Caregiver & Family Resources
Resources for caregivers and family members of Veterans. You are not alone — the VA and national organizations offer dedicated programs to support you.
PCAFC supports eligible family caregivers of Veterans from all service eras. VA determines eligibility for both the Veteran and caregiver; a disability rating alone does not establish eligibility or guarantee benefits.
Published eligibility requirements
- The Veteran has an individual or combined VA disability rating of at least 70%.
- The Veteran is discharged or has a medical discharge date, is enrolled in VA health care, and needs continuous, in-person personal care for at least six months.
- The caregiver is at least 18 and is a family member, or lives (or will live) full time with the Veteran.
This is a summary, not the full eligibility assessment. The VA program page explains additional requirements and the process for service members undergoing medical discharge.
Support available if approved
- Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers: training, mental health counseling, and certain travel benefits.
- Designated Primary Family Caregivers may also receive a monthly stipend and respite care.
- Primary Family Caregivers may qualify for CHAMPVA if they do not qualify for coverage under another health care plan.
For an eligibility review or help with the VA application, contact your local Caregiver Support Program team.
PGCSS offers caregiver education, skills training, peer support and referrals for caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care. It is separate from PCAFC and does not provide a monthly stipend.
The Veteran does not need a service-connected disability for PGCSS. A caregiver who does not qualify for PCAFC may still be eligible for this support. Your local VA caregiver team can explain enrollment and available services.
Learn About PGCSSCaregiver Support Line
Free, confidential support from VA social workers and peer support specialists — for caregivers dealing with stress, burnout, or crisis.
Check current support-line hours on VA.gov (opens in new tab)
Veterans Crisis Line (Caregivers Welcome)
If you or your Veteran is in crisis, this line is available 24/7. Caregivers under serious stress can also call — it's not just for Veterans.
Respite Care
Short-term relief from caregiving — through the VA or community providers. Lets you rest, attend appointments, or handle personal needs while your Veteran is cared for.
VA Respite Care infoPeer Support Network
Connect with other caregivers who understand what you're going through. The VA's peer support program pairs you with trained caregivers.
VA Peer Support ProgramUnderstanding your Veteran's disability rating and benefits can be overwhelming. Here are practical starting points:
VA Disability Ratings Explained
The rating determines your Veteran's monthly compensation. Ratings are assigned per condition under 38 CFR Part 4 and combined using the "whole person" formula.
HonorBound Rating ReferenceDependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is tax-free compensation for eligible survivors following a service-related death or certain other qualifying circumstances. VA publishes separate requirements for spouses, children and parents.
VA DIC OverviewCHAMPVA Health Coverage
Eligible spouses, dependent children and survivors may qualify through a Veteran's permanent and total service-connected disability or a qualifying death. TRICARE eligibility excludes CHAMPVA.
This family-benefit pathway is distinct from PCAFC caregiver coverage. Other insurance and Medicare have coordination rules; check VA's current requirements.
CHAMPVA OverviewSurvivors Pension
A needs-based benefit for eligible surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans. It is different from DIC.
Visit VA.govDependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
Education and training support for eligible spouses and children. VA explains qualifying circumstances and time limits.
Visit VA.govFry Scholarship
Education benefits for eligible children and surviving spouses following certain service member or Selected Reserve deaths.
Visit VA.govBurial & Memorial Benefits
Official information on burial eligibility, allowances, headstones, markers and other memorial benefits.
Visit VA.govHonorBound's existing Pension & Survivor Benefits calculator provides educational estimates, not a VA eligibility decision.
The Honor Bound Caregiver Support board is a private space for caregivers and family members to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Forum access depends on account permissions.
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