Independent guide. Not a government website. We link to official sources so you can verify. Read our disclaimer
EN

Veterans

VA caregiver stipend (PCAFC)

The VA pays a monthly stipend to eligible Primary Family Caregivers.1 The amount is the federal GS-4, step 1 annual rate for the Veteran's locality, divided by 12, times 62.5% (Level 1) or 100% (Level 2).2

  • Official sources
  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
An adult son and daughter help their mother, who uses a wheelchair, with her medicine in the kitchen

Written by

Reviewed against official sources Last verified 4 official sources cited

Methodology Editorial policy Corrections

Key facts

Level 1
62.5% of the monthly stipend rate2
Level 2
100%, if VA finds the Veteran unable to self-sustain in the community2
Form
VA Form 10-10CG1
Decision
Caregivers assigned no later than 90 days after VA gets the application1
VA stipend, 2026 base GS-4 step 1. Level 1: $1,619.95. Level 2: $2,591.92. Monthly, before locality pay.
Source: opm.gov 2026 GS table, caregiver.va.gov

Example using the 2026 base GS-4 step 1 rate

Illustration only, base table without locality pay (OPM 2026 GS-4 step 1: $31,103)
LevelFormulaMonthly, base rate
Level 1$31,103 / 12 x 0.625$1619.9523
Level 2$31,103 / 12 x 1.00$2591.9223

Real stipends use the locality rate where the Veteran lives, which is usually higher than the base table. VA sets the final amount.

How to apply

  1. The Veteran enrolls in VA health care.1
  2. Veteran and caregiver complete VA Form 10-10CG together, online, by mail, or in person.1
  3. Complete caregiver training and a home care assessment.1
  4. Enroll in direct deposit through the VA customer engagement portal.1
Steps to apply: 1. The Veteran enrolls in VA health care. 2. Veteran and caregiver complete VA Form 10-10CG together, online, by mail, or in person. 3. Complete caregiver training and a home care assessment. 4. Enroll in direct deposit through the VA customer engagement portal.
Source: va.gov

Frequently asked questions

How is the VA caregiver stipend calculated?

VA takes the OPM GS grade 4, step 1 annual rate for the locality where the Veteran lives, divides by 12, then pays 62.5% for Level 1 or 100% for Level 2.

Who can be the Primary Family Caregiver?

A person 18 or older who is a spouse, child, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member, or who lives or will live full time with the Veteran.

What does the Veteran need?

A VA disability rating of 70% or higher, a discharge or medical discharge date, a need for at least 6 months of in-person personal care, and VA health care enrollment.

How do we apply?

Apply together online, by mail with VA Form 10-10CG, or in person at a VA medical center caregiver support team.

Sources

  1. VA.gov, PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
  2. VA Caregiver Support, Stipend: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/PCAFC-Stipend.aspOfficial
  3. OPM 2026 GS table: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS.aspxOfficial
  4. VA stipend fact sheet: https://caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FactSheets/Monthly-Caregiver-Stipend-Factsheet.pdfOfficial

Last verified