VETERANS PRESS: Veterans’ Directed Care Program Fast Facts — Idaho

• The Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC) pays for qualified Veterans to receive services and support to help them maintain independence in their own homes.  

• In Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, Latah and Nez Perce counties, the VDC Program is administered by an Idaho Service Coordinator employed with Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging and 406 Financial Services, LLC, which serves as the Fiscal Agent. As the Fiscal Agent, 406 Financial Services assists with hiring, payroll and budget management tasks. 

• Eligibility is determined by the Geriatric Extended Care Assessment (GEC) which is administered by a nurse at the VA Clinic. Once eligible, participants are reassessed every 6 or 12 months to ensure they are receiving an appropriate amount of care related to their needs.  

• The GEC determines the amount of money available each month to pay for Personal Care Aide (PCA) hours or other authorized services and supports.  

• The Veteran becomes the Employer of Record and is responsible for hiring, training, scheduling and signing timesheets for their PCA(s). Additionally, they may need to complete Workers Compensation or Unemployment forms on behalf of their PCA(s). Western Montana Area VI Staff is available for support throughout these processes.  

• It may be determined that at Designated Representative  (DR) is necessary to help direct care and services. The DR cannot become a paid caregiver, but will be involved in the hiring and management of the PCA(s) as well as participating in budget decisions. 

• The Veteran (or DR) determines the hourly wage for their PCA(s). The wages for this program range from $12.00-$22.00 per hour.  

• A feature of the Veteran’s budget is a savings account where unused budget funds will be held. The Veteran may determine if he/she would like to designate a portion of their budget in order to save for an authorized purchase. There is a limit to the amount of money that can be held in the savings account ($100.00 less than the monthly budget). Any unused funds will be returned to the VA at the end of the 6 or 12 month Authorization Period.  

• The Authorization Period is determined by the VA and it is generally 6 to 12 months in length.  

• Veterans may hire family members or friends to be the PCA(s). If that is not a preferred option, they may also advertise in the community.  

• All PCA(s) must complete the application process (which includes a background check and possibly reference checks) before they can begin work.  

• This program is designed to provide support for the Veteran; not for the spouse, children or pets.  

• If a self-directed program is not desired or appropriate, the VA offers home care through contracted Home Care Agencies in North Idaho Counties. The VDC Team can assist with this process. 

For more information, go to the “Resource Directory” section in this edition or contact Kootenai County Veterans Service Benefits Office at 208-446-1092.