The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) from Veterans Affairs Canada is annual, tax-free funding to help cover the cost of home care services so veterans can continue living independently. This benefit is only available to veterans residing in Canada and is meant to work in combination with other federal, provincial or municipal programs to help meet their overall care needs.
Veterans may be eligible for this program if they: qualify for a disability benefit and/or the War Veterans Allowance, receive Prisoner of War Compensation, or are eligible for, but can’t access, a priority-access bed in a long-term care facility.
This program may cover services such as grounds maintenance, housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, and professional health and support services, and clients can choose their own providers.
VAC will first try to connect the need for VIP service to an entitled condition, meaning one that developed or was worsened by service for which a veteran already receives a VAC benefit. If the need for funding isn’t related to an entitled condition, they may be considered under the “frail” criteria, defined as a physiological condition that creates a risk of falls, injuries, illnesses or requires supervision or hospitalization. This condition must cause prolonged impairment that has lasted, or is expected to, for at least 12 months and requires a nursing assessment by a VAC occupational therapist.
A survivor of a veteran who was receiving VIP services prior to death, will continue to receive them as long as they apply as a primary caregiver and don’t discontinue the program. Once the program is cancelled, it can’t be received again.
Survivors who were primary caregivers may also be eligible for funding to help cover the cost of services such as housekeeping and grounds maintenance if they meet the following criteria:
• are low income (receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement), or
• are disabled (receive the Disability Tax Credit), and
• have a health-related need for these services, and
• currently live in Canada.
Grant rates are determined through a national review of service costs, including labour market factors. A national rate table sets the approved rates payable by geographic area.
If you, a veteran friend or family member would like assistance in connecting with VAC for VIP services, contact veteransservices@legion.ca or call 1-877-534-4666 toll free.
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