Straight Answers to Your Questions

For many weeks, we have been visiting CF bases and locations across the country so that we can talk face-to-face with members and their families about the new Veterans Charter. Here are some key points that have been raised.

Who Qualifies?/When to Apply?

Q. Who will benefit from programs and services under the new Charter?
A. The new Charter will be most relevant to CF Veterans who recently released from the Forces and to still-serving members who are about to release. This is because the key focus of the new Charter is to help releasing members of the Forces make the transition from the military to civilian life.

Q. When will the new programs and services be ready?
A. We expect to have the new programs and services in place as early as April 1, 2006.

Q. When can I apply for the new programs and services?
A. Once the programs and services are closer to being in place, we will be able to give you details on how to apply. We will have more news in the next edition of Salute! and we also urge you to keep an eye on our Web site for up-to-the-minute details.

Already Released?

Q. I left the Forces years ago but it was not a medical release. Can I get help under the new Charter?
A. You may qualify for programs and services if you have a service-related rehabilitation (rehab) need. This means you have a physical or mental health problem mainly related to your service that is making it hard for you to return to civilian life.

Q. If I get a monthly disability pension now am I losing out?
A. No. For example:

• If you now get a monthly disability pension, this will continue.
• The Rehab Program will be open to anyone with a service-related rehab need who needs help to return to civilian life.
• If you qualify for the Rehab Program, you also may get other benefits you need such as health benefits, payments to help 'top up' your monthly income, or help to find a new job.
• Under the new Charter, you can also apply for a lump sum award if you have, or later develop, a service-related disability for which you do not already receive a pension.

Q. I now get a monthly disability pension. Can I change it to a lump sum payment under the new Charter?
A. No. You will continue to get a monthly payment for that condition.

Releasing?

Q. When my career with the Forces ends, can I get help under the new Charter?
A. Yes. You may qualify for new programs if:

• you release for medical reasons; or
• you have, or later develop, a physical or mental health problem related to your service that is making it hard for you to return to civilian life.

Q. I have an illness that is not related to my service but it means I can no longer stay in the Forces. Can I get help under the new Charter? A. Yes. If you leave the Forces on a medical release, you may qualify for new programs and services even if your condition is not related to your service.

Q. Can I choose whether I want a monthly disability pension or a lump sum award?
A. If you apply now, your claim will be handled under the current system. This means you will be applying for a monthly pension.

If you wait and apply under the new Charter, you will be applying for a lump sum award.

Q. I have already applied for a pension from Veterans Affairs Canada. Can I cancel it and apply again when the new Charter comes into force?
A. Yes, as long as a decision has not already been made on your application. But before you do so, you should think about whether this is the best thing for you to do. You can call us at 1-866-522-2122 if you have questions.

Q. If I go ahead with my pension claim under the first Charter, can I still get other 'wellness' programs and services offered under the new Charter?
A. Yes. Under the new Charter, a pension is no longer the sole 'gateway' to other benefits. However, if you are awarded a monthly disability pension, this could impact the amount of Loss of Earning benefits you may be awarded.

Q. What about SISIP?
A. The new Charter will not replace SISIP. Instead, we are working with DND and SISIP to see how programs under the new Charter can be used to help CF Veterans:

• who may not qualify for SISIP benefits;
• whose SISIP benefits have run out; or
• who need help that is not available through SISIP.