Disclosure

The Veterans Emergency Fund provides funding to assist Veterans and their families during times of crisis and when facing emergency financial situations that threaten their health and well-being. Financial emergencies could include (but are not limited to) food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and expenses required to maintain safety and shelter.

Table 8.1 Veteran Emergency Fund (VEF): RecipientsFootnote 1Footnote 2 and Expenditures

Veteran Emergency Fund Recipients & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18Footnote 3 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients - 686 865 620 585
Expenditures (in $ millions) - $1.2 $1.5 $1.5 $1.3
Veteran Emergency Fund Expenditures BudgetFootnote 4
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
VEF Expenditures (in $ millions) $1.0 $1.0 $1.0 $1.0 $1.0

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
Report Category
Disclosure
Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
Searchable
Off

The Financial Benefits Program provides economic support to eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans, survivors, spouses/common-law partners and dependants for the economic impact that a military career ending and/or service-related injury or death can have on a Veteran's ability to earn income, advance in a career or save for retirement. Support is provided to those approved for the Rehabilitation Program; those who have completed the program and have not yet found employment; those who were eligible for the program but are unable to participate due to permanent and severe impairment; and those who have received a Disability Award for a physical or mental condition which causes permanent and severe impairments for which rehabilitation services have been approved. Compensation is provided in the form of monthly income support payments.

Earnings Loss Benefit

The Earnings Loss Benefit Program recognizes the economic impact a military career-ending or service related disability may have on a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran's ability to earn income following release from the Canadian Armed Forces. To meet their basic needs, eligible CAF Veterans participating in Veterans Affairs Canada's Rehabilitation Program are provided with temporary income replacement in the form of a monthly allowance so that a participant's income does not fall below 90% of gross pre-release military salary. Where a Veteran who had been participating in the Rehabilitation Program is not able to participate in suitable gainful employment, the support continues until the Veteran reaches the age of 65. April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. As a result, Earnings Loss Benefit is one of the six financial benefits replaced by the Income Replacement Benefit.

Table 7.1 Earnings Loss Benefit RecipientsFootnote 1 and Expenditures

Earnings Loss Recipients and Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Temporary Recipients 9,193 7,729 - - -
Extended Recipients 5,677 9,805 - - -
Total: Recipients (Veterans and Survivors) 14,870 17,534 - - -
Expenditures (in $ millions) $420.1 $527.7 $13.9 $7.0 $7.7
Earnings Loss Recipients and Expenditures ForecastFootnote 2Footnote 3Footnote 4
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Temporary Recipients - - - - -
Extended Recipients - - - - -
Total: Recipients (Veterans and Survivors)Footnote 5 - - - - -
Expenditures (in $ millions) $6.5 $5.0 $2.5 $2.5 $2.5

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Income Replacement Benefit (IRB)

April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. Pension for Life includes three new benefits: Pain and Suffering Compensation; Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation; and Income Replacement Benefit.

The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly taxable financial benefit that compensates Veterans for the economic impact that health problem(s), resulting primarily from service have on their ability to earn income. It provides financial support while participating in rehabilitation services. The benefit is available to survivors and/or orphans who qualify.

Table 7.2 - Income Replacement Benefit: Recipients and Expenditures

Income Replacement Benefit (IRB)Footnote 6 Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
IRB Recipients < 65 years of age
Veterans 20,247 22,551 24,437
Survivors/Orphans 578 659 666
IRB Recipients > 65 years of age
Veterans 623 970 1,343
Survivors 21 20 41
Career Impact Allowance Supplement (CIAS) ProtectedFootnote 7
CIAS Protected 260 220 210
Total: Recipients 21,729 24,420 26,697
Expenditures (in $ millions) $777.5 $868.4 $962.9
Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) ForecastFootnote 8
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
IRB Recipients < 65 years of age
Veterans 26,100 27,700 29,300 30,900 32,400
Survivors/Orphans 810 870 1,040 1,220 1,290
IRB Recipients > 65 years of age
Veterans 1,800 2,300 2,900 3,400 4,100
Survivors 50 60 70 80 100
Career Impact Allowance Supplement (CIAS) ProtectedFootnote 7
CIAS Protected 210 200 200 200 190
Total: Recipients 29,000 31,200 33,500 35,800 38,200
Expenditures (in $ millions) $1,114.0 $1,245.2 $1,371.2 $1,498.8 $1,628.6

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund

The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund provides funding to organizations that conduct research, develop or implement innovative programs that improve the well-being of Veterans and their families.

Table 7.3 Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund: RecipientsFootnote 9 and Expenditures

Veteran and Family Well-Being FundRecipients & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients (Organizations)Footnote 10 - 21 32 22 63
Expenditures (in $ millions) - $3.0 $4.8 $7.0 $8.0
Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund Expenditures ForecastFootnote 11
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Expenditures (in $ millions) $7.0 $7.0 $3.0 $3.0 $3.0

Source: Strategic Policy and Commemoration (Actuals and Forecast)

Career Impact Allowance (CIA)

The Career Impact Allowance Program recognizes the economic impact on employment potential and career advancement caused by severe and permanent service-related disabilities. The program ensures that eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans with severe permanent impairments have an income sufficient to meet basic needs. A monthly allowance is payable to CAF Veterans who received a Disability Award for physical or mental health problems that are creating a permanent and severe impairment and for which rehabilitation services have been approved. As of April 1, 2017, a new grading scheme was implemented for CIA, which gave access to higher grade levels for some clients. The result is that a greater proportion of clients are in Grades 1 and 2 than previous to the change. April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced, as a result, the Career Impact Allowance has become the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation.

