Veterans Home Care (VHC) Program.

Good morning,

DVA has become aware of emails circulating within the veteran community that contain inaccurate information related to the Veterans Home Care (VHC) Program.

The VHC Program provides access to low level services to assist eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients to remain independent in their homes. Eligible DVA clients under the Veteran’s Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) that hold a Veteran Gold Card, or Veteran White Card for an accepted service-related injury or condition, are eligible for an assessment to receive services under the VHC Program, such as domestic help, personal care, respite care, and safety-related home and garden maintenance.

The emails incorrectly state that the VHC Program ‘may be discontinued due to lack of participation’.

DVA is not considering the discontinuation of the VHC Program for any reason. The VHC Program continues to be a well utilised and popular program, helping clients remain independent in their own homes. In 2020-21, the VHC Program provided services to over 36,000 clients.

The phone number provide in the email is also incorrect. Eligible DVA clients should contact their VHC Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450 to have an assessment for services. Information on the VHC Program is also available via our website: dva.gov.au/vhc.

Please share this information with your members and colleagues.

Regards,

Michael

Michael Harper

Deputy Commissioner Victoria/

Assistant Secretary VEA Compensation & Support

Client Benefits Division

Phone: (03) 9284 6445

1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001