VAC Benefits and Programs

The Income Replacement Benefit provides a taxable monthly payment to ensure your income stays at least 90 percent of your pre-release military salary until age 65. This support applies during participation in the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program or if you have Diminished Earning Capacity (DEC). At 65 with DEC, your benefit drops to 70 percent of IRB minus offsets. If still in the program at 65, your monthly amount adjusts and then decreases further.

The Veterans Independence Program offers tax-free funding for services like housekeeping, personal care, and health support. It complements existing programs and aims to fulfill your needs. Apply alongside Pain and Suffering Compensation to access support sooner if approved.

APSC compensates Veterans with severe injuries from their military service. The compensation is based on how much the injuries affect their lives. The compensation is tax-free and paid every month for life. Veterans can apply for it, and the program has different levels based on the seriousness of the injuries. If a Veteran's situation changes, they can ask for a reassessment. The program also has rules for when payments can start and stop. If a Veteran passes away, their family might receive the payments. Veterans can also ask for a review if they're not happy with a decision.

The Education and Training Benefit program is designed to aid Canadian Armed Forces Veterans in transitioning successfully from military to civilian life. It helps them achieve educational and employment goals, enhancing their competitiveness in the civilian job market, and pursue fulfilling activities post-military service.

The benefit provides up to $80,000 (taxable) to cover essential educational costs and certain living expenses for eligible Veterans in approved educational programs. A portion of the funding can be used for self-improvement courses. Eligibility is based on an honorable release from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Regular or Reserve Force, with varying length of service requirements: at least 6 years for up to $40,000 or at least 12 years for up to $80,000.

There are limitations, such as ineligibility during participation in certain rehabilitation or income support programs. The benefit can't be received during periods of re-enrollment or transfer to CAF components. The benefit duration varies based on release dates and service components.

Application involves submitting an Education and Training Plan for approval by the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

Formal Program Education and Training Plans cater to post-secondary education and training, with specific requirements for institutions, program length, and content.

Short Course Programs offer up to $5,000 funding for certifications, professional development, and personal growth.

There's provision for exceptional circumstances like serious illness, which may extend the benefit period.

Payment amounts are determined based on the program, duration, and costs. Payments are made directly to the Veteran and are conditional on enrollment and academic performance.

Suspension or cancellation of benefits can occur due to unmet goals or unsatisfactory performance.

Overall, the program aims to facilitate the transition of Veterans into civilian life by providing financial support for education and training, contributing to their successful reintegration.

DEC stands for "Diminished Earnings Capacity." It refers to a situation where a veteran, due to health problems primarily resulting from their military service, experiences a reduced ability to earn income from suitable and gainful employment. The DEC determination takes into account factors such as vocational assessments, the permanence of the health problem, and its impact on the veteran's ability to work. This assessment is crucial in determining eligibility for benefits like the Income Replacement Benefit and the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program under the Veterans Well-being Act.

A Case Manager is a professional who collaborates with individuals facing complex challenges to identify their needs, set goals, and create a plan for achieving independence, health, and well-being. They work closely with individuals and a team to coordinate various services such as medical, psychological, vocational, and more.

To access case management, factors such as ongoing decline in physical/mental health, financial uncertainty, housing issues, family-related stress, social isolation, or substance abuse can indicate a need. You qualify for case management if you're a member nearing release from the Canadian Armed Forces, a former member of the Armed Forces or RCMP, or a survivor of these groups.

There's no specific application form. If the VAC transition interview identifies a need for case management, one will be assigned. If already released, you can contact them for assistance. You and your case manager will build a relationship, assess goals, and develop a plan involving relevant service providers.

Even if you released years ago, you could still qualify for case management if you struggle with transitioning into civilian life, require assistance accessing resources, have complex needs, or need help with problem-solving; regardless of your release item.

Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) is a collaboration between Lifemark Health Group and WCG International Consultants LTD.

They work in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Case Managers and health professionals to provide personalized rehabilitation services to veterans and their families. The updates were made to improve services by combining medical, psycho-social, and vocational rehabilitation services under a single national contract.

PCVRS brings international best practices and new techniques to enhance the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program, offering customized support, access to an online portal, and continuous feedback from veterans and family members to ensure the program's effectiveness.

The migration to PCVRS is carried out in phases, with support provided by Rehabilitation Service Specialists and Case Managers. Existing VAC benefits and services, as well as the option to retain current service providers, remain unaffected by these updates.

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit designed to help individuals with physical or mental impairments, as well as their supporting family members, reduce their income tax burden. The credit aims to offset some of the costs associated with these impairments. Veterans with impairments that directly affect their ability to work or return to school, whether temporarily or permanently, may wish to apply for the DTC.

To apply for the DTC, veterans need to complete two main steps. First, they need to apply for the disability tax credit by working with a medical practitioner who can certify the effects of their impairment. Once the application is approved, veterans can then claim the disability amount on their tax return. It's important to note that the DTC is not a refundable credit, and if the total DTC amount exceeds the individual's tax liability, the excess amount will not be refunded by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Eligibility for the DTC is determined by a medical practitioner's certification of a severe and prolonged impairment in at least one category or significant limitations in two or more categories. Veterans who receive therapy to support a vital function may also be eligible. The categories include walking, mental functions, dressing, feeding, eliminating (bowel or bladder functions), hearing, speaking, and vision. Additionally, there's a category for life-sustaining therapy.

Veterans with impairments that don't meet the criteria for a marked restriction in a single category can still qualify if the cumulative effects of two impairments cause significant limitations.

Our Veteran Medical Questionnaire can be found on our Forms page.

When completing this form with your claims in mind please remember:

Defining military-related injuries presents challenges, primarily stemming from underreporting due to potential career ramifications. Many injuries remain undocumented to mitigate adverse effects on career advancement, training opportunities, and task allocation. A substantial portion of injuries result from repetitive trauma, inadequate equipment (including footwear), prolonged bodily strain endured over years or decades, and multifaceted stressors. It is advisable to incorporate this information in the section pertaining to "injuries sustained during military service." This should encompass factors like the burden of equipment (rucksack, frag vest, TAC vest, weapons, ammunition, water, etc.), navigating uneven terrain, handling stretchers, performing mechanical tasks, refueling aircraft, transporting artillery rounds, etc.

This document is appended to the medical questionnaire, elevating it to the status of a medical record. It serves to delineate intricate particulars that can serve as substantiation should one decide to contest any claims. Notably, repetitive stress injuries may not necessitate a CF98, yet they significantly reflect the occupational toll incurred.