CF Veterans who become disabled often worry about how they are going to pay their bills and support their families. The New Veterans Charter means that CF Veterans who have a service-related, or career-ending, condition may qualify for:
Earnings Loss Benefits. This will ensure that your income does not fall below 75% of your gross pre-release military salary while taking part in the rehab or vocational assistance program.
Permanent Impairment Allowance. This helps CF Veterans who suffer from lost job opportunities because they are permanently and severely impaired.
Supplementary Retirement Benefit. This makes up for the lost opportunity to contribute to a retirement fund after releasing from the Forces. It is a lump-sum payment that is taxable.
Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS). This tax-free benefit helps CF Veterans who are able to work but have not been able to find a job or have a low-paying job after completing the Rehab Program.
Who can benefit from the financial benefits program?
You may qualify for Earnings Loss Benefits if you are:
a CF Veteran who has a rehab or vocational assistance plan developed; or
the survivor of a CF member or Veteran who dies due to:
a service-related injury or disease; or
a non-service-related injury or disease aggravated by service.
You may qualify for a Permanent Impairment Allowance if you are a CF Veteran who has:
a physical and/or mental impairment that is severe and permanent;
a rehab plan that is approved by VAC; and
received a disability award related to this impairment.
You may qualify for a Supplementary Retirement Benefit if you are:
a CF Veteran who is totally and permanently incapacitated and you no longer qualify for Earnings Loss Benefits because you:
have reached the age of 65; or
are now able to hold down a suitable job.
a survivor of a CF member or Veteran (some conditions apply, please contact VAC for more information).
You may qualify for Canadian Forces Income Support if you:
are a CF Veteran who no longer qualifies for Earnings Loss Benefits and you:
successfully completed the Rehab Program;
need financial help because your household income is not enough to meet your basic needs;
are looking for a suitable job but have not been able to find one; and
live in Canada
no longer qualify for Earnings Loss Benefits, because you:
have reached the age of 65; or
are able to return to work.
a survivor of a CF member or Veteran who lives in Canada and meets income, and other, conditions.