The other part of the Career Impact Allowance that recognizes and compensates Veterans for their barriers to establishing themselves in post-service life as a result of service-related permanent and severe impairment will become the new Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation. It will have three grade levels that will result in non-taxable payments to the Veteran for life. This will fall under the Disability Benefits program.

Table 7.4 Career Impact Allowance Recipients and Expenditures

CIA Recipients and Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients (Veterans) 7,801 12,805 - - -
Recipients Receiving CIA Supplement 4,372 6,956 - - -
Expenditures (in $ millions) $123.1 $189.0 $0.0 $0.1 $0.0

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Supplementary Retirement Benefit (SRB) Program

The Supplementary Retirement Benefit Program compensates eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans for lost opportunities to contribute to retirement pensions because they are unable to work following their release from the Canadian Armed Forces. Veterans must have been assessed as totally and permanently incapacitated during their participation in Veterans Affairs Canada's Rehabilitation Program and eligible for extended Earnings Loss benefits. The benefit, a lump-sum payment equal to 2% of the total amount of Earnings Loss benefits that was paid to the Veteran before income offsets, is generally paid when the Veteran reaches the age of 65. Survivors of Veterans who die as a result of a service-related injury or disease are also eligible for this benefit, payable after the Veteran would have reached the age of 65 years. April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. As a result, the Supplementary Retirement Benefit (SRB) Program, along with the Retirement Income Support Benefit (RISB) have been consolidated into the Income Replacement Benefit under the Income Support Program.

Table 7.5 Supplementary Retirement Benefit Recipients and ExpendituresFootnote 12

Supplementary Retirement Benefit Recipients and Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients (Veterans) 79 151 10,333 181 222
Expenditures (in $ thousands) $312 $613 $40,592 $909 $1,375
Supplementary Retirement Benefit Recipients and Expenditures ForecastFootnote 13Footnote 14
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients (Veterans) 100 40 - - -
Expenditures (in $ thousands) $540 $230 $0 $0 $0

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Retirement Income Support Benefit (RISB)

The Retirement Income Security Benefit provides eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans and survivors with life-long financial stability for moderately to severely disabled individuals through a monthly income security payment beginning at age 65. This benefit tops up a Veteran’s total annual income to at least 70% of what he or she received in financial benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. As a result, the Retirement Income Support Benefit (RISB), along with the Supplementary Retirement Benefit (SRB) Program have been consolidated into the Income Replacement Benefit under the Income Support Program.

Table 7.6 Retirement Income Support Benefit Recipients and Expenditures

Retirement Income Support Benefit Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients 124 183 - - -
Expenditures (in $ millions) $0.9 $1.6 $0.1 $0.0 $0.0
Retirement Income Support Benefit ForecastFootnote 15Footnote 16
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients - - - - -
Expenditures (in $ millions) $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS) Program

The Canadian Armed Forces Income Support Benefit ensures that eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans have a minimum level of income to meet basic needs while they are engaged in job search activities. The program provides a monthly temporary income support to low income CAF Veterans who have completed Veterans Affairs Canada's Rehabilitation Program and are capable of achieving suitable gainful employment but have not yet obtained employment. This program is also available to survivors or orphans of Veterans in certain circumstances. April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. As a result, Canadian Forces Income Support along with the Income Replacement Benefit, fall under the Income Support Program.

Table 7.7 Canadian Forces Income Support Recipients and Expenditures

Canadian Forces Income Support Recipients and Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients 78 86 95 106 104
Expenditures (in $ millions) $1.5 $1.5 $1.9 $2.1 $2.0
Canadian Forces Income Support Recipients and Expenditures ForecastFootnote 17
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients 110 120 130 130 135
Expenditures (in $ millions) $2.3 $2.4 $2.6 $2.8 $3.0

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

War Veterans Allowance (WVA) Program

The War Veterans Allowance Program is a form of financial assistance available to eligible Veterans, Merchant Navy Veterans, qualified civilians and their survivors, dependants and orphans. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with a regular, monthly income to meet basic needs. Eligibility for War Veterans Allowance is determined by the war time service of a Veteran or qualified civilian, the age or health, family income and residency. As well, as surviving spouse, a surviving common-law partner or orphan may qualify for War Veterans Allowance.

Table 7.8 War Veterans Allowance Recipients

WVA Recipients Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans 323 274 198 148 124
Survivors 1,572 1,376 1,193 1,026 890
Total: Recipients 1,895 1,650 1,391 1,174 1,014
WVA Recipients ForecastFootnote 18
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veterans 90 70 50 40 30
Survivors 790 700 620 560 490
Total: Recipients 880 770 670 600 520

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 7.9 War Veterans Allowance Expenditures

WVA Expenditures (in $ millions) Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans $1.1 $1.2 $0.7 $0.5 $0.4
Survivors $5.0 $4.6 $3.9 $3.4 $2.9
Budget Implementation Act Payments - $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Total: ExpendituresFootnote 19 $6.1 $5.7 $4.6 $3.9 $3.3
War Veterans Allowance (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 20
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veterans $0.3 $0.3 $0.2 $0.2 $0.1
Survivors $2.7 $2.5 $2.3 $2.1 $1.9
Total: ExpendituresFootnote 19 $3.1 $2.8 $2.5 $2.2 $2.0

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
Report Category
Disclosure
Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
Searchable
Off

Transition Services include funding for eligible participants to access medical, psychological and vocational rehabilitation or vocational assistance services needed to reduce or resolve barriers to re-establishment in civilian life arising from eligible health problems. Specific to survivors, spouses and common-law partners is the aim to restore employability. Transition Services also include the Education and Training Benefit and Career Transition Services which provide funding for eligible participants to pursue education and training that will support them in a successful transition from military to civilian life, help them achieve their education and post-military employment goals, and better position them to be more competitive in the civilian workforce. Transition Services also include funding for medically released Veterans and families at Military Family Resource Centres across the country.

