VA family caregiver stipend (PCAFC) in Santa Clara County

A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.

UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.

What to know

Why it may fit: Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
What to do next: Support for the main family caregiver of a veteran with a VA disability rating of 70% or more. It can include a monthly payment, health coverage, training, and respite, which means short breaks. The veteran must need in-person care for at least 6 months. The veteran and caregiver apply together on VA form 10-10CG.
Who runs it: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Caregiver Support Program at VA Palo Alto

What the program may consider

You are a veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable
VA service-connected rating of 70 percent or more
You need in-person help with daily activities or supervision each day
Your caregiver is 18 or older, and is either a family member or someone who lives, or will live, full time with you

How to get it

Support for the main family caregiver of a veteran with a VA disability rating of 70% or more. It can include a monthly payment, health coverage, training, and respite, which means short breaks. The veteran must need in-person care for at least 6 months. The veteran and caregiver apply together on VA form 10-10CG.

Before you start

Apply for this first VA health care (with County Office of Veterans Services help). The veteran must apply for VA health care first.

How to apply

VA family caregiver joint application (VA Form 10-10CG)

The veteran and each caregiver fill it out together and sign it. You can also hand it in to the caregiver support team at a VA medical center.

OnlineApply online with VA form 10-10CGThe veteran and each caregiver sign.
MailVA family caregiver applications by mail: 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5154, Janesville, WI 53547-5154
PhoneVA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274Questions about VA help for family caregivers.
PhoneVA Palo Alto Caregiver Support Program: 650-614-8419Talk with a caregiver support coordinator.
PhoneCounty of Santa Clara Office of Veterans Services: (408) 918-4980Free help from accredited staff with VA applications, appeals and other veterans' benefits, like the veterans' property tax exemption.

Getting help

You start this yourself

The veteran and each caregiver must sign. Caregivers always sign for themselves. Someone may sign for the veteran only with proof of authority. That can be a power of attorney, a guardianship order, or a VA form that names them. Accredited veterans representatives help for free.

Only an accredited representative can act for you: ask for Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative (VA Form 21-22).

What happens after you apply

The veteran applies for VA health care, if not already enrolled.
Only if the veteran is not enrolled yet
The VAA helper can help with this
VA gets your joint application. A 90-day clock starts that day.
The VA
The caregiver support team at the veteran's VA medical center contacts you both about the application.
The VAOnly you can do this
VA checks the veteran's care needs and the caregiver's ability to help. The veteran's VA care team takes part. The caregiver must be 18 or older. They must be family, or live with the veteran full time.
The VAOnly you can do this
The caregiver takes VA caregiver training. It covers skills like medicines, daily care, and safety. VA can arrange respite during training if needed.
The VAOnly you can do this
A VA clinician visits the veteran's home in person to see the care needs.
Your doctor or clinicianOnly you can do this The checks, training, and home visit must be done within 90 days. If not, VA denies the application and you must apply again.
VA decides. If approved, VA names the Primary Family Caregiver and sets the payment level. Up to 2 secondary caregivers can also be approved. If VA says no, you can ask for a review. Free accredited veterans representatives can help.
The VAWithin 90 days of getting the application, unless VA itself causes the delay.
The Primary Family Caregiver sets up direct deposit. Monthly payments start. They count back to the day VA got the application, or the day home care began if later.
The VAA helper can help with this

What only you can do

The veteran applies for VA health care first.
The veteran and each caregiver sign the application. Only someone with legal authority may sign for the veteran.
Take part in VA's checks of care needs.
The caregiver finishes VA caregiver training.
Be at home for VA's in-person home visit.
The Primary Family Caregiver sets up direct deposit.
Take part in VA check-ins at least every 120 days, and a home visit once a year.
Tell VA within 30 days if you move.

How long it takes: VA must decide within 90 days of getting the application, unless VA causes the delay. The first payment comes after approval.
You are enrolled when: You are enrolled when VA has approved the Primary Family Caregiver and the first monthly payment has arrived. The caregiver may also get health coverage if uninsured, and at least 30 days of respite a year.
To keep it: VA checks in with you at least every 120 days. At least once a year, it visits the home. Missing these check-ins can end the program. VA may reassess and change the payment level. Report a move within 30 days, or VA may take back money paid.

Coming changes

Starting October 1, 2028: Were you in the program, or did you apply, before October 1, 2020? Then a reassessment under the newer rules cannot remove you or cut your payment. This protection ends September 30, 2028.