Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced an important update for caregivers of veterans. A final rule originally published on September 29 extends key eligibility protections for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers through September 30, 2028.
For many families in Rhode Island caring for a veteran, the PCAFC program provides vital financial support, training, and resources. At McCarthy Law, we are honored to help veterans and their caregivers access relevant benefits. Here is what this extension could mean for you.
Who is Covered Under the “Legacy” Cohort?
The extension specifically protects families who were already part of the program before certain eligibility changes took effect.
Legacy Participants are veterans or service members whose family caregivers were approved and designated by the VA as of September 30, 2020.
Legacy Applicants are veterans or service members who applied for PCAFC before October 1, 2020 and were accepted on or after that date, provided the same primary caregiver named in the application remains in place.
What the 2028 VA Caregiver Extension Means for Families
Continued Eligibility Through 2028
Legacy participants, legacy applicants and their family caregivers will remain eligible for PCAFC protections for an additional three years.
No Reduction in Monthly Stipends for Legacy Cohort Based on Reassessments (with Limited Exceptions)
The extension ensures that eligible caregivers will not experience a reduction in their monthly stipend due to reassessments during this period, except under certain limited circumstances.
Suspension of Certain Reassessments Remains in Effect
The VA will continue suspending many reassessments for legacy participants and applicants during this transition period. Families may still request a reassessment if they believe they qualify for increased support.
Revocation or Discharge Still Possible in Specific Situations
While the protections are extended, the VA may still discharge or revoke participation for reasons such as noncompliance with program requirements, request by the veteran or caregiver, or changes in the veteran’s condition.
Why This Matters for Rhode Island Veterans
Family caregivers are the backbone of support for many veterans living with service-connected injuries. The PCAFC program provides a lifeline that includes monthly stipends, training and in many cases access to health care for eligible caregivers.
By extending these protections through 2028 the VA gives families more time, stability and predictability. This update also arrives as the VA continues evaluating additional changes to the program under a proposed rule released in late 2024.
For Rhode Island families who rely on these benefits or who need help understanding their options this announcement offers meaningful reassurance today.
Support for Veterans and Their Caregivers
McCarthy Law is proud to help guide veterans and caregivers through benefits offerings when available. To learn more about how our team may be able to help you, fill out the form below or contact us.
Veterans and caregivers can get more information or assistance through these resources:
The VA Caregiver Program website at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
The Caregiver Support Line at 855 260 3274, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
The local Caregiver Support Program locator on the VA website
If you are unsure how this extension applies to your family or if you need help navigating VA benefits, McCarthy Law is here to guide you. We are proud to serve Rhode Island’s veterans and the caregivers who support them every day.
