The VA program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers enhanced clinical support for caregivers of eligible Veterans who are seriously injured. Previously, this support was only available for caregivers of Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty of active military, naval, or air service on or before May 7, 1975. However, with the expansion, support is now also available for caregivers of Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty of active military, naval, or air service on or before September 11, 2001.
Who Should Consider Applying:
- A Veteran who has a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more, AND
- A need for supervision, protection, or instruction, which means a functional impairment that directly impacts his/her ability to maintain his/her personal safety, on a daily basis.
Family Caregiver Eligibility Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be either:
- The eligible Veteran’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member; OR
- Someone who lives with the eligible Veteran full-time or will do so if designated as a Family Caregiver
- Be initially assessed by VA as being able to complete caregiver education and training
- Complete caregiver training and demonstrate the ability to carry out the specific personal care services, core competencies, and additional care requirements
- There must be no determination by VA of abuse or neglect of the eligible Veteran by the caregiver
Benefits for Eligible Caregivers:
- Education and training
- Access to healthcare insurance (if caregiver is otherwise uninsured)
- Mental health counseling
- Financial stipend
- Respite care
- Wellness contact
- Travel and per diem compensation (when traveling for a Veteran’s VA healthcare appointments)
Additional information regarding the PCAFC can be found at www.caregiver.va.gov.
If you have questions about VA disability benefits, please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama. We would love an opportunity to discuss your claim.