Foreign Countries Operations

Foreign Countries Operations Unit is responsible for the provision of benefits available to eligible Canadian veterans and their dependants who reside or vacation outside of Canada.

The two main benefits available are: War Veterans Allowance (WVA) and a Service-Related Disability Pension.

WVA is a form of financial aid to ensure qualified veterans and their dependents receive a guaranteed monthly income. This allowance is payable subject to service eligibility, Canadian residence requirements, age, health and income. For more information on WVA eligibility, contact:

Veterans Services
Veterans Affairs Canada
Bag Service 4000
Kirkland Lake, Ontario,
Canada, P2N 3P4.

Under the authority of the Pension Act, disability pensions may be awarded for service-incurred disabilities/conditions, including aggravation of pre-enlistment conditions arising from or attributable to military service, either in peacetime or time of war.

Where it is ruled a disability/condition is service-related, the veteran is eligible to receive treatment for his/her service-related disability as a responsibility of Veterans Affairs Canada, regardless of where the veteran resides.

If a veteran believes he/she is suffering from an injury or condition which was caused or aggravated during military service, he/she can make an application for disability pension.

Requests for an application form can be addressed to:

Foreign Countries Operations
Veterans Affairs Canada
66 Slater Street, Suite 1405
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K1A 0P4

NOTE: A medical diagnosis indicating how the claimed condition relates back to the veteran's service is required in order to process a pension claim.

The completed form can be sent to the above mentioned address for processing action or the veteran can select a service organization of his/her choice to assist in completing.

For your information,

The Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command
359 Kent Street,
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K2P 0R7

is available to assist veterans with the preparation and presentation of disability pension claims.

Please state the veteran's full name, date of birth and service number in any communication with Veterans Affairs.