2026 Caregiver Stipend Estimator (PCAFC)
If you are a family caregiver for a disabled veteran, the VA may owe you a monthly, tax-free stipend. This estimator shows what Level 1 and Level 2 pay in your location under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
Based on 2026 GS-4, Step 1 locality pay tables
If your area is not listed, "Rest of U.S." is the default federal locality.
$1,898
per month, tax-free
$22,775
per year
How it is calculated: GS-4 Step 1 annual salary for Rest of U.S. (Default) ($36,440) ÷ 12 = $3,037/month × 62.5% tier factor = $1,898/month.
Both Tiers at Rest of U.S. (Default)
Level 1
$1,898/mo
$22,775/year
Level 2
$3,037/mo
$36,440/year
What Else Caregivers Get (Beyond the Stipend)
CHAMPVA health coverage
If you have no other health insurance, you may qualify for CHAMPVA through the veteran.
Respite care (30+ days/year)
VA-provided substitute care so you can take a break — at least 30 days per year.
Mental health counseling
Free counseling and support services for caregivers through the VA Caregiver Support Line.
Travel reimbursement
Reimbursement for care-related travel when accompanying the veteran to VA appointments.
Eligibility
- The veteran must have a combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher.
- The veteran must need in-person personal care services for at least six continuous months.
- The caregiver must be at least 18 years old and live with the veteran or be available to provide care.
- One primary caregiver is designated for the stipend; secondary caregivers get benefits but no stipend.
How to Apply
VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
About this benefit
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a tax-free monthly stipend to the primary caregiver of an eligible veteran. The amount is based on the GS-4, Step 1 federal pay rate for the veteran’s geographic locality, multiplied by a tier factor that reflects the veteran’s level of care need.
Most families of disabled veterans never apply. They do not know the program exists, or they assume only nursing-home-level care qualifies. In reality, if the veteran needs help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management, and has a combined service-connected rating of 70% or higher, the family may already qualify.
Beyond the monthly stipend, the primary caregiver may also receive CHAMPVA health coverage, mental health counseling, at least 30 days of respite care per year, and travel reimbursement for accompanying the veteran to VA appointments.
How to use it
- 1Select the care tier that matches the veteran’s situation — Level 1 if they need help with daily activities but can still live at home, Level 2 if they cannot self-sustain in the community.
- 2Choose the veteran’s location from the locality dropdown. If your area is not specifically listed, "Rest of U.S." is the federal default.
- 3Review the estimated monthly and annual stipend. The comparison panel shows both tiers side by side.
- 4Check the eligibility requirements and additional caregiver benefits below the estimate.
What it covers
- Level 1 and Level 2 monthly stipend estimates by locality
- GS-4 Step 1 annual salary and tier-factor calculation breakdown
- Side-by-side tier comparison for the selected location
- Additional caregiver benefits: CHAMPVA, respite care, counseling, travel reimbursement
- Eligibility requirements and how to apply (VA Form 10-10CG)
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These are planning estimates based on the 2026 GS-4, Step 1 locality pay tables published by the Office of Personnel Management. Actual stipend amounts depend on the VA’s clinical assessment of the veteran’s care needs, the exact locality pay area for the veteran’s zip code, and program eligibility. The stipend is tax-free. Legacy participants (enrolled before October 1, 2020) may be under a different transitional formula. Confirm your eligibility with the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. VA Benefits Calculators is not affiliated with the VA — the VA makes all final decisions about eligibility and payment amounts. Always confirm details at va.gov.