Resources & References

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)

For information about the programs and services available through VAC, visit their Web site at: www.vac-acc.gc.ca. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada toll-free at 1-866-522-2122.

Veterans Affairs Canada on-site at Canadian Forces (CF) locations

Client Services Teams (CSTs) are currently available at selected CF locations to assist releasing CF members and their families. Through our Transition Services on-site, VAC CSTs provide information on services and benefits, assistance with the VAC disability pension application process, access to a VAC Area Counsellor, referral to service providers as appropriate, as well as access to a VAC Transition Interview (VAC-TI) for releasing CF members and their families.

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

The VAC Assistance Service provides former CF members, former Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members, War Veterans and their families access to short-term professional counselling services. The VAC Assistance Service can be accessed by veterans and their families 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-268-7708 or TDD 1-800-567-5803.

Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program (OSISS)

OSISS is a national peer support network to support those suffering from operational stress injuries as a direct result of military service. This program is available to CF members, Veterans, and their family members. For further information, please see the OSISS website at: www.osiss.ca (external link)

Network of Excellence

Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence (DND) are establishing a network comprised of health care professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of CF members and Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other operational stress injuries (OSI). This network includes the Ste. Anne's National Operational Stress Injuries Centre. The network of treatment clinics can be accessed through a referral from either a DND or VAC medical officer.

Department of National Defence/Veterans Affairs Canada (DND/VAC) Centre for the Support of Injured and Retired Members and Their Families ('The Centre')

Staff can provide information and referrals to CF and VAC services including applications for disability benefits. 'The Centre' manages the Transition Assistance Program, the Centre Contingency fund, applications to the National Military Cemetery, Reserve compensation and various other programs for injured and retired members, Veterans and their families. 'The Centre' is located at 285 Coventry Road, 2nd Floor, Ottawa. For more information, call the toll free number at: 1-800-883-6094 or visit their Web site at: www.forces.gc.ca/hr/thecentre (external link)

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

Transition Assistance Program assists CF members who have been medically released to gain civilian employment. This program is administered by the Department of National Defence DND and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) through 'The Centre'. The toll-free number is 1-800-883-6094. Visit the TAP Web site at: www.dnd.ca/hr/thecentre/tap (external link)

Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB)

The Veterans Review and Appeal Board offers two levels of appeal on Veterans Affairs Canada disability pension applications. For inquiries or information, call the toll-free line at 1-800-450-8006 or check the VRAB Web site at: www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca (external link)

Royal Canadian Legion

The Legion is the largest Veterans' organization in Canada. It assists members in many ways including pension applications. Check the local telephone directory for the Legion nearest you or visit their Web site address at: www.legion.ca (external link)

Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP)

The Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Financial Services provides confidential financial guidance and advice to CF members, veterans and their spouses. For further information, contact SISIP in Ottawa at
613-760-3405, or in Montreal at 450-357-9595 (Please note that these numbers are not toll free so a long distance charge could apply). Visit SISIP's Web site at: www.sisip.ca (external link)

The Member Assistance Program

It is a voluntary and confidential service, initiated by the Canadian Forces to help members and family members who have personal concerns that affect their personal well-being and/or work performance. The Employee Assistance Service (EAS) of Health Canada provides these services. Any individual wishing to talk to a professional counsellor or to make an appointment can simply call the Member Assistance Program (external link), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-268-7708.

The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)

The MFRC is a community based non-profit charitable organization established to provide information, support, and programs. Each base has a MFRC with programs designed to meet the needs of military families and to give them opportunities to enhance their quality of life. Families can access services as a family unit, individually, or in groups. Some sites have services in French. Search the nearest MFRC with an internet search request; e.g. "Military Family Resource Centre Petawawa".

United States National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD)

The US National Center for PTSD (external link) was developed to advance the clinical case and social welfare of America's veterans. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.

Disclaimer*

The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for informed medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a mental health problem without consulting a qualified health or mental health care provider.

This site also contains links to third party sites which are not subject to federal government policies and guidelines, such as Official Languages. Veterans Affairs Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or the reliability of the content nor does it endorse the sites and their content.