Education and Training Benefit (ETB)

The Education and Training Benefit provides funding for eligible participants to pursue education and training that will support them in a successful transition from military to post-service life, help them achieve their education and post-military employment goals, and better position them to be more competitive in the civilian workforce.

Table 6.1 Education and Training Benefit (ETB): RecipientsFootnote 1 and Expenditures

ETB Recipients & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients (Veterans) - 1,072 1,700 1,933 2,219
ETB Expenditures (in $ millions) - $12.3 $20.6 $23.4 $25.8
ETB Recipients & Expenditures ForecastFootnote 2
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients (Veterans) 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600
ETB Expenditures (in $ millions) $31.9 $33.2 $33.9 $34.3 $34.7

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Rehabilitation and Veterans Support Services (VSS)

The Rehabilitation Program provides needs-based access to medical, psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation and assistance services to eligible Canadian Armed Forces Veterans who have been medically released, or have rehabilitation needs primarily related to service, to assist them and their families to re-establish in post-service life. Under certain circumstances, survivors and spouses of eligible Veterans may be eligible to receive vocational assistance services and rehabilitation services.

Table 6.2 Rehabilitation Program: Eligible RecipientsFootnote 3 and Expenditures

Rehabilitation Recipients & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans 13,058 13,570 13,987 14,208 13,226
Survivors/Spouses 175 179 212 169 137
Total: Rehabilitation Recipients 13,233 13,749 14,199 14,377 13,363
Medical Psycho-Social Rehabilitaion Expenditures $13.7 $15.2 $22.7 $23.9 $25.6
Vocational Rehabilitation Expenditures $20.2 $21.7 $25.6 $31.3 $43.7
Total Expenditures (in $ millions) $33.8 $36.9 $48.3 $55.2 $69.3
Rehabilitation Recipients & Expenditures ForecastFootnote 4
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veterans 13,400 13,300 13,400 13,400 13,500
Survivors/Spouses 140 130 120 110 110
Total Rehabilitation Recipients 13,540 13,470 13,490 13,520 13,590
Medical Psycho-Social Rehabilitaion Expenditures $28.8 $31.7 $32.5 $33.3 $34.2
Vocational Rehabilitation Expenditures $52.5 $50.7 $52.1 $53.4 $54.9
Total Expenditures (in $ millions) $81.3 $82.4 $84.6 $86.8 $89.1

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Career Transition Services (CTS)

The Career Transition Services Program supports the transition to post-service life of eligible members, releasing members, Veterans, spouses/common-law partners, and survivors by providing access to services that will assist them in having the knowledge, skills and plan necessary to prepare for and obtain suitable civilian employment. Services are provided directly to clients through a national service provider.

Table 6.3 Career Transition Services (CTS): Approved Applications and Expenditures

CTS Approved Applications & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
CTS Approved ApplicationsFootnote 5Footnote 6 - 1,559 1,236 1,018 1,193
CTS Expenditures (in $ millions)Footnote 7 $1.7 $1.6 $1.8 $2.3 $2.4
CTS Expenditures ForecastFootnote 8
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
CTS Expenditures (in $ millions)Footnote 7 $3.8 $2.6 $2.7 $2.7 $2.8

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 6.4 Remainder of Veterans Support Services (VSS) Expenditures

Veteran Support Services Recipients & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
VSS Expenditures $6.4 $10.9 $7.8 $4.5 $5.0
Military Family Resource Center Expenditures $1.8 $3.8 $4.3 $3.5 $3.1
Total Expenditures (in $ millions) $8.1 $14.7 $12.1 $8.0 $8.1
CTS Expenditures ForecastFootnote 8
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
VSS Expenditures $5.6 $6.3 $5.0 $5.3 $5.7
Military Family Resource Center Expenditures $4.9 $4.9 $4.9 $4.9 $4.9
Total Expenditures (in $ millions) $10.6 $11.2 $9.9 $10.2 $10.6

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
Report Category
Disclosure
Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
Searchable
Off

Treatment Benefits and Services

In recognition of their service to the country, the Treatment Benefits and Services Program provides eligible Veterans, certain Reserve Force personnel, civilians, and their survivors and dependants and other individuals with access to appropriate treatment benefits for their health needs. Treatment benefits include medical, surgical or dental examinations or treatment; surgical or prosthetic devices and aids and their maintenance; home adaptations to accommodate the use of devices or aids; preventative health care; pharmaceuticals; and travel and other expenses incurred to access these benefits.

Table 5.1 Treatment Benefits Recipients

Treatment Benefits Recipients Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
War Service Veterans 23,330 18,548 14,565 10,790 8,165
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans 55,422 60,141 63,655 63,940 68,804
Total: Recipients 78,752 78,689 78,220 74,730 76,969
Treatment Benefits Recipients ForecastFootnote 1
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
War Service Veterans 6,000 4,400 3,100 2,200 1,500
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans 76,000 80,900 82,600 84,300 85,800
Total: Recipients 82,000 85,300 85,700 86,500 87,300

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 5.2 Treatment Benefits and Other Health Purchased Services (OHPS) Expenditures

The tables below provide the actual and forecasted expenditure breakdown by Program of Choice (POC) and Other Health Purchased Services (OHPS).

