Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Comment filed on proposed rule and continue
04/29/2025
12/06/2024
OMB files this comment in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.11(c). This OMB action is not an approval to conduct or sponsor an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This action has no effect on any current approvals. If OMB has assigned this ICR a new OMB Control Number, the OMB Control Number will not appear in the active inventory. For future submissions of this information collection, reference the OMB Control Number provided. In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is not approved at this time. Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency should provide to OMB a summary of all comments received on the proposed information collection and identify any changes made in response to these comments.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2027
01/31/2027
01/31/2027
110,671
0
110,671
27,668
0
27,668
0
0
0
Public Law (P.L.) 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 amended title 38 United States Code Chapter 17 by adding a new section, 1720G, âAssistance and Support Services for Caregivers.â Section 1720G required the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and Support Services. Under the law, Primary Family Caregivers may be eligible to receive a stipend, access to health care coverage, mental health counseling, comprehensive caregiver education and training, and expanded respite services. Caregivers also may be eligible for travel benefits when they accompany the Veteran for care or attending training.
In order to administer these benefits to caregivers, it is necessary that VA receive information about the nature of benefit being sought and the persons who will be serving as caregivers and receiving benefits. This information is collected with VA Form 10-10CG. The AR96 regulation, in proposed 38 CFR 71.25(a), would require veterans, servicemembers and caregivers to submit a new joint application to participate in PCAFC and receive benefits. VA is proposing changes to PCAFC eligibility requirements. These changes are expected to result in an influx of new applications in the initial year of implementation, including from applicants who have previously applied and been denied. The number of applications submitted to VA is expected to fall back to more typical numbers after the initial influx.
In addition, requests for certain types of discharges will now be included in this information collection. Veterans or their Family Caregivers may request discharge from PCAFC. Such requests may be submitted in writing or verbally, to include the date such discharge should take effect. If such request for discharge is due to cases of domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) by the Veteran against the Family Caregiver, the provision of a protective order, police report, or documentation by a treating provider of disclosure of DV or IPV may be provided to support the provision of extended benefits to the Family Caregiver upon the discharge.
AR96(P) also sets forth a process for eligible Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers to request reassessment for continued eligibility. While a written request is not required, if a written request is received, such written request may support an earlier effective date for any increased benefits for which the Family Caregiver may be eligible based on the reassessment.
PL:
Pub.L. 111 - 163 1720G
Name of Law: Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010
The anticipated annual number of responses and burden hours have increased based upon an anticipated increase in caregiver applications and the addition of collections for certain types of discharges and requests for reassessments for continued PCAFC eligibility.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form VA Form 10-10CG Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
SSA_2900-0768_PCAFC_AR96(P)_updated Dec 2024.docx
Requests for Discharge