VA Caregiver Stipend Calculator
The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a Primary Family Caregiver a monthly stipend tied to the General Schedule: the OPM grade 4, step 1 annual rate for the veteran's locality pay area, divided by 12, times 62.5% (Level 1) or 100% (Level 2). On the 2026 OPM locality table, Rest of U.S. works out to $1,896.30 (Level 1) and $3,034.08 (Level 2) a month. Computed from 38 CFR 71.15 with OPM's 2026 GS locality table; VA hasn't published 2026 stipend amounts.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Formula checked against 38 CFR 71.15 and 71.40 and OPM's tables October 24, 2026 · Methodology & sources
VA caregiver stipend calculator
For the Primary Family Caregiver of a veteran under the current PCAFC formula. The locality is where the veteran lives.
ZIP lookup uses Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, which approximate ZIP codes, matched to OPM's locality pay area counties. ZIPs 08640 (Fort Dix) and 08641 (McGuire AFB) list New York-Newark too, because OPM names those duty stations there. Alaska and Hawaii are their own locality areas here; confirm with VA how it treats Alaska, Hawaii and the territories.
Estimated monthly stipend
Rest of U.S., Level 1
$1,896.30
a month, $22,755.60 over 12 months
- GS-4 step 1 annual rate used
- $36,409
- Back pay estimate, 12 months (estimate)
- $22,755.60
Computed from 38 CFR 71.15 with OPM's 2026 GS locality table; VA hasn't published 2026 stipend amounts. The back pay estimate multiplies this month's amount by the months you enter. VA pays from the latest of the dates in 38 CFR 71.40(d), such as the date it receives the joint application or the date care at home begins, and the rate changes each January, so the real figure will differ.
Alternative, not VA's stated amount: OPM's special rate table 001M pays GS-4 step 1 $37,193 in this area in 2026. VA hasn't said which rate it uses. If it used 001M, the stipend would be $1,937.14 a month and $23,245.68 for 12 months.
2026 VA caregiver stipend pay chart by locality
Monthly Level 1 and Level 2 amounts for every OPM locality pay area. Level 1 is $2,061.56 and Level 2 is $3,298.50 a month in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK. The grey columns apply only to the 20 areas where OPM's special rate table 001M pays more than the locality rate at GS-4 step 1; they show what the stipend would be if VA used 001M, which VA hasn't said.
| Locality pay area | GS-4 step 1 annual | Level 1 monthly | Level 2 monthly | If VA used 001M: Level 1 | If VA used 001M: Level 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady, NY-MA | $37,563 | $1,956.41 | $3,130.25 | - | - |
| Albuquerque-Santa Fe-Las Vegas, NM | $36,804 | $1,916.88 | $3,067.00 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Atlanta--Athens-Clarke County--Sandy Springs, GA-AL | $38,502 | $2,005.31 | $3,208.50 | - | - |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | $37,432 | $1,949.58 | $3,119.33 | - | - |
| Birmingham-Hoover-Talladega, AL | $36,776 | $1,915.42 | $3,064.67 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT-ME-VT | $41,236 | $2,147.71 | $3,436.33 | - | - |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Olean, NY | $38,073 | $1,982.97 | $3,172.75 | - | - |
| Burlington-South Burlington-Barre, VT | $37,153 | $1,935.05 | $3,096.08 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Charlotte-Concord, NC-SC | $37,221 | $1,938.59 | $3,101.75 | - | - |
| Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI | $40,701 | $2,119.84 | $3,391.75 | - | - |
| Cincinnati-Wilmington-Maysville, OH-KY-IN | $37,924 | $1,975.21 | $3,160.33 | - | - |
| Cleveland-Akron-Canton, OH-PA | $38,017 | $1,980.05 | $3,168.08 | - | - |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $37,370 | $1,946.35 | $3,114.17 | - | - |
| Columbus-Marion-Zanesville, OH | $37,992 | $1,978.75 | $3,166.00 | - | - |
| Corpus Christi-Kingsville-Alice, TX | $36,586 | $1,905.52 | $3,048.83 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-OK | $39,582 | $2,061.56 | $3,298.50 | - | - |
| Davenport-Moline, IA-IL | $36,991 | $1,926.61 | $3,082.58 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Dayton-Springfield-Kettering, OH | $37,765 | $1,966.93 | $3,147.08 | - | - |
| Denver-Aurora, CO | $40,596 | $2,114.38 | $3,383.00 | - | - |
| Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA | $36,705 | $1,911.72 | $3,058.75 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI | $40,160 | $2,091.67 | $3,346.67 | - | - |
