COVID-19 vaccines:
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Additional Options for Veterans and Caregivers who Disagree with a PCAFC Decision
If you disagree, in whole or in part, with a decision under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), there are options available for you to appeal or to request a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) review of the decision.
The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018
The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act allows Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, Veterans with service-connected disabilities, and individuals approved and designated as Primary Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans, entry onto military installations to use the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Stores; commissary and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities.
MWR benefits for approved Veterans Affairs Primary Family Caregivers Eligibility Letters are in the process of being printed and mailed. In the next few weeks, Primary Family Caregivers will be receiving these letters for calendar year 2022.
Review the VA Caregiver Support and DOD FAQs (PDF) about this program.
PCAFC Eligibility Extension
VA is extending eligibility for one more year through Sept. 30, 2022 for all Legacy Participants, Legacy Applicants, and their Family Caregivers currently participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). This extension includes all applicable services, supports, and benefits, including the monthly stipend.
PCAFC Legacy Participants, Legacy Applicants and their Family Caregivers will receive more details via mail and/or telephone.
View the news release for more information. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to provide an additional year for eligibility and reassessment of certain participants.
PCAFC Expansion Phase 1
Eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) has expanded.
Review the fact sheets to learn more about the expansion.
- Caregivers PCAFC - Application Process Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Expansion Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Legacy Participants/Legacy Applicants Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Monthly Stipend Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - CHAMPVA Fact Sheet (PDF)
Fact Sheets available in Spanish & Tagalog/Filipino.
Be sure to check back for updates or subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.
Caregiver Support Program (CSP) - Events Page
1099-NEC for Caregiver Stipend Payments
Several Primary Family Caregivers participating in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) recently expressed concern over receiving a 1099-NEC form from VA. After researching this matter, VA found that a total of 149 PCAFC Caregivers received a 1099-NEC form. These PCAFC Caregivers were all paid taxable wages in 2020 as providers of bowel and bladder care for their Veteran family member under VA’s Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) Program. The 1099-NEC form received by these 149 PCAFC Caregivers reflected only their bowel and bladder wages.
Bowel and bladder care for Veterans with SCI/D are supportive and necessary medical services when they are unable to manage bowel and bladder functions independently. The clinic of jurisdiction, or VA medical facility, authorizes such care under the Community Care Program to enrolled Veterans with SCI/D who are dependent upon others for bowel and bladder care while residing in the community. Veterans with SCI/D who qualify for bowel and bladder care may receive that care through a home health agency, a family member, or an individually employed caregiver.
Starting Monday, February 8, the Office of Community Care will begin calling the 149 Caregivers to explain why they received the 1099-NEC form and answer any questions they may have.
Announcement for COVID-19
Learn how you can protect, prepare and support yourself and your Veteran loved one through these challenging times with tips on Caregiving During COVID-19 (PDF) and Coronavirus FAQs page. For more information or support call us at 1-855-260-3274.
We appreciate you and we are here to help you!
Caregiver Resources
Need Help?
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line (CSL) at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you, and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team/Coordinator, at your local VA Medical Center.
VA CSL Expanded hours:
-Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET
-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love.
Subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.
