Information for Caregivers
The VHA Office of Finance, Payment Operations is responsible for the administration of Primary Family Caregiver benefits which includes calculating and processing the stipend payment for eligible Primary Family Caregivers. Stipend payments are based on a tier-level rating determined by the Veteran's Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT). The application process for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)–VA Caregiver Support Program is facilitated by the local Caregiver Support Program Team.
We are also responsible for enrolling the eligible Primary Family Caregiver into the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) when there is no other health insurance (OHI) coverage, to include TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial health plans through employment and individual plans.
VHA Office of Finance, Payment Operations is responsible for processing health care claims for eligible Primary Family Caregivers under CHAMPVA, processing reconsiderations, and providing customer service support to Primary Family Caregivers for questions related to stipend payment and CHAMPVA benefits.
Caregiver Program Contacts
Phone: 833-930-0816
Fax: 303-398-5193
Mailing Addresses
CHAMPVA claim reimbursement for BENEFICIARIES ONLY:
VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care
ATTN: Claims/Correspondence
PO Box 469064, Denver CO 80246-9064
All other written correspondence:
VHA Office of Finance, Payment Operations
ATTN: Caregiver Program
PO Box 460637, Denver CO 80246-0637
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Learn more about disability benefits for family and caregivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Caregiver need to submit an application for CHAMPVA once approved for the Caregiver Support Program?
No, the Caregiver does not need to fill out a separate CHAMPVA Application for Benefits, VA Form 10-10d. The Caregiver may request CHAMPVA through their Caregiver Support Coordinator if they are not entitled to medical benefits though any other health plans.
Are CHAMPVA benefits for Caregivers different from the benefits for a standard CHAMPVA beneficiary?
The benefits are the same; the only difference is the eligibility criteria. A caregiver that is enrolled in Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is not allowed any other health insurance.
Who is eligible to be a Caregiver?
Anyone approved by the Centralized Eligibility Assessment Team. They do not have to be a relative/spouse of the Veteran, but must be over 18 years of age.
Are medical claims for Caregivers processed the same as standard CHAMPVA claims?
Yes, they are processed identically.
Is the stipend payment taxed?
No, the monthly stipend payment made to a Primary Family Caregiver is considered a non-taxable benefit, similar to Veteran disability payments. Please refer to the Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-163.
Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Public Law 111-163