Treatment Benefits (POC) and OHPS Expenditures (in $ millions) Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
POC 1 – Aids for Daily Living $1.6 $1.7 $1.6 $1.4 $1.6
POC 2 – Ambulance Services $1.1 $0.8 $0.7 $0.5 $0.4
POC 3 – Audio Program $44.1 $45.7 $41.0 $37.9 $40.5
POC 4 – Dental Services $10.1 $9.1 $9.9 $4.9 $6.1
POC 5 – Hospital Services $10.7 $13.1 $12.5 $12.3 $13.7
POC 6 – Medical Services $4.2 $5.2 $6.1 $7.2 $9.8
POC 7 – Medical Supplies $4.5 $4.1 $3.9 $4.0 $4.3
POC 8 – Nursing Services $6.9 $6.8 $6.4 $4.7 $6.6
POC 9 – Oxygen Therapy $1.8 $2.1 $2.4 $2.4 $2.9
POC 10 – Prescription DrugsFootnote 2 $66.3 $66.2 $66.1 $71.8 $79.1
POC 10 – Cannabis for Medical Purposes $50.8 $74.6 $85.2 $119.0 $153.8
POC 11 – Prosthetics & Orthotics $3.4 $3.6 $4.2 $4.3 $4.3
POC 12 – Related Health Services $71.7 $86.7 $92.2 $91.3 $112.0
POC 13 – Special Equipment $19.4 $19.3 $18.0 $13.6 $16.1
POC 14 – Vision Care $3.2 $2.6 $2.4 $1.6 $1.8
Subtotal: Treatment Benefits ExpendituresFootnote 3Footnote 4 $299.6 $340.9 $352.7 $375.2 $448.2
Remainder of OHPS
Non-Departmental Hospital Charges (Long Term Care) $192.3 $184.1 $173.4 $157.2 $143.7
Veterans Travel $19.6 $22.6 $24.8 $15.2 $19.5
Other Remainder of OHPSFootnote 5 $71.7 $74.2 $79.3 $80.0 $88.5
Subtotal: OHPS ExpendituresFootnote 3 $283.7 $280.9 $277.5 $252.4 $251.7
Total: Treatment Benefits and OHPS ExpendituresFootnote 3 $583.3 $621.6 $630.2 $627.6 $699.8
Treatment Benefits (POC) and OHPS Expenditures (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 1
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
POC 1 - Aids for Daily Living $1.7 $1.8 $1.8 $1.9 $1.9
POC 2 - Ambulance Services $0.5 $0.5 $0.4 $0.4 $0.4
POC 3 - Audio Program $45.1 $48.5 $50.3 $52.3 $54.4
POC 4 - Dental Services $6.1 $6.1 $6.0 $5.9 $5.9
POC 5 - Hospital Services $15.8 $17.3 $18.3 $19.2 $20.1
POC 6 - Medical Services $12.0 $14.7 $17.3 $20.2 $21.2
POC 7 - Medical Supplies $4.5 $4.6 $4.6 $4.7 $4.8
POC 8 - Nursing Services $8.5 $9.0 $9.2 $9.4 $9.7
POC 9 - Oxygen Therapy $3.2 $3.5 $3.7 $3.9 $4.0
POC 10 - Prescription DrugsFootnote 2 $91.7 $102.4 $101.5 $119.6 $124.5
POC 10 - Cannabis for Medical Purposes (CMP) $191.0 $245.1 $288.2 $335.1 $385.9
POC 11 - Prosthetics & Orthotics $4.9 $5.3 $5.6 $5.8 $6.1
POC 12 - Related Health Services $128.3 $147.7 $162.8 $178.8 $187.3
POC 13 - Special Equipment $17.6 $19.2 $20.5 $22.4 $22.8
POC 14 - Vision Care $1.7 $1.7 $1.7 $1.6 $1.6
Subtotal: Treatment Benefits ExpendituresFootnote 3Footnote 4 $527.2 $621.0 $693.9 $773.3 $842.2
Remainder of OHPS
Non-Departmental Hospital Charges (Long Term Care) $147.9 $145.1 $141.7 $139.0 $106.0
Veterans Travel $23.8 $24.9 $26.1 $27.3 $33.2
Other Remainder of OHPSFootnote 5 $98.3 $99.1 $100.7 $100.2 $110.9
Mental Health Benefit (MHB)Footnote 6 $0.5 $1.1 $1.2 $1.2 $1.2
Subtotal: OHPS ExpendituresFootnote 3 $266.5 $259.2 $256.7 $255.0 $251.3
Total: Treatment Benefits and OHPS ExpendituresFootnote 3 $793.7 $880.2 $950.5 $1,028.3 $1,093.5

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Veterans Independence Program (VIP)

The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) provides funding to eligible Veterans, certain Reserve Force personnel, civilians, as well as survivors and primary caregivers so that they can access home and community care and support services to meet their physical, mental and social needs. This assistance allows them to remain healthy and independent in their own homes and communities. The services and benefits which may be funded include home care services and personal care (housekeeping, access to nutrition, grounds maintenance, ambulatory) home adaptations and transportation services. VIP housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance services are available to eligible survivors and primary caregivers.

