Peace of Mind: VAC Support for Survivors

No one likes to think of the day they will not be around to take care of the people they love. But none of us can live forever. That's why Veterans Affairs Canada has put in place a number of benefits and services to help clients' surviving spouses, common-law partners and dependent children who must learn how to live without their loved ones.

Counselling and Support.We understand that few people are ever fully prepared for the loss of a spouse or partner. Veterans Affairs Canada can help you through the initial grief and the recovery process. Please call the District Office nearest you as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. District Offices are located in the Government, or "blue", pages of your local telephone book. Our counsellors will explain the kinds of benefits and services that may be available to you through Veterans Affairs Canada or other government departments. They'll also be able to recommend resources within the community that you can contact for emotional or financial support.

Survivor Benefits. Generally, for one year following the death of a disability pensioner, the surviving spouse or common-law partner receives the monthly amount of benefits that was in place at the time of the pensioner's death. At the end of the one-year period, the pension is converted to a survivor's pension. The amount of this pension will depend on the deceased pensioner's level of assessment (see page 3 for more information about how assessments are determined). In some cases, surviving children also may be eligible for benefits.

Special Allowances. Based on eligibility and need, some disability pensioners qualify for other pension-related benefits, such as an Attendance Allowance or an Exceptional Incapacity Allowance. These special allowances may be extended to eligible survivors for one year following the death of the disability pensioner. Clothing Allowances provided to the veteran are not extended to survivors.

War Veterans Allowance. This Allowance provides a regular monthly income to low-income veterans who served in a theatre of war and who satisfy age and residence requirements. The survivors of such wartime veterans may qualify for this Allowance providing they, too, meet certain age, income and residence requirements.

Veterans Independence Program. This national program helps to support veterans who wish to remain independent in their own home or community. Survivors may continue to receive housekeeping and grounds maintenance services for one year if such services were in place at the time of the veteran's death.

Funerals and Burials. We work closely with a non-profit organization called the Last Post Fund Corporation to help finance the cost of providing a dignified funeral and burial or military-style gravemarker for eligible veterans and certain civilians. This assistance is available if the surviving spouse or common-law partner is unable to pay for these expenses and if they cannot be covered by the estate of the deceased. Applications for assistance must be made within a year of the death of the veteran. For more information, contact your nearest VAC District Office, call the Last Post Fund at 1-800-465-7113 or visit their Web site at: www.lastpostfund.ca.

Benevolent Funds. Sometimes survivors may be confronted with an emergency that threatens their health or safety. Financial assistance may be available if they have no way to pay for these unexpected expenses. If you, or someone you know, is faced with such a situation, please contact your nearest VAC District Office for more information.

Please Note

Survivors are not eligible to receive health care benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. However, our District Office counsellors often can recommend other agencies or community resources that may provide assistance. If you need more information, advice, or help, please call your nearest District or Regional Office.