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Estimate the monthly PCAFC family caregiver stipend— the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Enter the Veteran's locality and care level to see the 2026 monthly and annual payment, using the same GS-4 formula the VA uses.
Sources: VA — Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), 38 CFR 71.40 — stipend methodology, OPM 2026 General Schedule (GS-4) base rates
Before you estimate — a quick eligibility check
The stipend is paid to the primary family caregiverof an eligible Veteran under the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). In general the Veteran must:
VA makes the final eligibility and care-level determination after an application and clinical assessment. This tool only estimates the dollar amount once a level is assigned.
The stipend uses the GS locality for the Veteran's home, not the caregiver's.
The Veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community (needs personal-care help most of the day).
Level 2 — higher · Rest of U.S.
Based on GS-4, Step 1 for Rest of U.S. ($36,409/yr, incl. +17.06% locality) ÷ 12 × 100%.
Estimate only. Uses the January 2026OPM GS-4, Step 1 rate for the Veteran's locality, per the PCAFC methodology in 38 CFR 71.40(c)(4). VA sets the actual level and payment; amounts change when GS rates update. This does not include the separate caregiver health-care or travel benefits, or the legacy stipend for caregivers grandfathered under the old rules.
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PCAFC pays a monthly stipend to the primary family caregiver of an eligible Veteran. The amount is not a fixed number — it is tied to federal pay. VA takes the GS-4, Step 1 annual salary for the locality where the Veteran lives, divides it by 12 to get a monthly rate, then pays a percentage of that rate based on the Veteran's assigned care level: 100% at the higher level (Level 2) or 62.5% at the lower level (Level 1).
Because it is tied to GS-4 locality pay, the stipend is higher in high-cost areas and rises when federal pay rates increase each January. The stipend is separate from the other caregiver benefits — health care through CHAMPVA, mental-health services, respite care, and travel reimbursement — which don't affect the dollar amount here.
To apply, submit VA Form 10-10CG or apply online at VA.gov, then complete the caregiver assessment. Free help is available from the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
Caring for a Veteran rated 100% P&T? See the P&T lifetime value calculator and what benefits unlock in VA benefits by rating.
Under PCAFC (38 CFR 71.40), the monthly stipend equals the OPM General Schedule GS-4, Step 1 annual rate for the Veteran’s locality, divided by 12, multiplied by the assigned care-level percentage — 100% for the higher level (Level 2) or 62.5% for the lower level (Level 1).
Level 2 (100%) is for a Veteran who is unable to self-sustain in the community and needs personal-care support most of the day. Level 1 (62.5%) is for a Veteran who needs personal-care services but is not at the higher level. VA assigns the level after a clinical assessment.
The VA has treated the PCAFC caregiver stipend as non-taxable. It is a benefit paid to the primary family caregiver, not wages. Confirm your specific situation with a tax professional or the VA Caregiver Support Line.
It is an estimate using the 2026 OPM GS-4 rate and the PCAFC formula. VA makes the final eligibility, care-level, and payment determination after you apply and complete an assessment.
This figure moves when the veteran's rating or care level does. If the rating does not yet reflect how much help a normal day takes, that is the thing to work on, and the guided builder covers what the evidence has to show.
Free. An account saves the evidence list so you are not rebuilding it at every appointment.