How to Use SkillBridge to Start a Home Care Agency or Group Home for Veterans in the U.S.

How to Use SkillBridge to Start a Home Care Agency or Group Home for Veterans in the U.S.

Anton Fonseka

Are you a transitioning service member or veteran looking to build a business with impact?

The U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program can be your bridge from military service to successful entrepreneurship — especially in the high-demand, high-impact fields of home care and group home services for veterans.

This guide offers a detailed roadmap on how veterans can use SkillBridge to launch a veteran-focused home care agency or group home, covering licensing, VA funding, startup costs, and real success stories.

Table of Contents

What Is the SkillBridge Program?

The DoD SkillBridge Program allows active-duty service members within their final 180 days of service to gain civilian work experience while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. Participants train with approved industry partners to prepare for life after the military. Many veterans are now leveraging SkillBridge to receive entrepreneurial training and launch home care agencies or veteran-focused group homes.

Why Start a Home Care Agency or Group Home?

Starting a care business for veterans allows you to continue serving your community while building a profitable and purpose-driven company.

Reasons to Enter the Home Care Industry:

  • Strong national demand for home-based care and residential options for veterans
  • Low-to-moderate startup costs compared to other industries
  • Access to funding and client referrals through VA and Medicaid
  • Flexibility to grow locally or expand statewide
  • Personally meaningful work helping fellow veterans

Business Models for Veterans

Here are the most common care-related business models veterans pursue through SkillBridge:

Non-Medical Home Care Agency

Provide personal care services like grooming, bathing, dressing, transportation, and companionship. Works well with VA programs such as Veteran-Directed Care and Aid & Attendance.

Skilled Home Health Agency

Offer clinical services through licensed nurses and therapists, such as medication management, wound care, and rehabilitation. Requires more licensing but qualifies for higher reimbursements.

Veteran Group Home or Residential Facility

Provide supervised living or transitional housing for veterans with physical disabilities, mental health needs, or substance use recovery. Often funded through VA programs and Medicaid waivers.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Through SkillBridge

1. Enroll in SkillBridge
Apply through your command and find a partner organization that supports veteran entrepreneurs.

2. Choose a Business Model
Decide between a home care agency or a residential group home. Consider your location, budget, and long-term goals.

3. Identify Licensing Requirements
Each state has different requirements for licensing home care and residential care businesses. Learn what paperwork, training, inspections, and documentation are needed.

4. Complete Training and Documentation
Work with a consulting firm like CarePolicy.US to build:

  • Business entity setup
  • Licensing application
  • Policy and procedure manuals
  • Staff job descriptions and handbooks
  • Admission agreements and client forms
  • VA program applications and contracting

5. Launch Your Business
Once your licensing is approved, begin hiring, marketing, and receiving referrals from private-pay clients, VA programs, or managed care organizations.

Understanding Licensing and Regulatory Requirements

Care services for veterans are regulated at both state and federal levels. To operate legally, you must:

  • File state applications with the Department of Health or Social Services
  • Pass facility inspections (for group homes)
  • Conduct background checks and staff training
  • Maintain health and safety standards
  • Operate within proper zoning laws

Licensing timelines and requirements vary by state. Some states also require certificate of need (CON) approval or additional city-level permits.

How to Get VA Referrals and Funding

Once licensed, you can apply to become a VA community provider. Common programs include:

Community Care Network (CCN)
Get referred by local VA medical centers for eligible care services.

Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)
Allows veterans to direct their own care using VA funds to pay your agency.

Aid and Attendance Benefit
Covers personal care for veterans with disabilities or those who are housebound.

Community Residential Care (CRC)
Provides residential options for veterans who don’t need skilled nursing but need ongoing assistance.

Costs, Timelines, and Profit Potential

Startup Item Estimated Cost
Legal Entity & EIN $100 – $500
Licensing Application & Fees $300 – $1,500
Business Insurance $1,000 – $3,000
Policies, Procedures, Training $2,000 – $6,000
Office Setup (optional) $500 – $2,000

Timeline to Launch

  • 1 to 3 months for setup and documentation
  • 3 to 6 months for full licensing and VA contracting

Profit Potential

  • Home care agencies can earn $25 to $40 per hour of service
  • Group homes may generate $4,000 to $6,000 per resident, per month

Real-Life Examples: Veterans Who Made the Transition

Marcus (Georgia): A Marine Corps veteran who used SkillBridge to launch a non-medical home care agency. Within one year, he served over 50 clients, many referred by the VA.

Angela (Texas): Former Army medic who opened a group home for women veterans in recovery. Her facility was approved under the CRC program and receives both VA and Medicaid funding.

How CarePolicy.US Supports Veteran Entrepreneurs

CarePolicy.US is a national consulting firm specializing in healthcare business development and regulatory compliance. We assist veterans by providing:

  • State-specific licensing support
  • Customized policies and procedures
  • Business formation and structure setup
  • VA billing and contracting preparation
  • Full startup packages for home care agencies and group homes

With experience across all 50 states, we are a trusted partner for veterans transitioning to business ownership.

Get Started Today

If you're ready to serve your community and create a meaningful, profitable business after your military service, we’re ready to help.

Book a Free Strategy Call

Explore Startup Kits for Veterans

Questions about SkillBridge eligibility or next steps? Reach out and our team at hello@carepolicy.us will walk you through the full process.

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