Table 5.3 Veterans Independence Program Recipients

VIP Recipients Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
War Service Veterans 17,548 13,910 11,668 9,137 5,857
Canadian Armed Forces Veterans 35,807 38,822 42,022 44,399 47,344
Subtotal: Veterans 53,355 52,732 53,690 53,536 53,201
Survivors 34,931 33,094 30,165 28,173 26,662
Total: VIP RecipientsFootnote 7 88,286 85,826 83,855 81,709 79,863
VIP Recipients ForecastFootnote 8
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
War Service Veterans 4,300 3,100 2,200 1,600 1,100
Canadian Armed Forces Veterans 51,400 52,400 53,200 54,000 54,900
Subtotal: Veterans 55,700 55,500 55,500 55,600 55,900
Survivors 25,900 23,700 21,800 20,000 18,400
Total: VIP Recipients Footnote 7 81,600 79,200 77,200 75,600 74,400

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 5.4 Veterans Independence Program Expenditures

VIP Expenditures (in $ millions) Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Ambulatory Care $0.3 $0.3 $0.3 $0.1 $0.1
Health and Support Services $1.1 $1.6 $2.1 $1.4 $1.9
Access to Nutrition $5.2 $4.8 $4.5 $4.6 $4.3
Personal Care $25.6 $27.4 $26.9 $29.1 $30.5
Transportation Services $0.5 $0.4 $0.3 $0.2 $0.1
Home Adaptations $1.7 $2.3 $2.8 $2.8 $3.1
Intermediate Care $44.6 $38.4 $34.6 $33.7 $27.6
Subtotal: ContributionsFootnote 9 $79.1 $75.3 $71.5 $71.9 $67.6
Housekeeping and Grounds Maintenance (Grants) $265.5 $266.9 $267.6 $267.1 $270.7
Total: VIP ExpendituresFootnote 9 $344.6 $342.2 $399.2 $339.1 $340.4
VIP Expenditures (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 10
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Ambulatory Care $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1
Health and Support Services $1.9 $1.9 $1.9 $2.0 $2.0
Access to Nutrition $4.1 $4.0 $3.8 $3.8 $3.8
Personal Care $30.4 $35.2 $37.0 $39.6 $43.1
Transportation ServicesFootnote 11 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.0
Home Adaptations $3.4 $3.5 $3.7 $3.8 $3.9
Intermediate Care $28.6 $28.5 $27.8 $27.9 $28.6
Subtotal: ContributionsFootnote 9 $68.5 $73.2 $74.3 $77.2 $81.6
Housekeeping (Grants) $199.8 $200.0 $200.8 $202.4 $204.9
Grounds Maintenance (Grants) $79.2 $81.4 $83.7 $86.2 $88.9
Subtotal: Grants $279.0 $281.5 $284.5 $288.5 $293.8
Total: VIP ExpendituresFootnote 9 $347.5 $354.7 $358.8 $365.7 $375.4

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB)

The Caregiver Recognition Benefit formally recognizes the contribution caregivers make to the health and well-being of seriously injured Veterans who require continuous care and supervision, due to their service related physical and/or mental health condition(s). This benefit is paid directly to Veterans’ caregivers.

Table 5.5 Caregiver Recognition Benefit Recipients and ExpendituresFootnote 12

Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB) Recipients & Expenditures Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
RecipientsFootnote 13Footnote 14 - 661 756 852 1,078
Total Expenditures (in $ millions) - $6.6 $9.5 $10.6 $13.1
Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB) Recipients & Expenditures ForecastFootnote 15
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients 1,360 1,730 2,180 2,760 3,500
Total Expenditures (in $ millions) $17.3 $22.4 $29.0 $37.5 $48.4

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Long Term Care (LTC)

Through the Long Term Care Program and the Intermediate Care component of the Veterans Independence Program, the Department provides financial support to eligible war Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces Veterans who need long term/nursing home care, or short term (respite) care.

These programs work in collaboration with provincial, regional or local health authorities and long-term care facilities to ensure Veterans are supported in an appropriate long term care setting that meets their individual needs.

To be eligible for financial support, Veterans must be assessed as needing long-term care by a health care professional as well as meet service eligibility requirements.

Eligible Veterans may qualify for financial support in two types of long term care settings:

Community beds located in nursing homes and other residential/long term care facilities found in many communities across Canada. Depending on Veteran eligibility, these beds can be funded through either OHPS or VIP.

Contract beds, also referred to as priority access beds, which are allocated to more than 160 health care facilities where the Department has a contractual arrangement with the province, health authority, and/or facility to provide priority access to a designated number of beds for war Veterans. These beds are funded exclusively through the OHPS allotment.

The type of setting in which Veterans can receive departmental support varies depending on type and location of military service, income, health care need, and whether their need for long term care is linked to a service related disability/illness.

Some nursing homes and other residential/long-term care facilities provide care to Veterans in contract as well as community beds within the same facility.

