VAC Benefits and Programs
Navigating VAC can be hard, here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you on your path
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A MyVAC account is a simple and secure way to communicate with Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC). Through this portal you are able to request and submit claims, look up decisions and entitlements and so much more.
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If you have served in the CAF or RCMP, you may qualify for services to support your finances, education, mental health and more.
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When preparing to leave service, the VAC transition interview may identify that you and your family need case management services. They will then assign you a case manager.
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If you have already been released and think you and your family could benefit from Case Management Services, please click the link.
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1: VAC claim applications can be completed and submitted electronically directly on the MY VAC Canada Account or on paper applications requested from VAC or downloaded from the internet. Paper applications can be uploaded to the My VAC Canada Account, faxed, mailed or hand carried to your nearest VAC office
2: VAC will send a claim application. This will need to be completed by Dr/Nurse Practitioner.
3: 8-10 business days after submitting a claim to VAC, you will receive a medical questionnaire for your healthcare team to complete. This paperwork will be provided to you via the My VAC Canada Account or via Canada Post. Once this is completed, it can be submitted to VAC by your DR, or you can submit it to VAC via My VAC Canada Account, fax, mail or in person at your closest VAC office.
4: VAC will approve or deny your request for benefits. The approval/denial of benefits and the percentage you will receive if approved is based on the level of your impairment from your claimed condition (s) and how your injury/impairment affects your daily quality of life. There is a criterion that Veteran Affairs Canada follows to determine the percentage of disability. You will receive a decision letter in your My VAC Canada Account inbox or via Canada Post, once the decision has been rendered. If you receive a denial or are unhappy with the % offered, you will have an opportunity to appeal this decision. The information on how to appeal will be in your decision letter.
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A-Coverage
Treatment and benefits are only approved and can relate directly to your awarded condition
B-Coverage
Awarded condition for Special Duty Area (SDA) area that requires VIP services. Can be approved for frail criteria + injury from a Special Duty Area. Special Duty Areas are specific geographic areas outside Canada where members are exposed to conditions of elevated risk (Afghanistan, Iraq etc.). You can determine if your injury was awarded from a Special Duty Area by looking at your Decision or Summary of Assessment.
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Are you getting everything you are entitled to? You can search here to see if your VAC coverage covers a service or medical product that you are looking for.
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You can find out what you may be entitled to following approval of an awarded condition.
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You may submit an additional Pain and Suffering application through your MyVAC account. It is a financial benefit to recognize and acknowledge the Member’s barriers to re-establishing life after service. A non-taxable monthly benefit, payable for life to any Veteran who suffers from any disabilities that create a permanent and severe impairment and create a barrier to re-establishment in civilian life, has been granted an awarded condition.
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You can ask for a reassessment at any point where the impairment has increased. No reassessments are required if you are already maxed out at 100% with your awarded conditions or your status is Diminished Earnings Capacity (DEC). DEC is a status determined by Veteran Affairs Canada if your medical conditions make you unable to earn 60% + 2/3 of your pre-release salary. Your healthcare practitioner can send progress notes for your current conditions for this status.
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Consequential conditions such as physical/mental health conditions that are a result of an existing injury or side effect from prescriptions or injury/impairment. Ex: PTSD (original condition) = Bruxism, GERD, dental damage, sexual function.
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Withdrawn
Contact VAC, they need more info
Suspended
Contact VAC within 8-10 days. Why 8-10 days? They need more information. VAC should contact you regarding this status, if you do not hear from them in 8-10 days, call or send a secure message through your MyVAC.
Complete
A decision on your claim has been made and your benefits are being processed.
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The VIP program give you a monthly financial payment to hire services that help you with home care, such as:
-Grass Cutting
-Snow Plowing
-Laundry and Cleaning Services
You may submit an application through your MyVAC account
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The VAC Assistance Service provides free, short-term psychological support with a mental health professional.
When you contact the VAC Assistance Service, you will speak to a mental health professional. They will help identify your needs and make an appropriate referral to a local mental health professional. You can usually receive an appointment within five working days.
You can receive between one and up to 20 hours of confidential support through this service. The number of hours will depend on the nature, severity and urgency of the issue.
For immediate support, call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional right now.
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This network provides seminars on a broad range of information on major transition topics including, but not limited to, topics such as:
-Pension benefits
-VAC benefits, services, and entitlements
-Administration procedures on release
-SISIP coverage after release
-Family services
-Education benefits
-Career interest inventories
-Job search tools
-Networking opportunities
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This program provides quick access to funds for eligible Veterans and their families who are facing an unexpected financial emergency.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.