By Larry Dandridge
This is article 2 of 3 on the “VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers”. You can read article one online in the Nov. 13, 2025 edition of The Island News at https://bit.ly/4r6NyPN.
Active-duty service members
Active-duty service members undergoing a medical discharge must apply for VA health care before or after submitting their application for caregiver assistance. Learn more about active-duty service members and VA health care at the VA webpage “Active-duty service members and VA Health Care,” at https://bit.ly/47Laa0G.
How many caregivers can the eligible veteran appoint?
The veteran can appoint the following number of caregivers:
- 1 Primary Family Caregiver (the main caregiver); and
- Up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers (people who serve as backup support to the primary caregiver when needed)
What benefits can eligible Primary and Secondary caregivers receive?
Eligible Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers can receive these benefits:
- Caregiver education and training;
- Mental health counseling;
- Certain travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to receive care.
Learn more about VA travel pay reimbursement at https://bit.ly/4rbTB5O.
Eligible Primary Family Caregivers may also receive these benefits:
- A monthly stipend (payment). You must be enrolled in direct deposit using the VA customer engagement portal to get your monthly stipend. Learn how to set up direct deposit as a caregiver at https://bit.ly/3JGfwkH. Go to the customer engagement portal at https://bit.ly/4i6tfhp
- Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already qualify for care or services under another health care plan.
Learn more about CHAMPVA at https://bit.ly/481tUvN. - Free legal and financial planning assistance related to the needs of the injured veteran.
- At least 30 days of respite care per year. Respite is a period of rest or a break from caregiving.
- Access to telehealth therapy sessions through the VA’s virtual psychotherapy program for caregivers (VPPC).
- Access to military commissaries, exchanges, and recreation retail facilities.
How do I apply for this program?
The family caregiver and the veteran must apply together and participate in the application process to determine eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You will both need to sign and date the application and answer all questions for your role.
If the veteran is already enrolled in this program and wants to add a new family caregiver, the veteran and the new caregiver must submit a new application. Remember, there can only be “1 Primary” and “up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers” designated at any one time. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.
Option 1: Online
You can apply online right now. Apply for caregiver assistance at https://bit.ly/3K7Qhb2.
Option 2: By mail
Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG). The form is used to apply for the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The VA will use the information on this form to help determine your eligibility. A Veteran, as defined herein, may appoint one (1) Primary Family Caregiver applicant and up to two (2) Secondary Family Caregiver applicants. On average, it will take 15 minutes to complete the application, including the time required to read the instructions, gather the necessary information, and fill out the form. Each time a new Primary or Secondary Family Caregiver is requested, a new Form 10-10CG is required. This includes a caregiver who is already approved and designated as a Primary Family Caregiver and wishes to be designated as a Secondary Family Caregiver, or a caregiver who is already approved and designated as a Secondary Family Caregiver who wishes to apply as a Primary Family Caregiver.
Get VA Form 10-10CG to download at the VA webpage “About VA Form 10-10CG” at https://bit.ly/4pctTMp.
Mail the form and any supporting documents to this address:
10-10CG Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5154
Janesville, Wis. 53547-5154
Option 3: In person
Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to the caregiver support team at your nearest VA medical center.
You can find a caregiver support team in 1 of these ways:
- Go to our caregiver support program teams directory webpage, “VA Caregiver Program” at https://bit.ly/4p9BH1q, or
- Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Charleston, S.C.) Caregiver Support Team’s direct phone number is 843-789-7959. The William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia, S.C.) Caregiver Support Team’s direct phone number is 803-695-6777. The Fayetteville VA Medical Center (Fayetteville, N.C.) Caregiver Support Team’s direct phone number is 910-488-2120 Extension 7558.
Where can I get help filling out the VA Form 10-10CG and answers to questions? You may use any of the following to request assistance:
- Ask VA to help you fill out the form by calling the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
- Access VA’s website at http://www.va.gov and select “Contact Us.”
- Locate and contact the Caregiver Support Team (Social Worker) at your nearest VA health care facility using the team locator available at http://www.caregiver.va.gov/.
- Contact a Veterans Service Organization and ask a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer.
Don’t send medical records along with your application. If you need assistance with completing the application or would like to check the status of your application, you can call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What documents can I submit if I’m signing this application on behalf of a Veteran?
If you’re a representative signing this application on behalf of a veteran, you must have legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the veteran. Or you must have authority to fill out and sign applications on behalf of the veteran.
You can submit 1 of these types of documents:
- A valid power of attorney, or
- A legal guardianship order, or
- Another type of legal document that your state considers proof of this authority, or
- An Alternate Signer Certification (VA Form 21-0972), or
- An Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22), or
- An Appointment of Individual As Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22a)
Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past VA-accredited VSO, a Patient Adviser at Charleston and Durham VA Medical Centers, a Fisher House Charleston Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veterans Benefits Adviser for his local Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Chapter and VFW Post 7383. Larry is also the author of the award-winning Blades of Thunder (Book One) and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
