Veterans Independence Program

Veterans Independence Program (VIP) – Program of Choice 15

Dignified, reliable in-home support for Canadian Veterans and their families in Ottawa
Assisting Hands Home Care—Ottawa is an approved provider for Veterans Affairs Canada’s Veterans Independence Program (VIP), Program of Choice 15. We help Veterans access funded services that support safe, independent living at home.

What is the Veterans Independence Program?

The Veterans Independence Program provides annual, tax-free funding for home and community supports—such as personal care, housekeeping, meal support, transportation, and professional health and support services—to help eligible Veterans remain independent at home.

Services We Provide Under VIP (POC 15)

We coordinate and deliver VIP-funded services, tailored to each Veteran’s assessed needs

  • Personal Care (e.g., bathing, grooming, mobility assistance)
  • Housekeeping & Home Support (e.g., light cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, errands) 
  • Access to Nutrition (meal delivery coordination) 
  • Transportation to medical, community, or social activities (including escorted support when required) 
  • Professional Health & Support Services (e.g., nursing, OT assessments coordinated as needed)
  • Ambulatory/Out-of-Home Support related to assessments or diagnostics 
  • Home Adaptations (coordination for eligible modifications—funding is contribution-based) 

Assisting Hands—Ottawa is registered to deliver VIP (POC 15) services and can guide you through authorizations and scheduling.

Who is Eligible? (VAC Criteria)

You should consider applying if you need home care supports and any of the following apply:
  • You have qualified for a VAC disability benefit, or
  • You have qualified for the War Veterans Allowance, or
  • You receive Prisoner of War Compensation, or
  • You are eligible for, but cannot access, a Contract Bed (Priority Access Bed) in long-term care.

Note: Eligibility, approved benefits, and dollar limits are determined by VAC through an assessment process; benefits are authorized annually and continue as needs persist.

Why Choose Assisting Hands—Ottawa

  • Approved VIP (POC 15) Provider serving Ottawa and surrounding communities.
  • Continuity of Care: We strive to schedule the same caregiver whenever possible. 
  • Bilingual Support: Services available in English or French. 
  • Compliance & Quality: Services are delivered within VAC-approved care plans and standards. 

How Funding Works

  • VIP provides annual funding for approved services.
  • Some benefits (e.g., housekeeping/grounds) may be paid by annual grant directly to the Veteran; others are delivered and billed under VIP (POC 15). 
  • We coordinate with VAC and follow the care plan authorized for you.

Getting Started (Simple 3-Step Path)

  1. Call Us to confirm your needs and VIP status (or to get help applying).
  2. VAC Assessment & Authorization: If you’re not yet enrolled, we guide you to apply for VIP and work with VAC to confirm approved services. 
  3. Care Begins: We schedule your caregiver(s) and deliver services in line with your VAC authorization.

Helpful Links

  • About the VIP Program (VAC): Eligibility, services, and how to apply. 
  • Service Provisions & Requirements for VIP Providers (VAC/Medavie) Program framework. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. VAC confirms you may select the provider of your choice. 

VIP benefits are set up in one-year arrangements and continue as long as you need them; adjustments can be made if your health needs change.

VAC offers related VIP supports for survivors and primary caregivers; we’ll help you navigate available options. 

Call to Action

Request VIP Care (POC 15)
Let’s confirm your eligibility and build a personalized care plan.

Talk to a Care Coordinator
Prefer the phone? Call 613-247-7775 for immediate assistance.

Email Us
We’ll respond quickly with next steps.

Contact – Assisting Hands Home Care, Ottawa

Address: Suite 203, 2255 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 4K3
Phone: 613-247-7775
Email: [email protected]
Web: assistinghands.ca/ottawa