The sacrifices made by veterans extend beyond their time in service. More often, veterans are left with lasting injuries and illnesses that require ongoing care. Recognizing the vital role of family members in providing this care, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
The PCAFC program supports eligible veterans and their designated family caregivers, offering financial stipends, healthcare benefits, training, and respite care. As with any VA-sponsored benefit, specific rules must be met to be eligible for PCAFC benefits. Understanding these requirements is the first step towards accessing this valuable assistance.
Understanding the Veteran Criteria
Veterans eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers must meet specific criteria related to their service-connected disabilities and their need for personal care. The key eligibility requirements for the veteran include:
- Service-Connected Disability: The veteran must have incurred or aggravated a serious injury or illness in the line of duty during active military, naval, or air service. This includes both physical and mental health conditions.
- Disability Rating: The veteran must have a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher, as determined by the VA.
- Need for Personal Care: The veteran must require in-person personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to one of the following:
- An inability to perform at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL) without assistance. ADLs include dressing, bathing, grooming, adjusting prosthetic devices, toileting, feeding, and mobility.
- A need for supervision or protection due to neurological or other impairments or injuries.
- Regular or extensive instruction or supervision is needed to prevent severe impairment of their ability to function in daily life.
- Enrollment in VA Health Care: The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care. Active-duty service members undergoing medical discharge may apply for VA health care before or during the PCAFC application process.
- Care at Home: The veteran must be receiving care at home or will do so if a family caregiver is designated through the program.
- Ongoing Care Team: The veteran must be receiving ongoing care from a Primary Care Team within the VA or will be upon designation of a family caregiver.
- Best Interest: Participation in the PCAFC must be in the veteran’s best interest.
- Non-Duplication of Care: The personal care services provided by the family caregiver must not be simultaneously and regularly provided by another individual or entity.
Family Caregiver Eligibility
In addition to the veteran’s eligibility for the program, the veteran’s designated family caregiver must meet specific requirements to participate in the PCAFC and ensure that the caregiver can provide the necessary support.
The eligibility requirements for the family caregiver include:
- Age: The caregiver must be at least 18 years old.
- Relationship: The caregiver must be one of the following:
- The veteran’s spouse, child, parent, stepfamily, or extended family member.
- Someone who lives with the veteran full-time or is willing to do so if designated as the family caregiver.
- Assessment and Training: The VA must initially assess the caregiver’s ability to complete caregiver education and training. The caregiver must then complete this training and demonstrate the ability to provide the specific personal care services the veteran requires.
- History of Abuse or Neglect: The VA must not have determined that the caregiver has a history of abuse or neglect of the eligible veteran.
A veteran can designate one primary family caregiver and up to two secondary family caregivers who can provide backup support when needed. Each caregiver must go through the application process.
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is a critical resource that
acknowledges and supports the crucial role family caregivers play in the lives of veterans with service-connected disabilities. By understanding the eligibility requirements for both the veteran and the caregiver and following the outlined application process, veterans and their families can take the necessary steps to access the financial, healthcare, training, and respite support offered by this program.
At McKown and Myers, it’s our job to help Hoosiers like you get the compensation they need to get medical treatment and support their families. We’re here to answer your questions about your application – call 765-668-7531 or complete our contact form here. There’s no obligation – we’re here to help.