Veterans Emergency Fund - FAQs

Background

The Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides quick financial help to Veterans and their families who are facing an emergency that is threatening their health and well-being. Funding is available to help cover the costs of essential needs like food, clothing, and housing. All VEF applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. VEF applicants will also be referred to other internal and external resources for longer-term support.

Q&As

Qualifications

1. Who qualifies for the Veterans Emergency Fund?

To qualify for the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF), you must be a Canadian resident* and one of the following:

  • A Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
  • A current spouse or common-law partner of a Veteran
  • A surviving spouse or partner** of a deceased Veteran or CAF member who lived with them at the time of death
  • An orphan of a deceased Veteran or CAF member (or the legal guardian if the orphan is under 18)

*Someone who lived in Canada for at least 183 days (6 months) in the previous fiscal year (April 1 - March 31).
**A survivor is the spouse or common-law partner who was living with the Veteran or CAF member when they died. If they were apart at that time for reasons beyond their control (for example, in a hospital or deployed), they still count as living together for the purpose of the VEF.

2. Do I need to be receiving benefits and services from Veterans Affairs Canada to qualify for the Veterans Emergency Fund?

No. You do not need to have received or be receiving benefits or services from Veterans Affairs Canada to qualify for the Veterans Emergency Fund.

3. I am currently living outside of Canada. Can I qualify for the Veterans Emergency Fund?

You may still qualify for funding if you lived in Canada for at least 183 days during the previous fiscal year (April 1 – March 31).

Example (hypothetical): A Veteran who travels to Florida in the winter, but lives in Canada from April to December would still qualify for the Veterans Emergency Fund because they were in the country more than 183 days in the previous fiscal year.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-866-522-2122 or send a My VAC Account secure message. 

4. Why do current and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police not qualify for the Veterans Emergency Fund?

Veterans Affairs Canada does not have an agreement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to provide the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) to current or former RCMP members. RCMP members can apply for emergency funding through the Legion.

Please note: You can qualify for VEF if you are a current or former RCMP member and a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Application Process

1. How do I apply?

You can apply by submitting an Application for Veterans Emergency Fund (VAC1571) in one of the following ways:

  • Online through My VAC Account (this is the fastest and easiest way); or
  • Mail to:
    Veterans Affairs Canada
    PO Box 6000
    Matane, QC G4W 0E4

If you need help completing the application, our staff can assist you.

Please note: Our service locations offer in-person services by appointment only.

2. What information do I need to apply?

You will need to provide the following information with your Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) application:

Proof of Identity
If this is your first time applying to a Veterans Affairs Canada program or service, we will need identification (e.g., driver’s license). You may also be asked for your:

  • provincial healthcare card (excluding Alberta and Manitoba)
  • other provincial identification cards
  • certificate of Indian status
  • vital statistics documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
  • employee identification card (federal, provincial, or municipal)
  • Canadian passport
  • other federal identification cards

Veteran’s Service Information
If we have not verified your (or the related Veteran’s) service, you will need to provide all the following information:

  • full name
  • service number
  • date of birth
  • date of Veteran's death (if the applicant is a survivor or orphan)

Financial Emergency Details
You may need to provide information about the financial emergency, such as a:

  • quote
  • bill
  • current bank statement
  • eviction or utility disconnection notice

We may contact you for more information before making a decision.

3. I am a Veteran’s spouse, common-law partner, survivor, or orphan. Do I still need to submit the Veteran's service information?

Yes. We must confirm the Veteran’s service before we can process the application.

4. Can I apply without proof of identity?

We need to verify your identity. Our priority is to ensure that you receive financial help when you need it. We will work with you to find a way to prove your identity by working with the Department of National Defence and the local Transition Centre.

5. Will my financial situation be evaluated during the application process?

Yes. You may be asked to provide a bank statement to confirm you do not have money available to cover the emergency.

Funding

1. What is an essential need for the purposes of Veterans Emergency Fund?

An essential need for the purposes of the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) is a service or item that, if removed or unavailable, would have an immediate and negative impact on your health and well-being. Your VEF application will be reviewed based on your unique circumstances. 

2. What essential needs can be funded under the Veterans Emergency Fund?

The Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) is intended to help cover the cost of essential needs and this could include:

  • food
  • clothing
  • shelter
  • uninsured medical or dental expenses
  • personal care items

The following are not considered essential needs:

  • expenses of an ongoing nature (unless there is a risk of homelessness)
  • business related activities to make a profit
  • vacation
  • funds for entertainment
  • gifts
  • credit card bills
  • banking fees
  • legal fees
  • taxes and fines
  • elective surgery
  • veterinarian bills
  • reimbursement for expenses or goods

Please note: Your personal circumstances and demonstrated need will be considered when evaluating your VEF application.

