For many veterans in North Carolina, home care is a necessity—but the cost seems overwhelming. It's a common and frustrating misconception that you must have a service-connected disability to receive assistance.
❌ Common Myth
"I don't have a service-connected disability, so I can't get VA home care."
This benefit, formally known as the Homemaker and Home Health Aide (H/HHA) program, ensures that veterans facing medical challenges—such as age-related frailty, chronic illness, or mobility issues—can receive crucial assistance at home. The VA pays approved providers directly, often covering 100% of the cost for eligible veterans.
Step 1: VA Healthcare Enrollment
Eligibility for VA-paid home care requires the veteran to be enrolled in the VA Health System. This is where your Priority Group comes into play.
| Priority Group | Description | H/HHA Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | Service-connected disabilities, low income, special circumstances | Easiest access, typically no copay |
| 7-8 | Non-service-connected, higher income | Often eligible with clinical need, may have small copay |
If you're unsure of your Priority Group, contact your local County Veterans Services Office. In the Charlotte area, visit the Mecklenburg County Veterans Services Office. In the Raleigh area, contact Wake County Veterans Services. They can verify your status and ensure you're correctly enrolled.
Step 2: Proving Clinical Need
Once enrolled, the VA looks for a clinical need—meaning your condition makes it unsafe or impossible for you to care for yourself. This is assessed by your VA Primary Care Provider (PCP) and a Social Worker.
The VA looks for need with:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring (getting out of bed/chair), and ambulation
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): Preparing meals, managing medications, and light housekeeping related to safety
Not Sure If You Qualify?
We help non-service-connected veterans navigate the referral process every day. Let us check your eligibility.
Charlotte: (704) 548-8949 Raleigh: (919) 751-4837Step 3: Understanding Copays
While the VA CCN program often covers 100% of costs, non-service-connected veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 may face a small copayment.
How Copays Work:
- Priority Groups 1-6: Typically pay $0 for all approved H/HHA services
- Priority Groups 7-8: May have a small copay based on financial disclosure, but this is usually minimal compared to private care costs ($25-$35/hour in NC)
The VA calculates your copay based on your ability to pay. Unlike Aid and Attendance (where you receive cash), the CCN covers costs directly—you're only billed for the copay portion, if any.
Step 4: Starting the Process
Your journey to securing VA-paid care starts by scheduling an appointment at your local VA facility. Don't wait for the VA to reach out to you.
What Happens After Referral?
Once your VA Social Worker approves the hours and issues an authorization, the referral comes directly to us as a VA-approved community provider.
We handle the final step—getting a caregiver scheduled and starting care—typically much faster than the VA can deliver care internally. We verify the authorization details and rapidly match a caregiver with expertise in your specific needs and locality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can veterans without service-connected disabilities get VA home care?
Yes. The H/HHA program provides in-home care based on clinical need, not just service-connected disabilities. If you're enrolled in VA healthcare and need help with daily activities, you may qualify.
What are VA Priority Groups?
Priority Groups (1-8) determine healthcare eligibility and copay levels. Groups 1-6 have easier access with no copays. Groups 7-8 may also qualify, often with minimal copays based on income.
How do I request VA home care services?
Schedule an appointment with your VA Primary Care Provider and say: "I need a Social Work Consult for the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program." Bring documentation showing your need for assistance.
Do non-service-connected veterans pay for VA home care?
Groups 1-6 typically pay nothing. Groups 7-8 may have small copays based on income, but these are minimal compared to private home care costs. The VA bills directly.
Can I choose my own home care agency?
Yes, if the agency is part of the VA Community Care Network (CCN). Carolina Home Health Care is a CCN provider serving the Charlotte region.
Carolina Home Health Care is an independent, VA-approved community provider contracted through the VA Community Care Network. We are not the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. We help veterans access the benefits they've earned.