is not part of, and does not speak for, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA alone decides eligibility and authorized hours. Information on this site is general and is not a benefit determination. Page last updated September 24, 2026.