VA Caregiver Support Programs

This guide is based on official sources listed below. It is general information, not legal or medical advice.

This guide explains the two main caregiver support programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It covers who can apply, what each program provides, and how to reach the right team for help.

The two VA caregiver programs

The VA Caregiver Support Program runs two programs: the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

PGCSS is open to caregivers of Veterans from any service era who are signed up for VA health care.

To be eligible for PCAFC, the Veteran must be enrolled in VA health care, have a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher, and need in-person personal care services for at least six continuous months.

What a Primary Family Caregiver receives

A Primary Family Caregiver can get a monthly payment, CHAMPVA health coverage if they lack insurance, mental health counseling, certain travel costs covered, and at least 30 days of respite care each year for the Veteran.

To get the monthly payment, the Primary Family Caregiver must sign up for direct deposit through the VA customer engagement portal; contact the VA Caregiver Support Program for details.

What a Secondary Family Caregiver receives

A Secondary Family Caregiver can get certain travel costs covered when going with the Veteran to appointments.

Understanding respite care

Respite care gives you a break from caregiving.

There are three types of respite: self-guided, informal, and formal.

Self-guided respite means working a self-focused activity into your daily routine, like meditating, praying, taking a walk, journaling, or reading a book.

Informal respite is help from friends or loved ones, which can mean directly caring for the Veteran or helping with other daily tasks.

Formal respite care is short-term paid assistance from a professional.

PsychArmor offers a free online course, created in collaboration with the VA Caregiver Support Program, to help caregivers learn about respite and create a respite plan.

Caregivers FIRST and other training

Group sessions are provided by CSP teams at nearby VA locations, with the option to attend either face-to-face or online.

All who join Caregivers FIRST are given a workbook along with extra resources covering key subjects such as managing anger and other feelings, substance abuse, difficulties with sleep, and additional areas.

Where to get help

If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is available by dialing 988, then pressing 1.

For people with hearing loss, the Veterans Crisis Line TTY number is 1-800-799-4889.

For the final word on your own situation, reach out to the VA Caregiver Support Program directly and speak with a qualified professional.