The Veterans Administration has announced an expansion of the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers effective October 1, 2020. This program was previously only for eligible veterans who served after September 11, 2001. It has now been expanded to cover eligible veterans who served before May 7, 1975.
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is for eligible Veterans who have incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975 or on or after September 11, 2001. This program provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend, and health insurance (if eligible), beneficiary travel (if eligible), to caregivers of eligible Veterans.
Veterans may be eligible for this clinical program if they:
Sustained or aggravated a serious injury serious injury (now includes serious illness) in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975 or on or after 9/11/2001; and meet both of the following criteria to be eligible for PCAFC. Among other applicable eligibility criteria, the Veteran must:
- Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or more. This requirement is included in the definition of “serious injury;” and
- Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:
- an inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL’s)
- a need for supervision, protection, or instruction
What services does this program offer?
If approved, Veterans can select one (1) primary (main) caregiver and up to two (2) secondary caregivers. Secondary caregivers serve as a backup support to the primary caregiver when needed. The services you receive will depend on whether you are the primary or secondary caregiver.
If you are the primary caregiver, you may receive:
- A monthly stipend (paid directly to you as the caregiver.)
- Access to health care insurance through Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already have health insurance.
- Mental health counseling.
- Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. Note for specific details, speak to your Caregiver Support Coordinator.
- At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.
If you are the secondary caregiver, you may receive:
- Mental health counseling.
- Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. Note for specific details, speak to your Caregiver Support Coordinator.
- At least 30 days of respite care, per year for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.
How do I apply for this program?
The Veteran and the caregiver will need to apply together and participate in an application process to determine if you’re eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You'll both need to sign and date the application and answer all questions for your role. This can be done at the Nevada County Veterans Services Office at 988 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Please call for an appointment. The number is 530-273-3396.