| Fresno-Madera-Hanford, CA | $36,593 | $1,905.89 | $3,049.42 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Harrisburg-Lebanon, PA | $37,146 | $1,934.69 | $3,095.50 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Hartford-East Hartford, CT-MA | $41,081 | $2,139.64 | $3,423.42 | - | - |
| Houston-The Woodlands, TX | $41,989 | $2,186.93 | $3,499.08 | - | - |
| Huntsville-Decatur, AL-TN | $37,918 | $1,974.90 | $3,159.83 | - | - |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie, IN | $36,748 | $1,913.96 | $3,062.33 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Kansas City-Overland Park-Kansas City, MO-KS | $37,003 | $1,927.24 | $3,083.58 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Laredo, TX | $37,818 | $1,969.69 | $3,151.50 | - | - |
| Las Vegas-Henderson, NV-AZ | $37,190 | $1,936.98 | $3,099.17 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA | $42,446 | $2,210.73 | $3,537.17 | - | - |
| Miami-Port St. Lucie-Fort Lauderdale, FL | $38,776 | $2,019.58 | $3,231.33 | - | - |
| Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha, WI | $38,076 | $1,983.13 | $3,173.00 | - | - |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI | $39,694 | $2,067.40 | $3,307.83 | - | - |
| New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA | $42,907 | $2,234.74 | $3,575.58 | - | - |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont, NE-IA | $36,773 | $1,915.26 | $3,064.42 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $36,680 | $1,910.42 | $3,056.67 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $40,120 | $2,089.58 | $3,343.33 | - | - |
| Phoenix-Mesa, AZ | $38,086 | $1,983.65 | $3,173.83 | - | - |
| Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-OH-WV | $37,644 | $1,960.63 | $3,137.00 | - | - |
| Portland-Vancouver-Salem, OR-WA | $39,230 | $2,043.23 | $3,269.17 | - | - |
| Raleigh-Durham-Cary, NC | $38,020 | $1,980.21 | $3,168.33 | - | - |
| Reno-Fernley, NV | $36,552 | $1,903.75 | $3,046.00 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Richmond, VA | $38,033 | $1,980.89 | $3,169.42 | - | - |
| Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls, NY | $36,664 | $1,909.58 | $3,055.33 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Sacramento-Roseville, CA-NV | $40,359 | $2,102.03 | $3,363.25 | - | - |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels-Pearsall, TX | $36,944 | $1,924.17 | $3,078.67 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $41,591 | $2,166.20 | $3,465.92 | - | - |
| San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA | $45,516 | $2,370.63 | $3,793.00 | - | - |
| Seattle-Tacoma, WA | $40,922 | $2,131.35 | $3,410.17 | - | - |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley-Coeur d'Alene, WA-ID | $36,599 | $1,906.20 | $3,049.92 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| St. Louis-St. Charles-Farmington, MO-IL | $37,333 | $1,944.43 | $3,111.08 | - | - |
| State of Alaska | $41,168 | $2,144.17 | $3,430.67 | - | - |
| State of Hawaii | $38,011 | $1,979.74 | $3,167.58 | - | - |
| Tucson-Nogales, AZ | $37,100 | $1,932.29 | $3,091.67 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA-NC | $36,950 | $1,924.48 | $3,079.17 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
| Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA | $41,659 | $2,169.74 | $3,471.58 | - | - |
| Rest of U.S. | $36,409 | $1,896.30 | $3,034.08 | $1,937.14 | $3,099.42 |
How the stipend is calculated
Formula. 38 CFR 71.15 defines the monthly stipend rate as OPM's General Schedule annual rate for grade 4, step 1, based on the locality pay area where the eligible veteran lives, divided by 12. Under 71.40(c)(4)(i)(A) Level 1 is that rate times 0.625 and Level 2, for a veteran VA finds unable to self-sustain in the community, is the rate times 1.00. VA's stipend fact sheet shows Dallas in 2022: $34,916 a year gave about $1,818.54 and $2,909.67, and its 2020 stipend FAQ shows Dallas in 2020: $33,638 gave about $1,751.98 and $2,803.17.
Rounding. We round the result once, to the nearest cent. Both rounding methods reproduce VA's examples: 2,909.67 times 0.625 is 1,818.54375, which is the $1,818.54 VA shows. VA calls its figures "approximately" and doesn't state a rounding rule. If it rounded the monthly rate first, Level 1 would differ by one cent in five areas (Colorado Springs, Huntsville, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Phoenix and Seattle) and Level 2 never would.
