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VAC Disability Pension Benefits for Canadian Forces Clients
Could YOU be eligible for disability benefits and health care services from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)? To be eligible for health care services, you must first be in receipt of a disability pension from VAC. Disability PensionsYou may be eligible for disability pension benefits if you now have, or later develop, a permanent disability resulting from an injury or disease that:
If you experience, or have experienced, an injury or illness during your military service, be sure to have it documented by medical personnel, and request a copy for your own files. That record could be very important if the result of your injury or illness is a permanent disability. The Pension Act, administered by VAC, could be compared to an insurance or compensation plan that provides coverage for military personnel who suffer a permanent disability in the circumstances referred to above. The Act provides coverage under the following two principles: Insurance Principle
Compensation Principle
Determining Eligibility - The ProcessIf you believe you have a service-related disability, you should inquire about eligibility for a disability pension. How to apply Obtain and complete a VAC disability pension application. Where to apply
When to apply
What information you supply
Who will help you
How they assist
Once your application is submitted, a VAC pension adjudicator will:
Pension DecisionPension Entitlement
Assessment of Disability
Pension Payable The pensionable assessment, which is determined by multiplying the entitlement (1/5 to 5/5) by the assessment (1% to 100%), determines the rate of pension payable, e.g. 3/5 x 25% = 15% pension. When there is more than one pensioned disability, the assessments are combined for a total pensionable assessment. A total pensionable assessment:
How much can you expect to receive? Monthly payments at 2006 rates - at either end of the payment scale.
Pension payments awarded under the Pension Act are tax-free. Other Pension-related Services and BenefitsEligible applicants may also receive:
Review and AppealIf you are not satisfied with the pension decision received, you may request a departmental review provided that you have new evidence to support your application. You also have the right to request a review hearing before the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) based on the evidence supplied with your first application, i.e. without new evidence. VRAB is an independent body that hears appeals when pension claimants are not satisfied with decisions made by the Department. The Bureau of Pensions Advocates provides free legal assistance to any person who wants to appeal a decision before a review or appeal panel. The Bureau has offices across Canada staffed by experienced lawyers who have the responsibility to represent applicants before VRAB panels. Veterans' organizations, such as the Royal Canadian Legion, also provide assistance, free of charge, in preparing appeals. Hearings are held across the country, and applicants are given the right to appear before the Board and provide evidence in person or via video-conferencing. VAC Client ServicesVAC's philosophy of Client Services is based on a client-centred approach where our staff identify and respond appropriately to the needs of the individual client. Our services include screening, referral, information, assessment, and monitoring. You are eligible for some of these services both while you are awaiting a decision on your disability pension claim and after you are in receipt of a disability pension. Health Care BenefitsTo be eligible for health care services, you must first be in receipt of a disability pension from VAC. Following your release from the service, you become eligible for VAC health care services and benefits that may be required due to your pensioned condition(s). Treatment Benefits Treatment is provided within fourteen programs of choice:
Veterans Independence Program (VIP)The goal of this program is to assist clients in maintaining their independence through the provision of home and community care. If you are pensioned for an SDA-related disability, you could be eligible to receive VIP services for needs related to that disability, including:
Still serving CF members and former CF members with non-SDA related disabilities will become eligible to apply for VIP services that are required as a result of their pensioned condition(s). Still-serving CF members are eligible to apply for VIP homecare services tot he extent that these services are not available to them through the Spectrum of Care. For More InformationContact the nearest VAC District Office for additional information on available services and benefits. The CentreYou may also choose to visit or contact the DND/VAC Centre for the Support of Injured and Retired Members and Their Families (The Centre). The Centre offers you an information and referral service provided by staff with expertise in VAC's programs and services. The Centre is located on the 10th floor of the Trebla Building at 473 Albert Street, Ottawa. The toll-free telephone number is 1-800-883-6094. |
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