VIP: A Program Ahead of its Time

In recent years, the availability of quality home care has become an important issue for many Canadians and health care professionals. What many people don't realize is that Veterans Affairs Canada already is a pioneer in the home care field. About 20 years ago, our Department introduced the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) to help clients remain healthy and independent in their own homes or communities. Today, more than 67,000 clients receive support under VIP.

Q. Who is eligible for VIP?

A. You may qualify for VIP if:

• you receive a VAC disability pension and have care needs related to your pensioned condition; or
• your annual income is below levels set by the War Veterans Allowance Act; or
• you have exceptional health needs but not the financial resources to obtain the required services.

To find out if you qualify for VIP, please call the VAC District Office nearest you (look in your local telephone book under the Government or "blue" pages).

Q. What does VIP cover?

A. VIP provides eligible clients with financial assistance for a variety of services, including:

• grounds maintenance, such as grass cutting or snow removal;
• housekeeping;
• personal care, such as assistance with bathing, dressing or eating;
• meal delivery;
• health and support services provided by health professionals;
• transportation costs for certain activities such as shopping, banking, visiting friends or attending church or community events when no other means of transport is available;
• travel to, and participation in, certain health and social services, such as adult day care; and
• certain home adaptations to improve access for basic daily activities, such as preparing meals, using the bathroom or sleeping. Please note: VIP does not fund general home renovations or repairs.

Q. How do I apply for VIP?

A. Please contact your nearest VAC District Office. They will arrange for someone to do an assessment of your needs and how these needs may be affecting your family or caregiver. Based on your needs, the Department will discuss with you what services you require and the amount of funding that will be available under VIP to help support you.

Q. Who provides these services?

A. This will depend on your needs, where you live, your own personal preferences and the types of resources that are available in your community. Whenever possible, we work closely with provincial and local agencies across the country to provide eligible clients with VIP-related benefits and services that best meet their needs. Having these partnerships in place means we're not duplicating resources that already may be in place in your community to support you.

Q. Is VIP available to widowed spouses or common-law partners?

A. Survivors may continue to receive housekeeping and grounds maintenance services for one year following the death of their spouse or common-law partner providing such services were in place at the time of the veteran's death.

Q. Is VIP available outside Canada?

A. No. VIP is only available to qualified clients who live in Canada.

Q. I get oxygen through the VIP program and will be going to Florida for six weeks this winter. How do I obtain my oxygen while in Florida?

A. Outside of Canada, you are only eligible for health care benefits approved in relation to your pensioned condition(s). Health benefits and services that are provided to you through the VIP program, but not related to your pensioned condition, are not covered while you are outside of Canada. You should arrange for private health care insurance to cover health care expenses not related to your pensioned condition(s).