Family Support
Many CF members have told us they worry more about their families than they do about themselves.
We also know that when a CF member leaves the Forces, it can affect the whole family. The stress of starting a new life can be even greater if the member is leaving for health reasons - or if the member dies suddenly in service.
This is why the new Veterans Charter offers more support to families than ever before. For example...
Health Care: Under the new Charter, eligible CF families will qualify for certain kinds of health benefits that are not covered by their province or territory. Health benefits will be much the same as those offered to eligible retired members of the public service, the RCMP, and the Canadian Forces.
Case Management: Families care about, and for, each other. So when one person in a family needs help, it often touches the lives of others in the family. This is why we take the time to listen to the concerns of the family. Then we work with the family to find answers to their concerns and put them in touch with the people who can best help them.
Family Counselling: Families often find strength when they are able to share their concerns with each other. But sometimes they need help to do this. Under the new Charter, you and your family can get expert help to see you through difficult times.
Rehab Services: Disabled members can receive special kinds of counselling under the Rehab Program. The family is welcome to take part in these sessions, if they wish. As well, if you are the wife, husband or common-law partner of a member who dies, or is too disabled to take part in the Rehab Program, benefits may be available to you. For example, you might need to go back to school, get more job training, or get help to find a job. The Program will pay for many of the costs related to this training or schooling, including child care.
You said...
"You have got to take care of the families too. (...) Everything I've gone through, my wife has gone through the same, if not double." - CF Veteran, Review of Veterans' Care Needs (1999)
|
Help for Children Now
A program is now in place to help children carry on their education past high school if they have a CF parent who:
- dies as a result of military service; or
- was pensioned at a medium or high level at the time of death.
Under the program, full-time students can qualify for grants of about $6,700 a year
to help pay for their education costs and living expenses. This amount can change over time to allow for increases in the cost of living.
To qualify for the program, children must:
- be under the age of 30; and
- attend a post-secondary school in Canada.
Former students who went to school after 1995 can also apply to have some of their education costs reimbursed.
In the past fiscal year, more than 100 students and former students have been helped. To learn more, please call 1-866-522-2122.
If Tragedy Strikes
Just like his father and grandfather, Private Danny Jones* joined the Air Force young.
At age 23, he had a lot to look forward to - his career was full of promise and his wife and young child were doing well. All that changed when Danny died suddenly in a training accident.
The family received extensive support from DND. In addition, the Client Service Team jumped into action, putting in place a plan to give Danny's family the support they will need to move forward and heal from the tragedy.
His wife, Julie, learns she will receive a lump sum death benefit. She will also
get monthly payments to help replace her husband's lost earnings. These payments
will continue until her late husband's 65th birthday. She will then receive a one-time retirement benefit and qualify for monthly income support if she needs it. The family will qualify for health coverage and her daughter will get help if she wants to continue her education past high school.
This comforts Julie. But she would feel better if she could make her own way in
the world. She thinks about going back to school. But how will she pay for it? And who will look after her young daughter? Before the new Charter, these would have been great problems - but not now. The Client Service Team puts Julie in touch with
career experts. They tell her about a co-op program offered through a nearby college. When she goes back to school, her school fees will be paid. She will also qualify for child care support. When Julie finishes school, she will get help to find a job.
*The Jones family is not real - but if they were, this is the help they could expect.
|
|
 |
|
|
