Page 6 - Desert Oracle April 2021

New Family Caregiver Program (Updated)

The new VA caregiver program titled Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family
Caregivers (PCAFC) has expanded effective October 1, 2020. To be eligible veterans
must have sustained a serious injury or illness in line of duty. The eligibility cut-off dates
are as follows: on or before May 7, 1975, on or after September 11, 2001. Previously
only post 911 veterans were eligible for this program, eligibility for expansion of the
remaining eras will occur October 1, 2022.

The veteran must have a single or combined VA service-connected disability rating of
70 percent or more and be in need of personal care services for a minimum of 6 months
based on (1) inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL). (2) Need for
supervision, protection, or instruction.

Resources are provided for a financial stipend, education, support, health insurance,
respite care, and beneficiary travel to the caregivers of eligible veterans.

Note: designated primary caregivers receiving payment for Bowel and Bladder care
does not preclude receiving a stipend for PCAFC if that caregiver provides assistance
with one or more ADL in addition to Bowel and Bladder care.

The family caregiver must be at least 18 years of age, spouse, son/daughter, parent,
family member.

VA Form 10-10CG must be completed by the veteran and caregiver and submitted to
the local Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Coordinator.

The CSC Team conducts an application review to include veteran assessment,
collecting clinical information, including the caregiver’s input on care needs. Functional
assessment which accesses the veteran’s functional abilities. Each family caregiver is
required to complete training which is conducted online or a workbook. Assessments
are done in person, telephone, and VA Video Connect (VVC).

Final application review and eligibility determination is conducted by the Centralized
Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT). Within 90 days of application submission the CSP
Team will call the applicant to notify them of eligibility determination followed by an
official letter.

Please contact your NSO for any questions:

Michael A. Wilson
Senior National Service Officer