Extended through September 30, 2028

VA has extended protections for certain veterans and family caregivers already associated with the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

The extension protects qualifying legacy participants and legacy applicants through September 30, 2028 while VA continues revising the program's eligibility rules. VA News

Does this apply to me?

This is specifically for the legacy cohort.

Generally, that includes:

Legacy participants: Veterans or service members whose family caregiver was approved and designated by VA as of September 30, 2020.

Legacy applicants: Veterans or service members who applied before October 1, 2020 and were subsequently accepted into PCAFC.

For legacy applicants, the primary family caregiver must remain the same person identified in the original application. VA News

If you entered the caregiver program later, this particular protection may not apply to you.

What does the extension protect?

Through September 30, 2028, qualifying members of the legacy cohort generally:

Remain eligible for PCAFC and Will not have their monthly caregiver stipend reduced because of a reassessment

subject to limited exceptions. VA News

Can VA still remove someone from the program?

Yes. This isn't an unconditional guarantee of benefits through 2028.

VA says a legacy participant can still be discharged or have caregiver designation revoked under certain circumstances, including at the request of the veteran or caregiver or for failure to comply with program requirements. VA News

What if I think my level of support should increase?

You can still request a reassessment. VA specifically says veterans and caregivers may request one if they believe they're entitled to increased support. VA News

Why this matters

If you're part of the legacy caregiver cohort, the previous transition deadline is no longer hanging over you.

The protection has been extended through September 30, 2028.

For questions about your individual PCAFC status, VA's Caregiver Support Line is:

855-260-3274

Verify It Yourself

VA — Legacy Caregiver Eligibility Extension

Final rule effective: September 30, 2025

Protection extended through: September 30, 2028

Last verified: October 6, 2026