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Federal — Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Independence Programhome adaptations for veterans.

The VIP helps eligible Canadian veterans stay in their homes through funding for home adaptations, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, ambulatory health care, and transportation. For home modifications specifically, the 2025 maximum is $7,729.20 per year per principal residence.

Established in 1981, VIP serves over 83,000 veterans, survivors, and primary caregivers annually. The program is administered by Veterans Affairs Canada, with benefits tied to an assessed need and a formal approval from your VAC case manager before any home adaptation work begins.

Plan Your Home AdaptationVAC VIP Program →
$7,729
Annual home adaptation max
$24,694
Total VIP annual max
83,000+
Annual recipients
Since 1981
Established program
Eligibility

Who qualifies for VIP

You qualify if you are a Canadian veteran who meets at least one of these:

Pathway

Receive a VAC Disability Benefit

Disability Pension, Disability Award, or Pain and Suffering Compensation recognizes an injury or illness tied to your military service.

Pathway

Receive the War Veterans Allowance

Monthly WVA payments based on low household income. WVA recipients are automatically eligible for VIP services.

Pathway

Receive Prisoner of War Compensation

Monthly compensation for veterans who were taken prisoner or detained by enemy forces.

Pathway

Eligible for but unable to access a Contract Bed

Overseas Service Veterans approved for a VAC Contract Bed but awaiting placement can receive VIP support in the interim.

Important note

Primary caregivers and survivors may be eligible for housekeeping and grounds maintenance benefits but are not eligible for home adaptations. Home adaptation funding is specifically for the veteran’s primary residence needs.

Covered adaptations

What VIP funds

Safety alterations

  • ✓Handrails on stairways
  • ✓Grab bars in bathrooms
  • ✓Thermostatic mixing valves
  • ✓Emergency lighting
  • ✓Non-slip flooring

Bathroom modifications

  • ✓Accessible showers
  • ✓Roll-in bathing
  • ✓Comfort-height toilets
  • ✓Accessible vanities
  • ✓Lever-style fixtures

Access and mobility

  • ✓Ramps and accessible entrances
  • ✓Stair lifts
  • ✓Door widening
  • ✓Structural changes for equipment
  • ✓Lever-style door handles

VIP’s guiding principle: consider the simplest and least costly option first. The most expensive solution is not automatically approved — VAC funds what is reasonable to meet the assessed need. If you choose a more costly upgrade than required, you pay the difference.

Other VIP services

VIP provides more than home adaptations

Housekeeping
Cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, errands
$13,509/year
Grounds maintenance
Snow removal, lawn care, garden maintenance
Annual grant
Personal care
Help with bathing, dressing, daily routines
Needs-based
Meal delivery
Nutritional support through approved services
Needs-based
Transportation
Social transportation for low-income veterans
$1,885/year
Ambulatory health care
Special care through clinics and day centres
$1,571/year

Total VIP annual cap across all categories is approximately $24,694 per eligible veteran (2025). Rates adjust annually.

Application

How to apply

01

Submit the VIP application

Apply online through My VAC Account for the fastest processing. Or download the paper form and mail to: Veterans Affairs Canada, PO Box 6000, Matane QC G4W 0E4. Service Canada offices can also accept applications.

02

VAC case manager conducts needs assessment

A VAC case manager evaluates your situation — what you can do, what you struggle with, and what services would help you remain independent at home. For home adaptations specifically, the assessment identifies what modifications are medically necessary.

03

Receive your VIP benefits authorization

Approval is typically for a 12-month arrangement that automatically continues as long as you need the services. You will receive a VAC Healthcare Identification Card if you don't already have one.

04

Get home adaptation quotes

With approval, work with Still at Home (or another qualified contractor) to get written quotes for the approved adaptations. Less costly options are evaluated first.

05

VAC approves the specific adaptation

Your case manager reviews and approves the specific project scope and cost. Work cannot begin until this second approval is received.

06

Complete the adaptation and submit for reimbursement

Once approved work is completed, submit receipts to VAC for reimbursement. Reimbursement is based on submitted claims. Still at Home provides VAC-ready documentation as part of our managed service.

Frequently asked questions

How much does VIP provide for home adaptations?+
VIP home adaptations are subject to an annual financial limit per eligible veteran per principal residence. The 2025 maximum is $7,729.20 per year. Rates are adjusted annually by Veterans Affairs Canada. If a veteran changes principal residences, a new limit takes effect. VIP also provides separate funding for housekeeping ($13,509/year), grounds maintenance, ambulatory care, and transportation.
Who qualifies for VIP home adaptations?+
You qualify if you are a Canadian veteran who receives a VAC Disability Benefit (pension, award, or Pain and Suffering Compensation), the War Veterans Allowance, or Prisoner of War Compensation — OR you are eligible for but unable to access a Veterans Affairs Contract Bed. Allied Veterans and certain survivors and primary caregivers may also qualify. Home adaptation benefits are not available to survivors or primary caregivers.
What home adaptations does VIP cover?+
VIP funds modifications that are necessary for the veteran to carry out everyday activities. Examples include: safety alterations (handrails, grab bars, thermostatic mixing valves), bathroom modifications (accessible showers, roll-in bathing), ramps and accessible entrances, stair lifts, door widening, and structural changes to accommodate mobility equipment. VIP considers the simplest and least costly option first — it is not a renovation grant for discretionary improvements.
Can VIP be combined with other Veterans Affairs benefits?+
VIP is one piece of the VAC benefit system. If a service is also available under the Treatment Benefits program (which covers many medical adaptations for veterans with pensioned conditions), that program is accessed first. Veterans with a pensioned disability automatically receive a VAC Healthcare Identification Card that covers related treatment benefits. Still at Home works through your VAC case manager to ensure benefits are coordinated correctly.
How do I apply for VIP?+
Apply online via My VAC Account, or download the application form and mail it to Veterans Affairs Canada, PO Box 6000, Matane QC G4W 0E4. Service Canada offices can also accept applications. A VAC case manager reviews your eligibility and conducts a needs assessment to determine appropriate services. For mental health conditions, your treating provider completes questionnaires VAC1752 (initial) and VAC1753 (follow-up).
How long does VIP home adaptation approval take?+
Timelines vary based on needs assessment complexity and case manager availability. Expect 6 to 12 weeks from complete application to approval. Adaptations must be approved before work begins — VIP does not reimburse pre-approval expenditures. The VAC case manager coordinates the assessment and approval process.
Can VIP home adaptation funding be claimed alongside HATC?+
Yes. The federal HATC is not reduced by government assistance from Veterans Affairs Canada. You can receive VIP funding for approved adaptations and still claim the HATC on qualifying expenses for that tax year — particularly any portion you paid out of pocket above the VIP coverage.
Official sources

Your service earned this benefit.
We make it easier to use.

We coordinate with your VAC case manager, provide compliant quotes, handle VAC documentation, and deliver adaptations that last — so VIP works the way it was designed to.

Book a Free AssessmentCall 613.794.2040

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