You Asked?

Q. Who can apply for a disability pension?

A. All discharged and active RCMP members who now have, or later develop, a disability that is related to their service in Canada or abroad can apply for a disability pension. In addition, RCMP members who serve in a Special Duty Area (SDA) receive 24/7 coverage. All disabilities related to SDA service are pensionable, regardless of whether or not they are service-related. Please note: The Government of Canada has recently tabled proposed legislation that would broaden disability and health coverage that is available to RCMP and Canadian Forces members who serve in a SDA or a new type of service called Special Duty Operations (SDOs). For more information on these important changes, please see page 4 of this issue of Salute!

Q. How do I prove I have a disability?

A. When you fill out your disability pension application, you will be asked to include various types of information to support your claim, including:

• medical documents relating to your claim (e.g., audiograms, diagnostic reports, medical attendance records, hospital or outpatient records);
• your RCMP service history (e.g., types of service, enrolment/release dates, temporary postings, SDA deployments);
• your occupational information (e.g., service occupations and duties, confirmation of authorized activities related to your claim);
• administrative documents relevant to your claim (e.g., motor vehicle accident reports); and
• witness statements.

Document It!

Many people feel uncomfortable talking about their aches and pains. But if you experience an injury or illness while on duty, be sure to have it documented by medical personnel as soon as possible. This could be very important if your injury or illness results in a disability.

Q. Can I be pensioned for more than one disability?

A. Yes. You can list all your service-related disabilities on one application form. Make sure you include supporting documentation for each disability (our Pension Officers can help you with this task). We'll review each disability separately based on the information you provide. If you already receive a disability pension (say for a hearing impairment) and later suffer a back injury, you can apply for a pension for that injury.

Q. What if my pensioned condition gets worse?

A. If you have medical evidence that confirms your condition has deteriorated, you can apply to have your pension reassessed. For more information, contact your nearest VAC District Office.

Q. Are there health care benefits that RCMP retired regular and serving civilian members are not eligible to receive?

A. All RCMP pensioners are eligible to receive health care benefits required for their pensioned condition. However, RCMP pensioners are not eligible for benefits offered under our long-term care program or our home and community care program called the Veterans Independence Program.

Q. Is the VAC Health Identification Card for serving RCMP members the same as the one for retired regular and civilian members?

A. No. Serving RCMP members have the letter "R" included in the health identification number found on their card. RCMP retired regular and civilian pensioners have a VAC health identification number that includes the letter "K".

Q. Can I collect a disability pension if I'm still serving?

A. Yes.

Need More Info or Help?

We understand how difficult it can be to seek help. However, if you:

• need more information about benefits and services you may qualify for, we invite you to contact the VAC District Office nearest you;
• want to learn the status of a disability pension claim that you've already submitted, or you have a question about your disability pension cheque, please call our toll-free pension inquiry line at 1-800-774-7476;
• want to learn more about our 14 health programs, visit our Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca. Click on Clients, Veterans Services, Health Care Program, Treatment Benefits, Programs of Choice;
• need information about your pharmacy claim, please call 1-888-323-7847; or
• wish to learn more about VAC's Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines and the Table of Disabilities, go to the front page of our Web site and click on the Entitlement Guidelines icon.