The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

By Larry Dandridge


Editor’s note: This article is the third in a series of three.

This is the final article of three on the “VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.” 

You can read the first article online in the Nov. 13 and 19, 2025, editions of The Island News at https://bit.ly/4r6NyPN and https://bit.ly/48l4oBT.

What happens after I apply? 

A member of the caregiver support team, who the veteran receives care from or plans to receive care from, will contact the veteran and any caregivers to discuss this application and eligibility. Before you are assigned as a caregiver, you must complete:

• Caregiver education and training, and …
• A home care assessment.

The VA will assign you as a caregiver no later than 90 days after it gets your application. If you disagree with the VA’s decision on your application, you have options to appeal or request a review of the decision. Learn about VA decision reviews and appeals at the VA webpage “Family Caregiver Program decision reviews and appeals” at https://bit.ly/3K8guGw.

Wellness contacts

Once you are in the program, you will need to participate in wellness contacts. Wellness contacts are check-ins to ensure both your well-being and the veteran’s, and to confirm that the veteran is receiving their personal care services. These occur at least once every 120 days, with one annual visit to the veteran’s home.

What if the veteran is not yet enrolled in VA health care? 

The veteran must first apply for VA health care benefits. After the veteran enrolls in VA health care, you can then ask about enrolling in the general caregiver program.

Learn more about how to apply for VA health care at the VA webpage “How to apply for VA Health Care” at https://bit.ly/4addYcx.

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/4ppQHIF.

What if the Veteran I’m caring for isn’t eligible for this program?

What if the veteran I am caring for is not eligible for this program? Family caregivers of veterans who do not qualify for this program may still be able to get support and resources through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

Learn more by:

• Reading about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services at the VA web page “The program of general caregiver support services” at https://bit.ly/4ohxfNk.
• Calling the VA at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711) Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Discussing your options with a caregiver support team at your nearest VA facility
  Find your nearest VA facility at “Find VA locations” at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.

How do I set up direct deposit as a caregiver?

How do I set up direct deposit as a caregiver? You must enroll in direct deposit using the customer engagement portal to get your monthly stipend.

For step-by-step instructions, download the VA’s “Primary family caregiver user guide for direct deposit enrollment.”

How to find the guide:

1. Go to the VA’s outreach materials page at “OUTREACH MATERIALS” at https://bit.ly/48g8YBw.
2. Find the “Select a Topic” dropdown.
3. Select “Family Member and Caregiver Benefits” from the dropdown menu.
4. Find the “Caregiver Direct Deposit” PDF, a 14-page guide titled “VA’s Primary family caregiver user guide for direct deposit enrollment” to download at https://bit.ly/48hvObR.

The User Guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough for completing the Webform for Direct Deposit Enrollment. It includes Webform instructions, a frequently asked questions section, instructions for setting up your ID.me account, and additional resources. The guide is specifically for VA Primary Family Caregivers. Information entered during the enrollment process should be specific to you, the caregiver. Please DO NOT enter any information related to the veteran’s identity, including their Social Security Number.

What types of life changes do I need to report to the program?

The Primary Care Giver will need to contact their local caregiver support team in these situations:

• If the Primary Care Giver or the veteran moves to a new address.
• If the veteran is admitted to a hospital, rehabilitation center, correctional facility, assisted living facility, medical foster home, or nursing home.
• If the veteran or another family caregiver dies.

Warning. To avoid benefit overpayments, notify the caregiver support team within 30 days of the event by phone, in writing, or in person. 

How are the 2 VA caregiver support programs different?

The VA offers two programs to support caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care:

• The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
• The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

Both programs offer these services:

• A caregiver support team at your local facility
• Phone and text support.
• Support and services, such as coaching, peer support mentoring, support groups, and training and education.

PCAFC also offers these benefits to eligible Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers:

• Enhanced respite care.
• Mental health counseling.
• Travel and lodging daily allowance when traveling with the Veteran for VA-approved health care.

And PCAFC offers these benefits to eligible Primary Family Caregivers:

• A monthly stipend (payment).
• Access to health care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) — if you don’t already qualify for health care under another plan.
• Legal and financial planning services related to the needs of the injured Veteran.

How to contact VA Caregiver Support

If you still have questions or need help with this program, call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also connect with your local caregiver support team.

How do I find my local VA caregiver support team?

Veterans and caregivers can find their local VA Caregiver Support Team at the VA webpage “Caregiver Support Teams” at https://bit.ly/44imC5O. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Health Care System (RHJVAMC&HCS) Interim Support Coordinator is Michelle Copley, Phone: 847-227-6046, Email: michelle.copley@va.gov. The RHJVAMC&HCS Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) is Laura Young at 843-577-5011, Ext. 424541, email: laura.young67@va.gov.

References

• VA Caregiver Support Program, https://bit.ly/3M21pqr.
• Caregiver Support teams, https://bit.ly/4aaruxw and https://bit.ly/4p0sCZr.
• VA Caregiver Support Announcements, https://bit.ly/3Kh85At.
• VA Caregiver Support Legal and Financial Services, https://bit.ly/4p7VtuY.
• Caregivers Library/Site Map,https://bit.ly/4p7VvmA.
• VA Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274.

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 US 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.