Family Support

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Many CF members have told us they worry more about their families than they do about themselves.

We also know that when a CF member leaves the Forces, it can affect the whole family. The stress of starting a new life can be even greater if the member is leaving for health reasons - or if the member dies suddenly in service.

This is why the New Veterans Charter offers more support to families than ever before. For example...

Health Care: Under the new Charter, eligible CF families will qualify for certain kinds of health benefits that are not covered by their province or territory. Health benefits will be much the same as those offered to eligible retired members of the public service, the RCMP, and the Canadian Forces.

Case Management: Families care about, and for, each other. So when one person in a family needs help, it often touches the lives of others in the family. This is why we take the time to listen to the concerns of the family. Then we work with the family to find answers to their concerns and put them in touch with the people who can best help them.

Family Counselling: Families often find strength when they are able to share their concerns with each other. But sometimes they need help to do this. Under the new Charter, you and your family can get expert help to see you through difficult times.

Rehab Services: Disabled members can receive special kinds of counselling under the Rehab Program. The family is welcome to take part in these sessions, if they wish. As well, if you are the wife, husband or common-law partner of a member who dies, or is too disabled to take part in the Rehab Program, benefits may be available to you. For example, you might need to go back to school, get more job training, or get help to find a job. The Program will pay for many of the costs related to this training or schooling, including child care.

Death Benefit
The death benefit is a tax-free, lump sum payment of $250,000. It is paid to a spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, if a CF member is:

• killed while in service; or
• injured while in service and dies within 30 days of the injury.

Help for Children Now

A program is now in place to help children carry on their education past high school if they have a CF parent who:

• dies as a result of military service; or
• was pensioned at a medium or high level at the time of death.

Under the program, full-time students can qualify for grants of about $6,700 a year to help pay for their education costs and living expenses. This amount can change over time to allow for increases in the cost of living.

To qualify for the program, children must:

• be under the age of 30; and
• attend a post-secondary school in Canada.

Former students who went to school after 1995 can also apply to have some of their education costs reimbursed.

In the past fiscal year, more than 100 students and former students have been helped.