If you care for a veteran, start by separating two questions: what help does the veteran need at home, and what support do you need as the caregiver? Write down both before contacting VA. A caregiver application and an appointment for the veteran are different next steps.
By Freedom Through Veteran Assistance. Sources checked November 7, 2026. This guide helps you find official services; VA determines eligibility.
Start with the right conversation
If you want to apply for VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), use the official eligibility and application page. VA lists caregiver age and relationship or living-arrangement requirements. Its veteran requirements include a rating of at least 70%, discharge or a medical discharge date, VA health care enrollment, and a need for at least six months of continuous in-person personal care. Read the full requirements together; a rating alone does not establish eligibility.
Apply together through VA
VA says the veteran and caregiver apply jointly using Form 10-10CG, with online, mail and in-person routes. Both complete their respective questions and sign. Follow the current official instructions; VA specifically says not to send medical records with the application. Use its caregiver support team directory for application help.
Do not assume every caregiver receives a stipend
VA distinguishes primary and secondary caregiver benefits. A monthly stipend is among the potential primary-caregiver benefits, subject to program approval. Ask the team which support applies to your situation before planning your household budget around a payment.
Make the first call useful
These are practical preparation suggestions, rather than additional VA application requirements. Keep a short note with the veteran’s location, whether they are enrolled in VA care, the kind of daily assistance needed, and the main question you want answered. You can describe the problem without sending private records to a directory or posting them online.
- Ask: “Is your team the right starting point for caregiver support, an application, or home-care services?”
- Explain what is becoming difficult, such as arranging appointments or getting a dependable break from caregiving.
- Ask what the next step is, who completes it, and how to check progress.
- If this program does not fit, ask which other VA team or community service should assess the need.
Keep home-care questions on the list
For a separate conversation about care delivered at home or in the community, use VA’s home and community-based services overview as a starting point with the veteran’s care team. Ask what is locally available, whether an assessment is needed, what it costs, and how scheduling works. A webpage listing a service is not confirmation that it is available to a particular household.
Keep a simple follow-up record
After each contact, note the date, office, question and agreed next action. If you are waiting for a response, distinguish an application confirmation from an eligibility decision. Before submitting another form, ask how to check the existing application. Save official correspondence somewhere you can find it again.
For related barriers, see our VA health care starting guide and financial and housing assistance guide. Browse the resource directory for other needs. Independently researched listings do not establish an enrolled partnership or guarantee services. Do not send FTVA medical records or identifying documents to use this information.