3. Can I apply for urgent costs related to my children?

Yes, if they are essential and not covered by other benefits or plans (i.e., one-time payment of a medication for an ill child).

4. Can it cover recurring payments?

No. The Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) is intended to help Veterans and their families with current essential needs. If you need financial help again in the future, you can reapply at that time.

If you are at risk of homelessness or having an essential utility disconnected, support may be available to help cover your current needs. Veterans Affairs Canada offers a range of services for Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including case management, health services, and emergency financial assistance through VEF. If you are a Veteran at risk of homelessness or know a Veteran in this situation, you can find information and financial resources online through Veteran homelessness in Canada or by contacting us at 1-866-522-2122. Help is available.

5. Can it help me to pay back borrowed funds?

No. The intent of the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) is to provide a one-time payment to financially assist in an emergency. The fund cannot be used to re-pay borrowed funds. If you are struggling financially because you paid back borrowed money, funds to cover your current essential needs may be covered.

Example (hypothetical): You borrowed money to repair your home’s furnace and no longer have funds to feed your family. VEF can be approved for food, but not to reimburse the cost of the new furnace.

6. How much can I receive?

Up to a maximum of $2,500 can be provided per Veteran’s household per fiscal year (April 1-March 31). This amount may be exceeded if you find yourself in an exceptional circumstance.

7. What is an exceptional circumstance for the purposes of the Veterans Emergency Fund?

An exceptional circumstance for the purposes of the Veterans Emergency Fund is something that was unavoidable or unexpected, and there was insufficient time to take the necessary action to resolve it.

8. How long will it take to receive a decision and payment?

Once we have received your complete Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) application, a decision will be made within 2 business days.

A complete VEF application means all the following have occurred:

  • all required information has been provided
  • your identity has been validated
  • the applicable Veteran or member’s service has been verified
  • all the requested supporting documentation has been received
  • any necessary consultations have occurred

If your VEF application is approved, the resulting payment will be processed within 2 business days from the decision date. 

9. How will a payment be made?

If your Veterans Emergency Fund application is approved, one of the following payment methods will be selected, depending on your situation:

  • a credit card payment to a third-party
  • a cheque or direct deposit to a third-party
  • a direct deposit to you
  • a cheque to you

10. Will I have to pay back the funds I received?

No. A Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) payment is a grant and not a loan. VEF funds are non-taxable, and you do not need to report them on your income tax.

Resources/Referrals

1. Are there other financial options?

Yes. Trust Funds Administered by VAC exist to financially help Veterans and their families when required. Each Trust Fund has specific eligibility criteria.

For more information, please contact us at 1-866-522-2122 or send us a My VAC Account secure message.

2. How will VAC assist me over the long-term?

Everyone’s situation is different. After you submit a Veterans Emergency Fund application, we will connect you with other internal and external programs and services that can help you in the longer term. The Benefits Navigator is an online tool that can help you find other VAC programs and services that match your needs.

3. Where can I get help with money management and planning?

Veteran Affairs Canada’s Financial Management webpage provides links to:

  • Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
  • Credit Counselling Canada

These organizations provide free bilingual resources such as budgeting tools, financial management videos, and one-on-one financial and credit counselling.

4. Can I get help outside of VAC’s working hours?

Our working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm (your local time), minus statutory holidays.

If you are experiencing a crisis that is threatening your health and well-being, please call the VAC Assistance Line at 1-800-268-7708 to speak with a mental health professional. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for Veterans and their families. The provider will assess your needs during your call and redirect you to the proper emergency service to help you. The service is free and confidential.

Reconsideration Process

1. What if I am unhappy with the decision?

If you are unhappy with your Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) application decision, you can request a Reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the decision letter by:

  • Sending us a My VAC Account secure message
  • Calling us toll-free at 1-866-522-2122 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time)

  • Mailing a request to:

    Veterans Affairs Canada
    Benefits Program Officer, Veterans Emergency Fund
    Core Operations, Records, and Pay Directorate
    PO Box 6000
    Matane QC G4W 0E4

You will receive a Reconsideration decision within 2 business days from the day we receive your request. You cannot submit any additional information during the Reconsideration process. If you have more information to support your request, please submit a new Veterans Emergency Fund Application (VAC1571).

A Reconsideration decision is final. 

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