VA Caregiver Support Program: What Veterans and Families Should Know

Written by Adam Zider: Senior Advocate

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system.

The below information was obtained from VA.gov:

The Caregiver Support Program is comprised of 2 separate programs;

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

Both programs offer a variety of clinical services. However, the PCAFC also offers a monthly stipend to the designated caregiver in addition to other clinical services.

Eligibility for PCAFC

Veterans may be eligible for this clinical program if they:

Sustained or aggravated a serious injury (or illness) in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service during any service era. Among other applicable eligibility criteria, an eligible Veteran must:

• Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or more, and
• Be in need of personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following:

• An inability to perform an activity of daily living.
• A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or
• A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the Veteran to function in daily life, would be seriously impaired.

How to Apply

Both Caregiver Support Programs are administered by the Veterans Health Administration. Our office cannot directly assist with this particular benefit, but to apply both the Veteran and the designated caregiver must complete and file a VA Form 10-10CG using the instructions provided with the form or apply online at: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp

Additional Benefits

NOTE: A Veteran may also be entitled to a separate monetary benefit administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration called Aid and Attendance if certain requirements are met. This is a benefit that our office can directly assist with. Please inquire with our office for more information and eligibility.

How Veterans Help Group Can Support You

Veterans Help Group is here to fight for disabled Veterans and their families. If you are struggling with a disability claim or appeal, our advocates can guide you through the process, fight to maximize your benefits, and provide the support you deserve.

Contact Veterans Help Group HERE for a FREE case evaluation or call us at 855-855-8992 and let us help you get the care, financial support, and recognition you’ve earned.

This article was written by Adam Zider, Senior Advocate at Veterans Help Group. Adam has spent years helping veterans and their families navigate and secure the benefits they’ve earned through their service.

Veteran Resources:

• Free VA Disability Guidebooks
• VFW SSDI Qualifications Questionnaire
• Most Commonly Approved VA Disability Claims