Veterans' Independence Programme
The Veterans' Independence Programme (VIP) aims to help you to remain independent and safe in your own home by providing home assistance services.
This is a non-urgent, needs-based programme for veterans with Qualifying Service who are having some difficulty managing in their own home.
It offers services like:
- gardening
- lawn mowing
- clearing gutters
- home cleaning.
Check to see if you have Qualifying Service
If you have Qualifying Service but not a service-related condition, you may still eligible for VIP services.
How to apply
If you have a health condition related to your service, make a claim with a different form.
Use the Disablement Pension form (VA01)
Use the Veteran Support form (VA56)
Before you apply for VIP, check your eligibility for support through the public health system, Work and Income, or ACC.
Work and Income NZ(external link)
If you need help working with ACC
The Navigation Service was set up to give the public free, independent advice or guidance if they find the ACC system difficult to navigate.
ACC navigation services(external link)
To apply for VIP services
Veterans' Independence Programme application form [PDF, 513 KB]
- Download and either print or digitally complete the form
- Save, scan, or take photos of the completed form and any supporting information
- Send us the form:
- Email to veterans@nzdf.mil.nz, or
- Post to Veterans’ Affairs, PO Box 5146, Wellington 6140.
If you have any questions, you can contact us.
Contact us
If you need help completing this application
You can ask someone you trust to help you complete this form. This might be whānau or family, or someone from your local RSA.
If you’re unable to complete and sign this form due to physical or mental incapacity, it must be signed by a person with authority to act on your behalf. Evidence of this authority must be provided with the application.
How long will it take for services to begin
It may take 3 to 5 months before the services begin.
This is because VIP services are not critical to the health of clients and don't include any treatment or medical services. These services are designed to support the day-to-day lives of clients in their own homes.
We work with third-party providers of these services to put them in place soon as they are able. However, some are having capacity problems, which may cause a delay.
VIP services are based on your needs
You will only meet the criteria for services from the VIP programme if no one else in your household can provide the support.
To understand more about the needs of a client, we undertake a needs assessment.
This will help us to understand:
- what is important to you
- your medical treatment and health care needs
- your rehabilitation needs, such as:
- medical management assistance to manage treatment and medical goals
- social assistance to overcome any barriers to rehabilitation, or to being part of your community
- vocational assistance to return to work
- your ability to safely manage daily independent living
- your situation and whether you have any support already in place
- the requirement for impairment and income compensation
- who is helping you at home, and whether we should assess their needs too.
Following this assessment, it may be 3 to 5 months before the services are put in place.
What a needs assessment involves
Your needs assessment will be done over the phone by your case manager or a Support Centre Officer. It will take around 15 to 30 minutes.
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Step 1 We'll prepare
A Veterans Support Centre Officer will prepare for the assessment by reviewing your files and medical reports.
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Step 2 We'll call you
A Veterans Support Centre Officer will contact you by phone. They'll:
- explain the needs assessment process
- explain your rights and responsibilities
- ask if you're free to do the needs assessment now
- ask if you have whānau members or another non-professional support person helping you — we'll talk to them to see if they have needs that relate to the support they give you.
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Step 3 We'll complete the assessment
A Veterans Support Centre Officer will leave the call and take some time to complete the assessment. They will call you back at an agreed time. In some cases, they may also need additional information from a health professional.
After the assessment, we'll work with you to figure out what will best meet your needs.
Spouse and partner
Your spouse or partner can keep getting Veterans' Independence Programme services even if you:
- are getting treatment in a hospital, but have not permanently moved into the hospital
- have entered long-term residential care for up to 12 months
- pass away — for up to 12 months after your death.
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