Veterans-Directed Care (VDC) Program

Joint ACL/VHA program providing veterans with a self-directed budget to purchase home and community-based services. Veterans manage their own flexible budgets and can hire family members, friends, or neighbors as paid caregivers. Administered through Aging and Disability Network Agencies in partnership with VA Medical Centers. Codified and expanded by the Dole Act (P.L. 118-210, signed January 2, 2025), which requires VDC to be administered through every VA medical center by January 2, 2027 (2-year mandate). The Dole Act also raised the HCBS spending cap from 65% to 100% of the geographically adjusted nursing-home cost equivalent (Section 120), enabling more home-based care hours.

Self-directed flexible budget for veterans to purchase HCBS including: personal care, homemaker services, adult day care, assistive technology, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, respite care, environmental modifications, and other goods and services. Veterans hire their own workers (including family) and manage a VA-approved spending plan. Options counselor provides ongoing support.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

• Care recipient must be a veteran

Services

Self-directed flexible budget for veterans to purchase HCBS including: personal care, homemaker services, adult day care, assistive technology, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, respite care, environmental modifications, and other goods and services. Veterans hire their own workers (including family) and manage a VA-approved spending plan. Options counselor provides ongoing support.