Table 5.6 Long Term Care (LTC) Recipients and Expenditures

Care Settings Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans in Contract Beds (LTC funded) 1,810 1,525 1,285 946 731
Veterans in Community Beds (LTC funded) 1,288 1,027 928 718 513
Veterans in Community Beds (VIP funded) 2,012 1,969 1,776 1,470 1,398
Total: Veterans in LTC Beds 5,110 4,521 3,989 3,134 2,642
Veterans in Contract Beds (LTC funded) $175.6 $169.0 $160.4 $147.0 $135.8
Veterans in Community Beds (LTC funded) $16.8 $15.1 $13.0 $10.2 $7.9
Veterans in Community Beds (VIP funded) $44.6 $38.4 $34.6 $33.7 $27.9
Subtotal: LTC Facility Funding $237.0 $222.5 $208.0 $190.9 $171.6
Additional Funding: Ste. Anne's Hospital LTC BedsFootnote 16 $4.9 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Total: LTC Expenditures $241.9 $222.5 $208.0 $190.9 $171.6
Care Setting ForecastFootnote 17
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veterans in Contract Beds (LTC funded) 560 430 320 240 180
Veterans in Community Beds (LTC funded) 420 330 270 220 180
Veterans in Community Beds (VIP funded) 1,300 1,200 1,200 1,100 1,100
Total: Forecasted Veterans in LTC Beds 2,280 1,960 1,790 1,560 1,460
Veterans in Contract Beds (LTC funded) $131.0 $121.1 $114.4 $108.4 $102.9
Veterans in Community Beds (LTC funded) $6.8 $5.6 $4.5 $3.7 $3.1
Veterans in Community Beds (VIP funded) $28.6 $28.5 $27.8 $27.9 $28.6
Total: Forecasted LTC FundingFootnote 18 $166.3 $155.2 $146.8 $140.0 $134.6

Note: Contract Beds are funded through OHPS, while Community Beds are funded through OHPS and VIP.

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
Report Category
Disclosure
Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
Searchable
Off

Disability benefits are financial payments provided to individuals who have a service-related disability. There are two types of disability benefits: Disability Pensions and Disability Awards. April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. As a result, Disability Benefits changed to include Disability Pension, Pain and Suffering Compensation and Additional Pain and Suffering.

Table 4.1 Disability Benefits Recipients

Disability Benefits Recipients Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans 109,460 110,848 112,631 114,888 119,966
Survivors 49,776 46,386 43,428 39,419 36,360
Subtotal: Veterans and Survivors 159,236 157,234 156,059 154,307 156,326
RCMP 14,371 15,328 16,436 17,867 20,686
Total: Recipients 173,607 172,562 172,495 172,174 177,012

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Disability Pensions (DP)

The Disability Pension Program recognizes and compensates eligible Veterans as well as Canadian Armed Forces members who applied and were eligible for a disability pension prior to April 1, 2006, and their survivors, dependants and civilians for the effects of a service-related disability and/or death. Compensation is provided in the form of a monthly disability pension. Disability pensioners who are hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a pensioned condition are eligible to receive an additional allowance for that period. This program also recognizes and compensates those in receipt of a disability pension for the distinct effects that disabilities may have on clothing, on an individual's ability to perform personal care, and exceptional health needs. This is provided through a monthly allowance. This program is now delivered through grants.

Table 4.2 Disability Pension Recipients

Disability Pension RecipientsFootnote 1 Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans 60,087 56,168 52,177 49,365 46,408
Survivors 48,790 45,283 40,704 38,189 33,910
Total: Recipients 108,877 101,451 92,881 87,554 80,318
Attendance Allowance 6,315 6,466 6,060 5,914 5,922
Exceptional Incapacity Allowance 1,507 1,517 1,422 1,357 1,331
Clothing Allowance 1,374 1,415 1,416 1,487 1,431
Disability Pension RecipientsFootnote 1 ForecastFootnote 2
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veterans 44,300 42,500 40,700 39,100 37,700
Survivors 31,200 28,700 26,400 24,300 22,400
Total: Recipients 75,500 71,200 67,100 63,400 60,100
Attendance Allowance 5,800 5,700 5,700 5,700 5,700
Exceptional Incapacity Allowance 1,500 1,600 1,600 1,600 1,600
Clothing Allowance 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,300 1,300

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 4.3 Disability Pension Expenditures

Disability Pension Expenditures (in $ millions) Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veteran Pensions $689.9 $676.6 $647.6 $639.9 $606.8
Survivor Pensions $488.3 $454.5 $432.7 $405.9 $370.9
Subtotal: Pensions $1,178.2 $1,131.1 $1,080.4 $1,045.8 $977.7
Total Special Awards $83.7 $85.0 $84.1 $81.7 $86.3
Total: Pensions and Special Awards (Includes Adjustments and Corrective Payments)Footnote 3Footnote 4Footnote 5 $1,261.9 $1,216.5 $1,227.6 $1,125.5 $1,065.1
Disability Pension Expenditures (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 6
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veteran Pensions $606.1 $602.8 $600.4 $599.9 $601.5
Survivor Pensions $352.5 $332.9 $314.4 $296.8 $280.3
Subtotal: Pensions $958.5 $935.7 $914.8 $896.6 $881.8
Total Special Awards $88.0 $86.6 $88.3 $90.2 $92.4
Total: Pensions and Special AwardsFootnote 7 $1,046.6 $1,022.4 $1,003.1 $986.8 $974.1

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Disability Awards (DA)

Under the New Veterans Charter in effect since April 1, 2006, this program recognizes and compensates eligible Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans, and in some cases surviving spouses/common-law partners and surviving children, for death, detention and non-economic effects of service related disability including pain and suffering, functional loss and the effects of permanent impairment on the lives of Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families. As of January 1, 2019, the maximum award is $374,169.60, depending on the extent of disability. Disability Awards may be paid as a lump-sum payment, annual payments over the number of years of the member/Veteran's choosing, or a combination of these two payment options. The Pain and Suffering Compensation replaced the Disability Award (DA) as the new non-taxable monthly benefit on April 1, 2019.

