red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the implementation of Phase 1 of its expansion and enhancement of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The program offers clinical support for caregivers of eligible veterans who are seriously injured, including educational support, a monthly stipend, health care coverage, and certain beneficiary travel to qualifying family members.

Through this expansion, VA will give additional family caregivers, including those of blinded veterans, access to essential resources to support them as they care for their veterans of earlier eras.

The first phase of these changes is based on a new regulation offered by the VA MISSION Act of 2018 that includes eligible veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury or illness in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, and on or before May 7, 1975. World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans may apply under this expansion.

The eligibility requirements include:
• Veteran has single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more.
• Veterans must need in-person personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on either:
o An inability to perform an activity of daily living each time performed, or
o A need for supervision, protection, or instruction that directly impacts the ability to maintain personal safety on a daily basis.
• Veteran has a functional impairment that directly impacts the ability to maintain personal
safety on a daily basis.

Effective October 1, 2022, the second phase will include eligible veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty between May 7, 1975 and September 11, 2001. Previously, PCAFC was limited to eligible veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

For additional details about the launch of this first phase of the PCAFC expansion, see the official VA news release HERE. The online application for the assistance is available HERE. Additional information about the program, the full range of services available to caregivers, and the application process is available on the Caregiver page on the VA website HERE.

BVA’s Veterans Service Program (VSP) features a dedicated team of Accredited National Service Officers (NSOs) standing by to support blinded veterans and their families. Additional questions or concerns regarding the new PCAFC can be directed to BVA’s NSOs via email at vsp@bva.org or the toll-free benefits helpline at 844-250-5180.