Elizabeth Dole Foundation Applauds VA Rule Extending PCAFC Protections for Legacy Caregivers Through 2028
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
Media Contact:
Matt Simeon — media@elizabethdolefoundation.org
Elizabeth Dole Foundation Applauds VA Rule Extending PCAFC Protections for Legacy Caregivers Through 2028
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) today welcomed a final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) that extends eligibility for the “legacy cohort”—those who were in the program prior to October 1, 2020—through September 30, 2028.
Under the rule published today in the Federal Register, legacy caregivers and veterans will remain eligible for PCAFC during the extended transition period and will not experience a reduction in their monthly stipend due to reassessment. The extension ensures continuity and financial stability for caregivers while the VA considers longer-term program improvements.
“The Elizabeth Dole Foundation applauds the Department of Veterans Affairs for extending eligibility under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) for legacy participants for three years as the VA continues considering necessary changes to the program,” said Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “This action preserves critical benefits and financial stability for over 14,000 caregivers who shoulder extraordinary responsibilities in service to our veterans and our nation. After months of coordinated advocacy with our coalition partners—including the Quality of Life Foundation, National Defense Committee, National Veterans Legal Services Program, The Independence Fund, WiseHealth/Veteran Caregiver, and Veteran Warriors—we’re encouraged to see the VA take this necessary step to protect the community we serve; we also thank Chairmen Moran and Bost and Ranking Members Blumenthal and Takano for their continued leadership and focus on this issue. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with the VA to help shape a durable final rule governing the overall program that reflects caregivers’ real-world needs.”
EDF has championed these protections alongside a broad coalition of partners on behalf of military and veteran caregivers nationwide. As a result of the VA’s final rule, approximately 14,000 caregivers and families will retain vital program eligibility and financial stability over the next three years while longer-term improvements to PCAFC are considered. (Read the rule here)
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About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends — who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and support their well-being. The Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access carefully vetted resources. Visit elizabethdolefoundation.org for more information.