Income-tested Benefits

War Veterans Allowance

The War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is a form of financial assistance available from Veterans Affairs Canada. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with a regular monthly income to meet basic needs.

WVA is based on income, family status and number of dependants. Recipients are paid at a single, couple or orphan's rate. Persons in common-law relationships also qualify for the same rate as married individuals.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by the wartime service of a veteran or qualified civilian, age or health, income, and residency.

Service Requirements

• Canadian Armed Forces veterans and Merchant Navy veterans who served in the First or Second World War or the Korean War; or

• Allied Forces veterans with wartime service in the First or Second World War who were domiciled in Canada at the time of enlistment; or

• Civilians who served in close support of the Canadian Armed Forces during wartime.

Survivors

Surviving spouses, surviving common-law partners or orphans may also qualify for WVA if the deceased veterans or civilian had the required war service.

Income Requirements

WVA is an income-tested benefit and most regular income must be considered to determine eligibility. Veterans Affairs Canada can supplement your income up to a maximum ceiling set by law. This income ceiling is adjusted quarterly in accordance with increases in the Consumer Price Index. Our method of assessing income is similar to that used by other federal income support programs, such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement. A similar definition of income is in place for both programs and is based on the Income Tax Act.

Annual income exemptions allow you to earn a certain amount of income without affecting your rate of WVA. They include the casual earnings exemption ($4,200 for married/common-law partners and $2,900 for a single person) and the interest exemption ($140 for a single person and married/common-law partners).

Residency Requirements

Applicants must reside in Canada at the time of application.

Legislation was amended in 1995 so that 10 years' residency in Canada is no longer a method of meeting the residency requirement for Allied veterans. However, those who were receiving benefits on or before February 27, 1995, may continue to apply for and receive benefits as long as they reside in Canada and meet the income requirement.

Other Benefits

The WVA Program is a "gateway" to other programs and benefits, such as:

• Health Care Benefits
• Funeral and Burial Assistance
• Veterans Independence Program
• Assistance Fund

Some veterans and eligible civilians may find that they do not qualify for WVA because their spouse's or common-law partner's Old Age Security income puts them over the maximum amount of allowable income. However, they may still be eligible for medical benefits. In such cases, an applications for WVA must be submitted to Veterans Affairs Canada.

Is WVA Payable Outside Canada?

Generally, to receive WVA outside Canada on an indefinite basis, you must have resided in Canada for 12 months before leaving, and have been receiving WVA on the day of departure. However, before making any plans to leave Canada, you should check with Veterans Affairs Canada to determine whether you are eligible to receive WVA outside Canada.

Allied veterans (and their survivors) who were not domiciled in Canada at the time of enlistment are not eligible to receive WVA outside Canada.

If your WVA was cancelled because you receive income under the Old Age Security Act, you should write to us at least three months before leaving Canada to see if WVA can be resumed. Some Old Age Security Incomes are payable outside Canada only for short periods of time.

Temporary Absences

Absences of temporary nature will usually not affect your WVA. However, if you are planning to leave Canada for an extended period of time (six months or longer), please check with Veterans Affairs Canada to ensure that you are aware of all your rights and responsibilities.

How do I Apply?

To receive an application kit, contact your Veterans Affairs Canada District Office. Addresses and telephone numbers are listed in the blue pages of your telephone book under the federal government listings.

What if I am not satisfied with a decision?

You may ask to have your case reviewed by the Regional Office Review Committee.

Clients not satisfied with Regional Office Review Committee decisions may appeal to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

Legal assistance is available from the Bureau of Pensions Advocates to help applicants and recipients prepare appeals or represent them at appeals before the Veterans' Review and Appeal Board. Service officers of veterans' organizations also provide help free of charge.

Related Articles:

• Services and Benefits
• Disability Pensions
• Veterans Independence Program