Table 4.4 Disability Award RecipientsFootnote 8Footnote 9

Disability Awards Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Veterans 67,575 73,844 - - -
Survivors 1,581 2,383 - - -
Subtotal 69,156 76,227 - - -
Death Benefits 538 602 - - -
Total: Awards 69,694 76,829 2,457 161 81
Disability Awards ForecastFootnote 10
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Disability Awards - - - - -
Death Benefits - - - - -
Total: Awards 60 60 40 40 30

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 4.5 Disability Award Expenditures

Disability Award Expenditures (in $ millions) Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18Footnote 11 2018–19Footnote 11 2019–20Footnote 11 2020–21Footnote 11 2021–22Footnote 11
Disability Awards $1,603.9 $1,306.7 $115.1 $2.8 $1.7
Death Benefits $17.5 $16.9 $0.6 $0.3 $0.0
Total: AwardsFootnote 12 $1,621.4 $1,323.7 $115.6 $3.0 $1.7
Disability Award Expenditures (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 13
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Disability Awards $1.5 $1.5 $1.4 $1.0 $0.7
Death Benefits - - - - -
Total: Awards $1.5 $1.5 $1.4 $1.0 $0.7

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Disability Award and Disability Pension Duals

The table below provides a breakdown of Veterans and Survivors for those who receive both a Disability Pension and a Disability Award.

Table 4.6 Disability Award and Disability Pension DualsFootnote 14

Dual Recipients Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–12
Veterans 18,202 19,164 19,811 19,642 21,473
Survivors 1,133 1,280 1,447 1,758 2,027
Total: RecipientsFootnote 15 19,335 20,444 21,258 21,400 23,500

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Pain and Suffering Compensation

Pension For Life (PFL)

April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. Pension for Life includes three new benefits: Pain and Suffering Compensation; Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation; and Income Replacement Benefit. The Pension for Life Benefits package is intended to meet the following objectives:

  • Providing recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
  • Providing a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments; implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six of seven existing income-related financial benefits.
  • Addressing concerns raised by military and Veteran communities and families by empowering CAF members and Veterans living with a disability, caused by a service-related illness or injury, to choose the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.

Table 4.7 - Pain and Suffering Compensation and Death Benefits Recipients

Pain and Suffering Compensation and Death Benefits RecipientsFootnote 17 Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2019–20 2020–21 2021–12
Veterans 79,771 85,176 95,006
Survivors 2,009 2,819 3,649
Subtotal 81,780 87,995 98,655
Death Benefits Recipients 587 749 805
Total Recipients 82,367 88,744 99,460
Pain and Suffering Compensation and Death Benefits Recipients ForecastFootnote 16
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Veterans 102,500 109,800 112,700 115,400 117,900
Survivors 4,300 4,900 5,600 6,300 7,000
Subtotal 106,800 114,700 118,300 121,700 124,900
Death Benefits Recipients 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300
Total Recipients 107,700 115,800 119,400 122,900 126,100

Table 4.8 - Pain and Suffering Compensation and Death Benefits Expenditures

Pain and Suffering Compensation and Death Benefits Expenditures (in $ millions) Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Pain and Suffering Compensation $904.5 $1,063.6 $1,519.8
Death BenefitsFootnote 18 $12.4 $21.9 $23.2
Total ExpendituresFootnote 19 $917.0 $1,085.5 $1,543.0
Pain and Suffering Compensation and Death Benefits Expenditures (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 16
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Pain and Suffering Compensation $1,479.4 $1,552.2 $1,004.5 $1,006.6 $1,045.0
Death Benefits $26.8 $27.4 $13.9 $14.1 $14.3
Total ExpendituresFootnote 19 $1,506.2 $1,579.7 $1,018.4 $1,020.7 $1,059.3

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Disability Benefit Recipients

The table below indicates the disability class (percentage paid out) to Veterans and survivors in receipt of Disability Pension/Award as of March 31, 2022.

The links below provide the rate tables for which the percentages are paid at:

Table 4.9 Recipients by Disability Class as of March 31, 2022Footnote 20

Disability Class Veterans Survivors
Disability
Pension
(DP) Only		 Disability
Pension and Award /
Pain and Suffering Award		 Disability Award /
Pain and Suffering
Compensation
Award Only		 Total
Disability		 Disability
Benefits
Class 1
(98%-100%)		 2,080 4,239 2,897 9,216 3,829
Class 2
(93%-97%)		 334 698 679 1,711 184
Class 3
(88%-92%)		 453 723 786 1,962 244
Class 4
(83%-87%)		 542 744 865 2,151 273
Class 5
(78%-82%)		 697 817 1,042 2,556 483
Class 6
(73%-77%)		 774 869 1,197 2,840 401
Class 7
(68%-72%)		 921 910 1,392 3,223 564
Class 8
(63%-67%)		 1,064 885 1,665 3,614 612
Class 9
(58%-62%)		 1,333 1,009 1,848 4,190 854
Class 10
(53%-57%)		 1,502 966 2,364 4,832 853
Class 11
(48%-52%)		 2,254 994 2,686 5,934 1,558
Class 12
(43%-47%)		 1,905 1,105 2,763 5,773 914
Class 13
(38%-42%)		 2,603 1,097 3,370 7,070 1,687
Class 14
(33%-37%)		 2,342 1,161 3,627 7,130 1,875
Class 15
(28%-32%)		 2,892 1,218 4,373 8,483 2,893
Class 16
(23%-27%)		 3,146 1,184 4,673 9,003 3,511
Class 17
(18%-22%)		 3,817 1,098 6,196 11,111 4,073
Class 18
(13%-17%)		 3,782 959 7,362 12,103 3,223
Class 19
(8%-12%)		 5,213 669 11,315 17,197 3,870
Class 20
(5%-7%)		 4,690 154 8,694 13,538 4,231
Class 21
(1%-4%)		 1,753 16 3,645 5,414 74
Nil Assessments 168 0 0 168 1,587
Not Available 0 0 0 0 0
Total 44,265 21,515 73,439 139,219 37,793