Which rate. The chart uses OPM's 2026 GS locality table. OPM's special rate table 001M for GS-1 to GS-4 is higher at GS-4 step 1 in 20 areas. VA hasn't said whether it uses it, and VA's Dallas examples don't distinguish the two (001M did not exist in 2020 and was below Dallas's locality rate in 2022), so those amounts appear separately as an alternative. Rest of U.S. would be $1,937.14 (Level 1) and $3,099.42 (Level 2) on that reading.
Locality. The area is where the veteran lives, not the caregiver. OPM defines areas by county, with one exception: it lists three duty stations (Fort Dix, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and McGuire AFB, NJ) as part of the New York-Newark area. The ZIP lookup maps Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas to the counties (OPM definitions) and lists both areas for ZIPs 08640 and 08641; VA hasn't said how it treats veterans who live on base. ZCTAs approximate ZIP codes, and a ZIP that spans counties may map to more than one area. Rest of U.S. is the lowest rate, per VA's 2020 final rule; Alaska and Hawaii have their own OPM areas, and VA's treatment of them and of the territories should be confirmed.
When it changes. The rate follows OPM's GS update, normally each January, applied prospectively. A move to a new locality changes the stipend from the first of the month after VA is notified. The 2026 amounts here use the OPM tables effective January 2026; 2027 GS rates are not published, and the President's proposed 0% GS freeze would leave these amounts unchanged (see federal pay raise 2027).
Start date and back pay. Under 38 CFR 71.40(d) the stipend is effective on the latest of several dates, including the date VA receives the joint application, the date the veteran begins receiving care at home and the date the caregiver begins providing personal care there. The back pay estimate multiplies one month's amount by your months and is only a rough guide.
Legacy participants. Caregivers in the program before October 1, 2020 follow transition rules for eight years from that date (38 CFR 71.40(c)(4)(i)(B) to (D)), which VA extended through September 30, 2028. Their stipend can be higher than this formula and has a hold-harmless floor while the veteran stays at the same address. This calculator covers the current formula only.
VA caregiver stipend questions
How much is the VA caregiver stipend?
It depends on where the veteran lives and the level VA assigns. By regulation the monthly stipend rate is the OPM General Schedule annual rate for grade 4, step 1 in the veteran's locality pay area, divided by 12 (38 CFR 71.15). Level 1 pays 62.5% of it and Level 2 pays 100%. Computed from 38 CFR 71.15 with OPM's 2026 GS locality table; VA hasn't published 2026 stipend amounts. On that basis the 2026 amounts run from $1,896.30 (Level 1) and $3,034.08 (Level 2) in Rest of U.S. to $2,370.63 and $3,793.00 in San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA.
How is the VA caregiver stipend calculated?
Take the OPM GS-4 step 1 annual rate for the veteran's locality pay area, divide by 12, then multiply by 0.625 (Level 1) or 1.00 (Level 2, for a veteran VA finds unable to self-sustain in the community) (38 CFR 71.40(c)(4)(i)(A)). VA's own documents work two Dallas examples: 2020, $33,638 a year, about $1,751.98 (Level 1) and $2,803.17 (Level 2) in its stipend FAQ, and 2022, $34,916 a year, about $1,818.54 and $2,909.67 in its fact sheet. This calculator reproduces all four numbers.
What is the VA caregiver Level 2 stipend?
Level 2 is 100% of the monthly stipend rate. VA assigns it when it determines the veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community. Computed from 38 CFR 71.15 with OPM's 2026 GS locality table; VA hasn't published 2026 stipend amounts. In Rest of U.S. that works out to $3,034.08 a month on a GS-4 step 1 rate of $36,409; in San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA it is $3,793.00.
Where is the VA caregiver stipend pay chart for 2026?
The table on this page lists every OPM locality pay area with Level 1 and Level 2 monthly amounts. VA does not publish a 2026 stipend chart, so these are our computation from the regulation and OPM's tables, not VA's figures. Your award letter and the Caregiver Support Program are the authority.
Which GS rate does VA use, the locality table or special rate table 001M?
The regulation says "General Schedule (GS) Annual Rate for grade 4, step 1, based on the locality pay area," which reads as OPM's GS locality table, and VA's two published Dallas examples (2020 and 2022) match that table, but they don't distinguish it from 001M: that table did not exist in 2020 and paid less than Dallas's locality rate in 2022. VA's documents continue to say "GS Annual Rate ... based on the locality pay area." OPM also publishes a nationwide special rate table, 001M, for GS-1 to GS-4. In 2026 it pays more than the locality rate at GS-4 step 1 in 20 of the 58 areas, including Rest of U.S. ($37,193 versus $36,409). VA hasn't said which it uses, so the chart shows the locality-table amounts as the main figures and the 001M amounts in a separate column as an alternative, not as VA's amount. Ask the VA Caregiver Stipend Team if the difference matters for you.
