VA Extends Caregiver Support Program for “Legacy” Veterans Through 2028
The Department of Veterans Affairs has released an important update that helps many Veterans and their family caregivers. The VA Extends Caregiver Support Program i.e., Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) for a special group known as “legacy” Veterans and caregivers. This group was already part of the program before major rule changes began in 2020.
This extension gives thousands of Veteran families long-term stability and protection. Many caregivers were worried about reassessments, losing benefits, or having their monthly payments reduced. With this new rule, those fears are eased. The extension lasts until September 30, 2028, which means families now have more time, more support, and more peace of mind while the VA continues improving the program.
What Is the PCAFC Program?
The PCAFC is the VA’s main caregiver support program for Veterans who need help with everyday activities due to a serious service-connected injury or illness. These conditions may include limited mobility, brain injuries, mental health struggles, memory issues, or a combination of disabilities.
The program supports the family caregiver who takes care of the Veteran at home. Caregivers can be spouses, parents, adult children, or close family members.
Benefits of PCAFC
Caregivers in this program receive:
- A monthly tax-free payment (stipend)
- Health insurance through CHAMPVA, if they don’t have other coverage
- At least 30 days of respite care each year
- Training and education to help them give better care
- Mental health counseling
- Travel and lodging help when attending VA-approved medical appointments
- Access to caregiver support coordinators for guidance
These benefits help caregivers stay supported while giving Veterans the daily care they need.
How Much Money Provided Under Caregiver Support?
One of the biggest parts of PCAFC is the monthly caregiver support. This money is paid to the Primary Family Caregiver and is based on:
- How much care the Veteran needs
- The cost of living in their area (local GS-4 pay rate)
Two Levels of Payment
- Level 2 (High Need Care)
- Caregiver receives 100% of the local stipend rate
- Given to Veterans who need full daily support or constant supervision
- Level 1 (Moderate Need Care)
- Caregiver receives 62.5% of the local stipend rate
Typical Monthly Payment Range
Stipends vary by state and city, but most caregivers receive:
- Level 2: $2,200 to $3,100+ per month
- Level 1: $1,300 to $1,950 per month
All stipend payments are tax-free, giving families meaningful financial support.
Who Counts as a “Legacy” Veteran or Caregiver?
The extension applies only to Veterans and caregivers who were part of the program before the big PCAFC rule changes in 2020.
There are two groups:
1. Legacy Participants
Veterans whose caregivers were already approved by the VA on or before September 30, 2020.
2. Legacy Applicants
Veterans who applied before October 1, 2020, and were approved later — as long as the same Primary Caregiver is still listed.
These families were at risk of losing benefits during reassessments, but now those benefits are protected.
What the New Extension Means
The VA has extended eligibility for this legacy group until September 30, 2028.
This update brings several major protections:
No Cuts to Caregiver Stipend
Caregivers will not see their payments reduced because of reassessments during the extension period.
Fewer Reassessments
The VA paused certain required reassessments.
Caregivers will not be removed due to routine reviews unless they request a higher level of support.
Caregiver Support Continues
Families can keep receiving help with training, counseling, health insurance, travel benefits, and respite care.
Time for VA to Improve the Program
The VA is still reviewing long-term changes to the caregiver program.
This extension gives them more time to adjust the system without harming families who rely on it today.
Why This Extension Is Important
1. Protects Financial Stability
Many caregivers cannot work because they provide full-time care.
This extension protects their monthly payments and helps them stay financially secure.
2. Helps Veterans Stay at Home
With continued caregiver support, more Veterans can stay at home instead of moving into nursing facilities.
3. Reduces Stress
Families no longer have to worry about sudden benefit changes or losing support during reassessments.
4. Recognizes Caregiver Sacrifice
Caregivers often dedicate years of their lives to looking after Veterans.
This extension shows that the VA values their work and wants to support them.
Important Things to Remember
Even with this extension, a few rules remain:
- Only legacy Veterans and caregivers qualify for this update.
- Caregivers must still meet VA requirements and complete training.
- Benefits may still end if a Veteran or caregiver requests to leave the program, fails to meet rules, or if major changes occur.
- Monthly payments still depend on location and level of care.
These reminders help families understand how the program works moving forward.
Conclusion
The VA’s decision to extend caregiver support eligibility for legacy Veterans and caregivers through 2028 is a major relief for thousands of families. It protects stipend payments, keeps important benefits in place, and gives Veterans the support they need to stay safe at home.
By reducing reassessments and ensuring benefits continue, the VA acknowledges the essential role caregivers play in a Veteran’s recovery and daily life. This extension brings stability, security, and hope — while giving the VA time to create long-term improvements for the future.
