Home › Government & Benefits › VA Caregiver Stipend Estimator
VA Caregiver Stipend Estimator
The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly, tax-free stipend based on your locality's home health aide wage rate and your approved caregiving tier. Enter your local rate and tier for a rough estimate — your official rate is set by the VA based on your specific ZIP code.
Example: At the 2026 national median home health aide rate of about $17.83/hour, a Tier 2 (highest-need) caregiver stipend estimates to about $3,095.29/mo — actual VA-set rates vary by locality.
What can change the math
- This is an estimate only — the VA sets your exact stipend using the specific locality pay rate tied to the veteran's ZIP code, which can differ meaningfully from the national median used here.
- Only two stipend tiers currently exist under PCAFC; a veteran assessed below Tier 1 may qualify for other caregiver support services but not a monthly stipend.
- Stipend rates are reassessed periodically and can change if the veteran's care needs, tier, or locality rate changes — this is not a fixed lifetime amount.
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Tier 2 is for veterans with the highest level of care needs and pays a stipend based on 100% of the calculated local rate. Tier 1 covers a more moderate level of need at roughly 62.5% of that rate.
Is the caregiver stipend taxable?
No — VA caregiver stipend payments are tax-free.
How is the local hourly rate determined?
The VA bases it on a home health aide wage figure tied to the veteran's specific geographic locality, updated periodically — contact your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator for your exact rate.