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Funding Guide

VAC home care benefits in Ontario: what veterans and families need to know

Key takeaways

  • Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) funds in-home support for eligible veterans through the Veterans Independence Program (VIP).
  • Covered services can include personal care, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and access to community health programs.
  • Eligible veterans can use private home care providers - including Aviora - once VAC approves their services.
  • The process starts by contacting VAC directly; a case manager conducts the assessment and confirms what is covered.

Author: Director, Aviora Healthcare
Reviewed by: Aviora Care Coordination Team
Last reviewed: June 2026

Many Ontario veterans and their families don't know VAC can fund in-home personal care. Here is how it works and how to start.

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TL;DR: Veterans Affairs Canada offers the Veterans Independence Program (VIP), which can fund home care services - including personal support - for eligible veterans in Ontario. The process starts with a VAC assessment, not a physician referral. Eligible veterans can choose a private home care provider. Aviora accepts VAC funding and can begin care within 24–48 hours of approval.

Last reviewed: June 2026  |  Reading time: 6 min

What VAC covers

What is the Veterans Independence Program?

The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) is a federal program administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. It helps eligible veterans remain independent in their own homes by funding in-home support services. VIP has been available to Canadian veterans for decades and is one of the primary ways VAC supports aging or injured veterans living in the community.

Covered services through VIP can include:

  • Personal care - help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and daily living tasks
  • Housekeeping services - light cleaning, laundry, and household organization
  • Grounds maintenance - lawn care, snow removal, and exterior upkeep
  • Access to health and social programs in the community
  • Nutrition services in some cases

The specific services approved for a veteran depend on their individual assessment. Not every veteran receives every service listed above - coverage is determined based on assessed needs and eligibility criteria.

For information on other home care funding sources, see our guide on home care costs and funding in Ontario.

Who is eligible for VAC home care in Ontario?

Eligibility for VIP services is not limited to service-related injuries. VAC has extended VIP access over time. Veterans who may qualify include:

  • Veterans with service-related disabilities or health conditions
  • Veterans who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and are assessed as having functional limitations
  • Survivors of eligible veterans in some cases

Eligibility is determined by a VAC assessment - not by a physician referral. The best way to know whether a veteran qualifies is to contact VAC and request an assessment.

How is VAC home care different from Ontario Health atHome?

Ontario Health atHome (the publicly funded provincial system) and VAC are entirely separate programs. Many veterans are eligible for both, but they operate independently.

Key differences:

  • VAC is federally administered; Ontario Health atHome is a provincial program
  • VAC eligibility is specific to veterans and their survivors
  • Ontario Health atHome involves waitlists and rotating caregivers; VAC-funded private care can start faster
  • VAC approvals happen through a VAC case manager, not a hospital discharge team

Some veterans receive hours through Ontario Health atHome and top up with VAC-funded private care to fill the gaps.

Can veterans use private home care providers through VAC?

Yes. Once a veteran's VIP services are approved, they can arrange care with a private home care provider. Aviora Healthcare accepts VAC funding for eligible veterans in Ontario.

Using a private provider through VAC means:

  • One consistent primary caregiver per client - not rotating staff
  • Care confirmed within 24–48 hours of intake
  • No referral required from Aviora's side - the VAC approval is the authorization
  • RN-supervised care plan for every client

Call us at +1 (437) 446-7752 to discuss whether VAC-funded care is available for your situation.

How a veteran starts getting home care through VAC in Ontario

The process is straightforward but requires going through VAC's own channels. Here is the order of steps most families follow:

  1. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada. Call VAC's toll-free line or visit a VAC district office in Ontario. Explain that you are requesting an assessment for home care services through the Veterans Independence Program.
  2. A case manager conducts the needs assessment. VAC assigns a case manager who reviews the veteran's functional needs and health history. This assessment determines which VIP services are approved and at what level.
  3. Services are approved and a plan is confirmed. The case manager documents the approved services and any dollar limits associated with them. The veteran then arranges care with an eligible provider.
  4. Choose a provider and begin care. The veteran or their family contacts a VAC-eligible home care provider. Aviora can begin care within 24–48 hours once intake is complete and VAC authorization is confirmed.

If you are unsure whether a veteran in your family qualifies, calling VAC directly or asking at a Legion branch in Ontario is the fastest way to find out.

Common questions

VAC home care in Ontario: questions veterans and families ask

Does Veterans Affairs Canada pay for home care in Ontario?

Yes. VAC funds home care for eligible veterans primarily through the Veterans Independence Program (VIP). This can cover personal support services, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and other in-home supports. The specific services covered depend on the veteran's assessment.

What is the Veterans Independence Program?

The Veterans Independence Program is a federal program that helps eligible veterans remain independent at home. It can fund personal care, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and community program access. Eligibility and specific services are determined through a VAC assessment, not a physician referral.

Can a veteran in Ontario use a private home care provider through VAC?

Yes. Once a veteran is approved for VIP home care services, they can arrange care through a private home care provider. Aviora Healthcare accepts VAC funding. The process involves working with a VAC case manager to confirm approved services and provider eligibility.

How does a veteran start getting home care through VAC in Ontario?

Contact Veterans Affairs Canada directly to request a VIP assessment. A case manager will evaluate the veteran's needs and approve eligible services. Once approved, the veteran chooses an eligible provider - including Aviora. Call us at +1 (437) 446-7752 to discuss how we can help.

We work with veterans and their families across Ontario

Aviora accepts VAC funding and serves veterans in communities across Ontario - from Toronto and Ottawa to smaller cities and rural areas. If you are supporting a veteran who needs home care, we are happy to walk through the process with you.

Also useful: home care funding options in Ontario, WSIB home care coverage in Ontario, and ODSP home care support in Ontario.

Book a free consultation Call +1 (437) 446-7752

Keep exploring

Aviora home care services across Ontario

Every service is available across Ontario - from Toronto and Ottawa to Kitchener and rural communities province-wide.

Personal Support (PSW)

Bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and daily living support - matched primary caregiver.

Mobility Support

Safe transfers, fall prevention, and assistive device support for veterans recovering at home.

Meal Preparation

Nutritious meal prep, light housekeeping, and home organization support.

Companionship Care

Meaningful visits and social engagement for veterans living independently at home.

Hospital-to-Home

Post-discharge care starting within 48 hours - before a readmission happens.

Available in Toronto, Kitchener, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and 120+ communities across Ontario.

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