| Q1. |
What do I have to do to get paid/receive my pension? |
|
VAC has granted you a right to a pension (Pension Entitlement) based on the relationship of your disability to military service. This was determined from information you provided with your application for disability pension. We now need to obtain current medical information in order to determine the extent of your disability and determine the amount of your pension. You are required to have a medical examination which will be arranged by the Veterans Affairs Canada District Office nearest you. |
| Q2. |
When will I be examined? |
|
You will be contacted by your local District Office of Veterans Affairs to schedule an appointment. The time of your exam will depend on the workload and availability of appointments at your District Office as well as your own availability. |
| Q3. |
I am currently on deployment. What should I do about my medical exam? |
|
Contact your local District Office of Veterans Affairs as soon as you return to Canada and arrange for your examination.
NOTE: If you are presently in Canada and know that you are going to be deployed soon, please contact your local District Office to see if it is possible to be examined before you leave. |
| Q4. |
How much will I get paid? |
|
Your pension amount cannot be determined until you have been medically examined. The amount of your pension is dependent on the extent of your disability. For more information please see the VAC pamphlet "Veterans Affairs in Service to the Canadian Forces" or the "Canadian Forces Personnel Newsletter", issue 3/2000. |
| Q5. |
Approximately when will I start getting my pension? |
|
VAC received legislative authority to pay disability pensions to members with entitlement for Regular Force, non-SDA service when the changes to the Pension Act came into effect on October 27, 2000.
VAC has commenced processing pension payments now that the necessary legislative authority is in place. If you have already been examined and if your level of disability has been assessed at greater than nil, payment(s) will be made as soon as possible. |
| Q6. |
When will the amendments come into effect? |
|
The amendments to the Pension Act came into effect on October 27, 2000.
Status |
| Q7. |
I applied for a pension many months/years ago and received entitlement for Regular Force, non-SDA service. Will I receive back payments for my pension? |
|
Pension Payments for Canadian Forces members with pension entitlement for non-SDA, Regular Force service will be effective October 27, 2000 or the date of their application for disability pension, whichever is later.
Example 1: The coming into force date of the Bill is October 27, 2000 and the date of application is April 1, 2000, therefore, benefits would be payable effective October 27, 2000 Example 2: The coming into force date of the Bill is October 27, 2000 and the date of application is December 1, 2000, therefore, benefits would be payable effective December 1, 2000
|
| Q8. |
I have a spouse, common-law partner and/or children. Will I get additional pension money for them? What do I need to do? |
|
If you have dependants, you may be entitled to receive additional pension benefits.
Your local District Office will ask you to bring up-to-date information about your dependants to your Medical Exam. The information will be submitted and if you qualify, an amount for dependants will be added to your pension payment. |
| Q9. |
I (or someone I know) have (has) been granted pension entitlement for Regular Force, non-SDA service, but I (or he/she) have (has) not received a letter from Head Office. What should I (he/she) do? |
|
Any Still-serving member who has been granted pension entitlement for Regular Force, non-SDA service (prior to April 1, 2000), but has not yet received an information letter from VAC head office should call VAC at 1-800-228-7410 to provide their residential address. |
| Q10. |
Where do I get more information about the legislative changes and VAC benefits for Canadian Forces members? |
|
Information has been placed on this Website under VAC Canadian Forces Activities.
You may also wish to refer to VAC's new brochure: "Veterans Affairs in Service to the Canadian Forces" (extra copies are available at your local District Office and at your CF base) or the "Canadian Forces Personnel Newsletter", issue 3/2000. If you have further questions or concerns, you may contact your local District Office of Veterans Affairs Canada. |
