Who Qualifies for the VA Caregiver Program?
A 70% rating is only one requirement; VA also evaluates the Veteran’s continuing need for in-person personal care.
Start here
For PCAFC, the Veteran generally must have an individual or combined VA disability rating of at least 70%, be enrolled in VA health care, and need at least six continuous months of in-person personal care. The proposed caregiver must be at least 18 and be a qualifying family member or live with the Veteran—or agree to do so if designated.
What to have in front of you
- VA disability rating and most recent decision letter
- VA health-care enrollment and primary-care team
- Examples of help with feeding, bathing, dressing, mobility, safety, protection, or instruction
- How long the personal-care need is expected to continue
- Caregiver age, relationship, address, and planned living arrangement
What to say when someone answers
“I want to screen for PCAFC without assuming the rating alone qualifies us. Please explain which Veteran and caregiver criteria apply and how VA evaluates the need for at least six months of in-person personal care.”
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 the Veteran is enrolled in VA health care and has a 70% or higher individual or combined rating.
- 2
Write examples showing what another person must do, how often, and what happens without the help.
- 3
Confirm the caregiver is at least 18 and meets the family-member or co-residence rule.
- 4
Apply jointly using the current online process or VA Form 10-10CG.
What happens next
The local caregiver support team reviews intake, completes evaluations, and requires caregiver training and a home-care assessment before designation. VA says designation should occur no later than 90 days after receiving the application.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
Ask about PGCSS immediately. It does not provide the PCAFC stipend, but it can offer training, coaching, peer support, and referrals while other home-care services are explored.
Official sources
Checked August 23, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.