Disability Pensions and Awards
Disability pensions and awards are available for conditions related to service in the Merchant Navy, Canadian Forces, RCMP, or those serving in support of the Canadian Forces in wartime or in Special Duty/Operations Areas.
War Veterans Allowance
This allowance provides a regular monthly payment to eligible low-income veterans of the Second World War or Korean War. Surviving spouses or common-law partners, as well as orphans, may qualify for the Allowance if the deceased veteran or civilian had the required war service. Clients who receive War Veterans Allowance may qualify for financial help through the Assistance Fund if they are faced with an emergency situation and they have no way to pay for these expenses.
Health Care Benefits
Veterans Affairs Canada offers 14 kinds of health benefits, including medical, surgical and dental care, prescription drugs, and hearing and vision aids. It also offers supplementary health benefits, treatment allowances and other miscellaneous benefits. For example, the cost of travel for medical services, including the cost of travel for an escort, where necessary, may also be covered.
The ability to access health benefits may depend on your eligibility, your health needs and whether these services are available through the province.
Veterans Independence Program
This national home care program helps qualified veterans, still-serving members of the Canadian Forces who receive a disability award or pension, and certain civilians, to remain healthy and independent in their own homes and communities. Surviving spouses may be eligible to receive housekeeping, home adaptations and/or grounds maintenance services from the Veterans Independence Program. The program does not replace other federal, provincial or municipal programs. Instead it complements these programs when necessary, to best meet the needs of clients.
Long-Term Care
Eligible Canadian and Allied war service veterans and certain civilians may qualify for intermediate or chronic care at Veterans Affairs facilities, or at more than 1,900 community facilities across the country. Canadian Forces pensioners may qualify to receive intermediate or chronic care in a community facility if the need for this care is related to a pensioned condition.
Support for Operational Stress Injury
Support is offered to those who are suffering from operational stress injuries as a result of their service. The program provides services to wartime veterans, still-serving or released members of the Canadian Forces, or RCMP and their families.
Bureau of Pensions Advocates
The Bureau of Pensions Advocates is a unique, nation-wide organization of lawyers within Veterans Affairs Canada. The Bureau provides free legal help for people who are not satisfied with decisions about their claims for disability benefits.
To locate the Bureau of Pension Advocates office in your area, consult the government listings of your telephone book under the keyword “Veterans”, or call
1-877-228-2250.
Funerals, Burials and Gravemarkers
Funeral and burial benefits, including a military-style gravemarker, are available for eligible veterans, certain civilians and peacetime disabled pensioners who qualify. These benefits are provided by the Last Post Fund on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada.
Last Post Fund - Ontario Branch
55 St Clair Ave. E., Ste. 905
Toronto ON M4T 1M2
1-800-563-2508
E-mail: ontario@lastpost.ca
www.lastpostfund.ca
