Disability Pension Program

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Question: I didn't have a disability when I joined, but I do now. Will I qualify for a disability pension?

Answer: Not necessarily. The disability must be related to your RCMP service. If you think your injury is related to your regular RCMP service, you must show that it arose out of, was directly connected with or aggravated by that service. In the case of a Special Duty Area (SDA) or Special Duty Operation (SDO)-related claim, the disability must be attributable to, incurred during or aggravated by your service in an SDA or SDO.

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Question: Is it true that serving members cannot receive more than 20 percent disability pension until after discharge?

Answer: No. Currently, there are about 1,300 RCMP serving clients receiving a disability pension which includes pensioners assessed within the range of 1% to 100%. Pensioned disabilities are assessed according to the extent of the disability. There is no distinction made between discharged and serving members.

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Question: Is it true that most applications for disability pension are initially declined by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the only way to get a fair shake is to appeal?

Answer: No. VAC has approved and currently provides more than 155,000 disability pensions to a diverse group of clients. Between one-half and two-thirds of RCMP disability pension claims are favourable at first application.

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Question: What medical documentation is needed to support a claim for a disability pension?

Answer: Information needed to adjudicate a claim includes:

• A current medical diagnosis of the condition(s) for which you are claiming a disability pension.
• Medical reports from your physician.
• A statement outlining what you perceive to be the cause of your disability and how you relate it to your service.

The decision rendered by VAC relies on the evidence you are able to provide including the content of your medical file as well as any statements from witnesses reflecting the connection between the permanent disability and your duties.

It is important to take the initiative to report illnesses and injuries, complete incident, injury and accident reports and ensure resultant medical reports are placed on their medical files. It is also a good idea to keep personal copies of your records.

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Question: If I get injured while playing sports in the RCMP, am I eligible for a disability pension?

Answer: If you suffer a disability as a result of an authorized or organized RCMP sports activity (e.g. as member of a "police team" for a local charity event), you could be eligible for a disability pension. If you are injured while playing sports with friends or neighbours, you probably would not be eligible for a pension through VAC.