Veterans' Home Care
About Veterans' Home Care
Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) is DVA’s program for lighter, entry-level home support for eligible veterans and war widows and widowers. It covers things like domestic assistance, personal care, respite and home and garden maintenance.
It is generally for people who need some help to stay safely and independently at home, but not the more intensive support covered by other DVA or aged care programs. It is assessed and coordinated through DVA, and services are delivered by contracted providers. Eligibility and scope are set by DVA policy and can change, so confirm current detail with DVA (1800 838 372).
At a glance
- Lighter, entry-level home support.
- Domestic assistance, personal care, respite, home and garden maintenance.
- Assessed and coordinated through DVA.
- Scope and eligibility are set by DVA and can change.
This is general information, not financial or funding advice. Program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Always confirm current detail with the relevant official body before relying on it.
How to prepare before arranging support
- Contact DVA on 1800 838 372 to confirm current eligibility and scope.
- Ask for an assessment. The program is assessed and coordinated through DVA.
- Expect services to be delivered by contracted providers.
Information and records to have ready
- DVA card details and accepted-condition information
- Referral, assessment or prior-approval documents
- Treatment or support plan and relevant clinical instructions
- Provider quotes, service records and DVA correspondence
Questions to ask a provider
- Are you authorised or contracted for this DVA program?
- Is a referral or prior approval required before the first service?
- Will you bill DVA directly, and could the veteran have an out-of-pocket cost?
- How do you coordinate with treating professionals or a DVA case manager?
- What happens if DVA changes or declines the approval?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every card covers the same services
- Booking before referral or approval requirements are met
- Using a provider that cannot bill the relevant DVA program
- Treating disability registration as proof of DVA eligibility
Frequently asked questions
What is Veterans’ Home Care for?
People who need some help to stay safely and independently at home, but not the more intensive support covered by other DVA or aged care programs.
Who can confirm what Veterans' Home Care means for me?
Ask the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A provider can explain its services and billing, but it cannot make a binding funding decision for the responsible body.
Does a provider listing prove it accepts veterans' home care?
No. A directory or public-register listing describes a provider and the supports it lists. Confirm the funding arrangement, approval and current availability with the provider before booking.
What if the rules or my circumstances change?
Check the current guidance with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, tell your providers promptly and update written agreements or approvals before relying on the changed arrangement.
Official sources
Other Veterans topics
Browse providers or explore other funding topics.
Helpful reading
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Keeping records of your NDIS supports: a simple system: Good records make plan reviews, claim queries and changes of provider far easier. Here is a light-touch way to keep them.