Getting Started with VA Health Care & Home Care Services
This step-by-step guide is designed to help veterans and their families understand and navigate the process of enrolling in VA Health Care and accessing in-home support services.
Please follow each step in order and refer to the links and contact information provided. If you have questions at any point or would like support preparing for your VA appointment, Whole Life Home Care is here to help.
For the Fastest Enrollment Process:
While our step-by-step guide is available to walk you through enrolling in VA benefits for home care on your own, the quickest and most efficient way to get started is by contacting your social worker or local Department of Veteran Affairs.
For Downriver Veterans, contact:
Lori Hamilton, LMSW
Clinical Social Worker, Patient Aligned Care Team
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center – Downriver Clinic
📍1640 Fort Street, Trenton, MI 48183
📞734-559-8112
Lorel.hamilton@va.gov
You can call or visit Lori in office for any help or questions related to enrollment. In-person enrollment support is available on Wednesdays, and the team is happy to assist you with the paperwork and make the process as smooth and seamless as possible.
Let the VA Department of Veterans Affairs know that Whole Life Home Care sent you!
Click through the step-by-step guide below to start enrolling in VA benefits on your own
- Step 1: Confirm Basic Eligibility
- Step 2: Determine Income-Based Eligibility (if needed)
- Step 3: Gather Required Information
- Step 4: Apply for VA Health Care
- Step 5: Wait for Enrollment Confirmation
- Step 6: Schedule a Primary Care Appointment with the VA
- Step 7: Discuss Needs at Your VA Appointment
- Important Note on Eligibility
Veterans may be eligible if they meet one or more of the following:
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Served in active-duty military, naval, or air service
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Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
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Have a service-connected disability
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Are a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient
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Are a former POW
Not service-connected? You may still qualify based on income and service dates.
If not service-connected, income must fall below the VA’s threshold:
Approximately $56,700/year, but it varies by ZIP code
To check, visit: va.gov/health-care/income-limits/zip
You’ll need:
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Social Security Number
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Military discharge papers (DD214)
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Health insurance info (if applicable)
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Income details from the previous year (for you and your spouse)
Choose one of the following ways to apply:
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Apply Online (Fastest)
Visit: www.va.gov/health-care/apply
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Apply by Phone
Call: 877-222-8387 (Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm ET)
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Apply In Person
Go to your nearest VA Medical Center or Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Find locations at: www.va.gov/find-locations
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Apply by Mail
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ
Download at: va.gov/vaforms
Mail to: Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329
After applying for VA Health Care, wait for an official confirmation from the VA. This typically arrives by mail or email.
Once confirmed, the veteran is officially enrolled in the VA Health Care system and can move forward with scheduling care.
A primary care appointment is required before accessing programs like Homemaker/Home Health Aide (HHA).
Veterans can schedule through the VA Medical Center or be transferred during their phone application.
Note: This appointment may come from a different department—be prepared for that extra step
Before your appointment, feel free to call Whole Life Home Care.
We can help you:
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Understand what support you may qualify for
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Prepare for your appointment using our VA assessment tool
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Advocate for yourself or your loved one with confidence
During your VA primary care visit:
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Clearly describe any daily challenges (bathing, dressing, cooking, safety at home, etc.)
The VA provider will determine clinical eligibility and may initiate a referral for services like HHA based on those needs.
There are two levels of eligibility to understand:
1. Eligibility for VA Health Care
Determined by service history and income.
2. Eligibility for Services Like HHA
Based on clinical need, determined during your appointment with a VA Primary Care Provider.
Knowing this distinction helps manage expectations and sets you up for success.
Interested in VA Aide & Attendance Benefits?
The VA Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit is available to eligible veterans and surviving spouses who require help with daily living activities. This benefit is not insurance – it is a monthly cash benefit you can receive through the VA. Aide and Attendance benefits can help cover the cost of in-home care services, allowing you or your loved one to remain safely and comfortably at home.
Who Qualifies?
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Age 65 or older
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Served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period
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Honorable discharge
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Requires assistance with daily activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, medication reminders)
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Assets and income within VA limits
The Aid & Attendance benefit can help pay for:
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Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
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Medication reminders
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Meal preparation
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Light housekeeping
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Transportation to medical appointments
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Companionship care
Ready to Apply for Benefits?
The VA only allows accredited representatives to assist with applications.
Whole Life Home Care partners with trusted, Veteran Service Advisors, who help families apply — at no charge.
A VSO will help you:
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Complete the right forms (including VA Form 21-2680)
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Submit everything to the correct VA office
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Track your application status