VA Caregiver Stipend: How It Works
Only the designated Primary Family Caregiver receives the PCAFC stipend, and VA—not the caregiver—sets the level after evaluating care needs.
Start here
The PCAFC stipend is paid monthly to an approved Primary Family Caregiver. VA bases the local monthly rate on OPM GS grade 4, step 1 for the eligible Veteran’s locality, divided by 12; Level One pays 62.5% of that rate, while Level Two pays 100% when VA finds the Veteran unable to self-sustain in the community.
What to have in front of you
- PCAFC approval and Primary Family Caregiver designation
- Veteran’s home address and locality pay area
- VA’s level decision and effective date
- Caregiver direct-deposit enrollment confirmation
- Payment history and any change in residence, hospitalization, or care setting
What to say when someone answers
“I am calling about a PCAFC stipend. Please confirm the approved level, locality rate, effective date, direct-deposit status, expected first payment, and whether any recent change must be reported.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Confirm that the caregiver is designated as the Primary Family Caregiver; Secondary caregivers do not receive the stipend.
- 2
Read the written level decision and effective date before estimating an amount.
- 3
Enroll in direct deposit through VA’s caregiver payment system.
- 4
Report moves and certain hospital, rehabilitation, facility, caregiver, or death events to the caregiver support team within 30 days to reduce overpayment risk.
What happens next
VA calculates the stipend using the Veteran’s locality and the approved level. Payment continues for months of program participation, subject to program rules, required contacts, and reported changes.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
Call the Stipend Team for payment calculations or direct-deposit problems. For disagreement with the PCAFC level or eligibility decision, ask the Caregiver Support Line about the correct review or appeal option.
Official sources
Checked August 23, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.