Setting the Record Straight

1. How are CF Veterans better off under the NVC?
• You can now take advantage of a comprehensive Rehabilitation Program plus other benefits, including financial benefits, health benefits, and job placement.
• The new Charter encourages personal ownership, independence, and wellness.
• If you are injured you can go into the rehabilitation program immediately upon release which means you get treatment earlier than before. You can also go into treatment at any time in the future should a service-related need emerge later in life.
• Financial help is available while you are undergoing rehab treatment – or longer if you are unable to work or have a permanent and severe impairment.
• The disability award compensates you for the non-economic loss resulting from a service-related disability.
• You and your family can now get group health insurance through the Public Service Health Care Plan.
• Job Placement services are offered to all who are releasing from the Forces.
• Survivors of CF members killed on duty or survivors of Veterans who are too disabled to work can access vocational help if needed.
• It provides a new set of tools (programs and benefits) to help you make the transition to civilian life. It also provides us with a new way to help meet your needs, to provide you with more personalized benefits, and to interact with you and your family.


2. Do you have to be working in order to receive NVC benefits?
• No. If you aren’t able to work because of a service-related disability you will still have access to all the other support programs offered by the NVC.
• No Veteran will be forced to look for work if he or she is not able. But those who are able to return to work will be given help with finding a job, working on their resume, career counselling, and more.
3. What other kind of support can I expect?
• Releasing CF members are encouraged to have a Transition Interview with VAC staff.
• A VAC Case Manager will coordinate all of the VAC benefits and services available to you and will also help you to set goals and objectives for your personalized case plan and rehab.
• The service continues for as long as you need it and can be re-instated at any time if you need it again in the future.
• Veterans’ organizations, the Bureau of Pensions Advocates, or the Veterans Review and Appeal Board offer services that are always available to you.
4. Will CF Veterans still get support after age 65 under the New Charter’s programs?
Yes, support will be available to those who need it. The Permanent Impairment Allowance and Health Benefits will continue throughout the CF Veteran’s life. The only benefit that would end at age 65 is the Earnings Loss Benefit. At that point CF Income Support would be provided if needed.
5. Is the New Veterans Charter a way for the government to cut costs?
• The objective of the NVC is to offer a comprehensive level of support. Therefore, the Government of Canada has allotted an extra $1 billion to help implement the NVC and get it running smoothly for the first five years.
• The benefits are protected by legislation so people who qualify for the programs and services will receive them regardless of what they cost.