PROGRAM

The Veterans Independence Program

Access VAC funds for housekeeping, meals, and home support that help you stay independent.

Service-related mental health conditions can make everyday tasks around the home harder. If you have an approved service-related mental health condition, the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) can provide annual tax-free funding for practical support so you can stay healthy and independent in your own home.

INQUIRE HERE

Does Your Service-Related Mental Health Condition Affect Your Independence?

If an approved service-related mental health condition makes it harder to manage daily tasks on your own, you may qualify for VIP support. Echelon helps with the paperwork and schedules your psychologist appointments to complete the mental health questionnaire VAC needs to review your application. This process is done virtually from home. VIP does not replace other federal, provincial, or municipal programs.

Benefits of VIP support

  • Helps you stay in your own home longer
  • Covers help with cleaning, laundry, errands, and meals
  • Supports grounds maintenance such as snow removal and lawn care
  • Reduces the daily load so you can focus on recovery and well-being
A man is using a laptop with a woman on the screen.

Assistance With VAC Paperwork

You must have an approved service-related mental health condition to apply through this pathway. Our team assists with your VIP application and connects you with a psychologist to complete the required mental health questionnaire for VAC. Everything is done virtually from home, so you do not need to travel.If approved, VIP funding typically starts with an initial 12-month period. Before that period ends, VAC reviews whether continued short-term or long-term support is appropriate. We help with the follow-up paperwork.

Mental Health Eligibility

Military Veterans with an approved service-related mental health condition may qualify if that condition means you need moderate to significant help with daily tasks to remain independent at home.If you believe your mental health condition is service-related but it is not yet approved, we offer virtual mental health disability assessments nationwide. These assessments can help you pursue the approval needed to access VIP and other benefits.

Request a virtual mental health disability assessment.

Ready to apply for VIP support? Our team can guide you through the paperwork and connect you with a psychologist. Start your application

INQUIRE HERE

Services that may be covered

VIP funding can support services such as:

  • Grounds maintenance (snow removal, lawn care, and similar tasks)
  • Housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, errands)
  • Meal delivery and other help getting nutritious food
  • Personal care
  • Health and support services (such as nursing or occupational therapy)
  • Transportation to appointments, tests, or community activities
  • Home adaptations needed for daily living

Amounts are based on your assessed need and current VAC rates.

Hear What Patients Have to Say

all testimonials
I would just like to commend the Echelon Wellness Clinic organization, for their new state of art facility at their new location at 555 Legget Drive in Kanata, and for very cordial and professional upbeat staff in the first stages of becoming a great facility that will be treating and supporting Veterans and the RCMP.
Gary Smith
Ottawa, ON
Being able to go to one location for many different treatments takes the stress and hassle of running around the city in an overly congested roadways. The front of the house is filled with healthy treats and drinks as well as coffee, comfy chairs and kind beautiful people who remember your name and very understanding of the red tape to get help. I cannot recommend this healthcare provider and also advocate to those that served and still serving.
Christopher Coelho
Ottawa, ON
From the moment I stepped in Echelon Wellness, the ambiance was serene and inviting. The facility is absolutely pristine and impeccably maintained. It is well-equipped with high-quality equipment and modern amenities. The entire staff are true subject matter experts who genuinely care about your wellness. The level of professionalism and care here is truly second to none.
Gary White
Ottawa, ON
I've been going to Echelon in Ottawa since they opened. The staff and medical specialists are professional, caring, and dedicated to supporting veterans. They assess and treat veterans' needs, both physical and mental. I highly recommend Echelon Wellness centres for any veteran seeking medical assistance.
Dave Bennett
Ottawa, ON
All staff members here are so professional, with a single focus to care for, and provide outstanding service to those who have served this country. For veterans like myself, I feel safe knowing that the folks within these walls of Echelon Ottawa, provide a confidential one stop shop of services, to help me live my best life.
Dan Legger
Ottawa, ON
All the staffs has helped me even to seek treatment as I have issues being with people or going out. The kindness and care they provide has benefited me in so many ways. To have a break and some relief of chronic pain is a blessing.
Sherry Cable
Fredericton, NB
Own experience, since finding this place for veterans was an is a special experience for certain. Worries I had before are slowly disappearing, the staff are so welcoming not even funny. Phone consultation as well as video consultations were excellent highly recommended to all vets.
Steven Bond
Fredericton, NB
Great facilities, excellent people, Echelon made me feel welcome and treated me well from the moment I walked in the door. I would highly recommend.
Edward Tinsley
Fredericton, NB
Excellent service. One stop to address your your needs. Staff are amazing, flexible and friendly. Stress Free. This is the type of service that is long over due for Veterans and RCMP. A big thanks to the entire Echelon Team.
Shelly Harris
Fredericton, NB
Been going to the Fredericton clinic since they opened and the staff is amazing. They have been able to help a lot with my pain management.
Claude Paulin
Fredericton, NB
I want to express how impressed we are with Echelon, the staff are very friendly and helpful. My brother has extreme anxiety and looks forward to coming to his appointment each and every time.
Catherine Grant
Edmonton, AB
If you're a veteran and not sure where to go, go to Echelon Wellness. Professional ladies at the front desk. Listening to your needs and directing you to the "Costco" like services being offered for Vets & RCMP. Everything under 1 roof. Professional, personal and of course, friendly!!!
Darren Magas
Edmonton, AB
I have never felt so comfortable attending appointments!! The staff are all excellent. Very professional, knowledgeable and very caring. The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming! I can’t say enough about Echelon Wellness Edmonton.
Lisa Gill
Edmonton, AB
Echelon is, by far, the best care provider for veterans I have encountered. They are a great help with navigating the bureaucratic maze that is veterans affairs, and provide all services in one location. The staff is very competent and friendly, the place is spotless, and the ladies working the front desk are guaranteed to make you smile.
Nate
Edmonton, AB
Echelon is a fantastic facility very professional and friendly. The only thing superior to treatment is the fabulous courteous and well-trained staff have brought pain relief to me.
Ronald Putnam
KINGSTON, ON
From the moment you walk through these doors you will not be disappointed!! So warm and welcoming, everyone with smiles and greetings. The aid you receive is outstanding, professional and relaxed!! Highly recommended!! So glad i took the time to walk through these doors!!!
Patricia Lecompte
KINGSTON, ON
With my condition Echelon Wellness was a great help in getting my claim expedited quickly and easily. I would recommend this organization to any veteran who needs assistance. Thank You.
Dave Stewart
KINGSTON, ON
One of the best decisions I made was coming to this clinic. The people are great and I had measurable improvement of my conditions from my treatment here.
Jordan Willet
KINGSTON, ON
I want to pass onto my fellow Veterans that it is a MUST to become involved with Echelon Wellness Kingston! The health professionals are outstanding, friendly, flexible appointments and a variety of services to assist with your Military Service injuries. It is amazing to know they are a call or message away to help. And its 100% covered through Blue Cross. You have to check it out!
Alan Macdonald
KINGSTON, ON
Echelon is an epic experience for this client. Professional, top draw. They called me in 1.5 hours after the intake form online. Quick followup needs assessment, next day chiropractic assessment. Client service is the best medical care I have received. Veteran-centric, demonstrably better than anything I have received before during and after my service. They deal with VAC /Blue Cross. Zero bureaucracy. All employees are super courteous. Highly recommend to all vet buddies of mine.
Leland Keane
BEDFORD, NS

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