How do I find the stipend for my ZIP code?
Enter the veteran's ZIP code in the calculator. OPM defines locality pay areas by county, so the lookup matches Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) to counties. A ZCTA approximates a ZIP code: PO box and single-organization ZIPs have none, and a ZIP can cover parts of more than one county. When that crosses two locality areas, the calculator lists every candidate and you choose using the veteran's actual address. Use the locality selector if your ZIP isn't found. OPM also lists three duty stations (Fort Dix, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and McGuire AFB, NJ) as part of the New York-Newark area although their county is in the Philadelphia area, so ZIPs 08640 and 08641 list both. That exception is for federal duty stations; VA hasn't said how it treats veterans who live on base.
When does the VA caregiver stipend go up?
When OPM updates the GS pay tables, normally in January. VA adjusts the stipend prospectively from the date OPM's update takes effect (38 CFR 71.40(c)(4)(ii)(A)). VA's fact sheet says that if OPM announces the update in December with a January 1 effective date, VA updates the stipend rate on January 1, and if OPM announces a retroactive update later, VA's change starts the first of the month after the announcement. Retroactive GS corrections are not paid back (2020 final rule, 85 FR 46267). OPM's 2026 increase was 1% for base pay.
Is there a VA caregiver stipend increase in 2027?
Not yet. OPM has not published 2027 GS tables. The President's plan would hold General Schedule base and locality pay at 2026 rates, which would leave GS-4 step 1 locality rates, and so these stipend amounts, unchanged. That is a proposal, not a final rate; see the federal pay raise 2027 page for its status. OPM's 2027 special rates (table 001M) are not published either.
When is the VA caregiver stipend paid?
VA's fact sheet says the stipend is paid for the prior month, issued at the end of the month or the first of the following month. VA's stipend web page says you must be enrolled in direct deposit using the VA customer engagement portal. VA doesn't publish a 2026 pay-date calendar for the stipend. The VHA Caregiver Stipend Team handles payment questions at 1-833-930-0816.
How much is VA caregiver stipend back pay?
For a new caregiver, the stipend starts on the latest of the dates listed in 38 CFR 71.40(d): the date VA receives the joint application, the date the veteran begins receiving care at home, and the date the caregiver begins providing personal care at home (with other dates for replacement caregivers and reapplications). It is not simply paid from the application date. The calculator's back pay figure multiplies the current monthly amount by the months you enter, a rough estimate that ignores January rate changes. Legacy participants whose first reassessment raises the stipend can also be paid the difference back to October 1, 2020 (71.40(c)(4)(ii)(C)(2)(i)).
What about legacy PCAFC participants?
Veterans and caregivers in the program before October 1, 2020 are legacy participants (applicants who applied before then are legacy applicants). For eight years from October 1, 2020 a legacy participant or applicant's stipend follows the older clinical rating tiers (1.00, 0.625 or 0.25 of the rate) under 38 CFR 71.40(c)(4)(i)(B). 71.40(c)(4)(i)(C) pays the higher amount when the veteran meets 71.20(a) and also 71.20(b) or (c), comparing that tier amount with the current formula. The hold-harmless in (D) covers legacy participants under 71.20(b) only: their stipend cannot fall below the September 30, 2020 amount while the veteran stays at the same address, while (B) also covers legacy applicants. VA extended the legacy transition period through September 30, 2028 (90 FR 46477). This calculator covers the current formula only; ask your Caregiver Support Program team about legacy rules.
What if the veteran lives in Alaska, Hawaii or a territory?
OPM has separate locality pay areas for Alaska and Hawaii, which the calculator shows like any other area; the territories and other non-foreign areas fall in Rest of U.S. under OPM's definition. VA's 2020 final rule says Rest of the United States is the lowest rate possible. VA hasn't said how it treats Alaska, Hawaii and the territories, so confirm the locality with VA.
Does the stipend change if the veteran moves?
Yes. A change of address takes effect the first of the month after VA is notified, and VA must be told within 30 days of the move. Late notice can mean an overpayment that VA seeks to recover (38 CFR 71.40(c)(4)(ii)(B)).
Is the VA caregiver stipend taxable?
VA's 2020 final rule describes the monthly stipend as a nontaxable benefit (85 FR 46268). This page isn't tax advice; check with a tax professional.
Sources: 38 CFR 71.15 · 38 CFR 71.40 · 38 U.S.C. 1720G · VA PCAFC stipend page · VA stipend fact sheet · VA stipend FAQ (2020) · 2020 final rule · 2025 legacy extension · OPM 2026 GS tables · OPM locality pay areas · OPM special rate table 001M · Census ZCTA-county file
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