How Much Do VA Caregivers Get Paid?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers financial stipends to family caregivers of veterans. These programs aim to alleviate some financial burdens associated with providing ongoing care. Stipends acknowledge caregivers’ invaluable contributions, enabling veterans to remain in their homes and communities while receiving necessary personal care services.

Eligibility for VA Caregiver Programs

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is the primary VA caregiver program offering financial stipends. Qualification requires specific criteria for both the veteran or service member and their designated caregiver.

To be eligible, a veteran or service member must have a serious injury, including an illness, incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service. This injury must result in a VA disability rating of 70% or higher. The veteran must be discharged or undergoing medical discharge, and require at least six months of continuous, in-person personal care services. These services encompass assistance with daily living needs, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and ensuring safety or providing instruction in their daily environment. Eligibility for the program has expanded to include veterans who served on or before May 7, 1975, and those who served between May 7, 1975, and September 11, 2001.

Caregivers must also meet specific criteria for PCAFC designation and stipend receipt:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be a spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member of the veteran, or someone willing to live full-time with the veteran.
Demonstrate the ability to complete required education and training.
Have no VA determination of abuse or neglect of the veteran.

The PCAFC has two primary levels of support, based on the veteran’s assessed need for personal care services. These tiers indicate the intensity of care required and influence the overall support structure. A veteran can designate one primary family caregiver and up to two secondary family caregivers, but only the primary caregiver is eligible for the monthly stipend.

Determining Caregiver Stipend Payments

Caregivers approved under the PCAFC receive a monthly stipend, which is a financial benefit rather than a traditional wage. The amount varies based on the veteran’s assessed need for assistance and their geographic location.

The VA determines the monthly stipend by evaluating the veteran’s need for personal care services, assessed through their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). This assessment assigns the veteran to one of two stipend levels:
Level 1: For veterans needing moderate care; caregiver receives 62.5% of the calculated monthly rate.
Level 2: For veterans requiring high-level or full-time care; caregiver receives 100% of the monthly rate.

The stipend calculation is based on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule (GS) Annual Rate for Grade 4, Step 1. This rate is adjusted for the veteran’s locality pay area. For example, if the annual GS rate is $34,916, a Level 1 stipend would be approximately $1,818.54 monthly, and Level 2 would be about $2,909.67 monthly. These rates are subject to annual updates by OPM, and corresponding adjustments are made to the monthly stipend rates.

The VA caregiver stipend is generally a non-taxable benefit. Primary family caregivers typically do not need to report it as income on their federal tax returns. This tax-exempt status is similar to veteran disability payments, recognizing the stipend as a supportive benefit rather than earned income.

Applying for VA Caregiver Benefits

Applying for VA caregiver benefits, specifically the PCAFC, requires a joint effort from the veteran and prospective caregiver. The process begins by gathering essential information for both parties:
Social Security or tax identification number
Date of birth
Address and phone number for the veteran and each caregiver applicant
Name of the VA medical center where the veteran receives or plans to receive care.
If a representative is signing on behalf of the veteran, documentation proving legal authority, such as a power of attorney or legal guardianship order, is necessary.

The core of the application is VA Form 10-10CG, ‘Application for Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.’ This form collects detailed information about the veteran’s injuries, their need for personal care services, and the caregiver’s relationship and ability to provide care. It is crucial to complete all required fields accurately to prevent delays. The form can be accessed from the VA website or a local VA medical center.

Once completed, VA Form 10-10CG can be submitted through several methods:
Online via the VA’s dedicated portal.
Mailed to the VA’s Health Eligibility Center.
Hand-carried to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at a local VA medical center.
If the veteran is not yet enrolled in VA health care or is an active-duty service member undergoing medical discharge, VA Form 10-10EZ, ‘Application for Health Benefits,’ should be submitted concurrently.

After the application is submitted, the VA initiates a review process, which typically involves several assessments. A local Caregiver Support Program team member conducts an intake with the veteran and caregiver, which may be in-person, by telephone, or via video. This is followed by clinical assessments of the veteran’s care needs and an assessment of each caregiver applicant’s ability to provide care. The Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) reviews the application, assessments, and medical records.

The VA aims to notify the veteran and caregiver of a decision within 90 days of receiving the joint application. If approved, primary caregivers are required to complete specific training provided by the VA, which may be done online or through a workbook.