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 4.10 Most Common Medical ConditionsFootnote 21 (Fiscal Year 2021–22)

The table below is based on the number of Veterans who received a favourable decision for the medical condition related to their service.

Ranking All Veterans Canadian Armed Forces Veterans RCMP Veterans Afghanistan VeteransFootnote 22
1. Tinnitus Tinnitus Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
2. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Tinnitus Tinnitus
3. Hearing Loss Hearing Loss Hearing Loss Hearing Loss
4. Lumbar Disc Disease Depressive Disorders, including Dysthymia and Major Depression Lumbar Disc Disease Depressive Disorders, including Dysthymia and Major Depression
5. Osteoarthritis Knee Lumbar Disc Disease Osteoarthritis Knee Anxiety Disorders, including Panic Disorder
6. Depressive Disorders, including Dysthymia and Major Depression Osteoarthritis Knee Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Adjustment Disorder
7. Osteoarthritis Hip Adjustment Disorder Osteoarthritis Hip Lumbar Disc Disease
8. Adjustment Disorder Osteoarthritis Hip Plantar Fasciitis Generalized Anxiety Disease
9. Cervical Disc Disease Cervical Disc Disease Cervical Disc Disease Cervical Disc Disease
10. Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Bruxism Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 4.11 Most Common Conditions – First Applications Completed (Fiscal Year 2021–22)Footnote 28

The table below represents the number of decisions for fiscal year 2021-22 for each medical condition. Decisions are based on evidence presented and legislated eligibility requirements.

Medical Conditions Favourable Decisions Unfavourable Decisions Total
Decisions
# of
Favourable
Decisions		 % of
Favourable
Decisions		 # of
Unfavourable
Decisions		 % of
Unfavourable
Decisions
Tinnitus 6,561 93% 468 7% 7,029
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 5,636 96% 230 4% 5,866
Hearing Loss 3,369 82% 741 18% 4,110
Lumbar Disc Disease 1,062 94% 108 6% 1,710
Osteoarthritis Knee 1,474 93% 116 7% 1,590
Depressive Disorders 1,451 98% 31 2% 1,482
Osteoarthritis Hip 1,037 88% 142 12% 1,179
Adjustment Disorder 999 97% 26 3% 1,025
Cervical Disc Disease 888 91% 85 9% 973
Arthrosis of Knee 862 95% 43 5% 905

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 4.12 Disability Benefits (First Application) Decisions and Favourable Rates

The table below provides the number of decisions rendered on first applications. Note that one application may have multiple conditions listed.

Applications
First Applications Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Favourable (Approved) Decisions 17,648 18,729 20,593 20,773 34,192
Unfavourable (Denied) Decisions 3,516 4,131 4,739 3,607 3,641
Total: Applications – Decisions RenderedFootnote 23 21,164 22,860 25,332 24,380 37,833
Favourable Rate (Dockets) % 83% 82% 81% 85% 90%
Medical Conditions
First Applications Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Favourable (Approved) Conditions 27,715 26,077 29,110 27,497 49,549
Unfavourable (Denied) Conditions 7,967 8,463 9,161 6,986 6,376
Total: Conditions – Decisions Rendered 35,682 34,540 38,271 34,483 55,925
Favourable Rate (Conditions) % 78% 75% 76% 80% 89%

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 4.13 - Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation: Recipients and Expenditures

Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation is a non-taxable monthly benefit to recognize and compensate Veterans for the non-economic loss associated with service-related permanent and severe impairments that cause a barrier in life after service.

Additional Pain and Suffering CompensationFootnote 24 Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Recipients (Veterans) - - 14,223 18,326 21,846
Expenditures (in $ millions) - - $119.1 $154.1 $180.3
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation ForecastFootnote 25
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients (Veterans) 26,300 30,700 33,000 35,200 37,500
Expenditures (in $ millions) $228.0 $274.5 $306.3 $340.4 $376.9

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Critical Injury Benefit (CIB)

The Critical Injury Benefit provides a tax-free lump sum award for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who sustained a service-related injury (or developed an acute disease) that occurred as a result of a sudden and single incident after March 31, 2006. This benefit is in recognition of the immediate pain and suffering experienced after the traumatic incident.

Table 4.14 Critical Injury Benefit Recipients and Expenditures

Critical Injury Benefit Actuals as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
RecipientsFootnote 26 16 9 11 18 14
Expenditures (in $ millions) $1.2 $0.7 $0.8 $1.4 $1.1
Critical Injury Benefit ForecastFootnote 27
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Recipients 22 20 20 20 20
Expenditures (in $ millions) $1.8 $1.7 $1.7 $1.7 $1.8

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
Report Category
Disclosure
Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
Searchable
Off

The information below provides a breakdown of departmental spending by program.

Table 3.1 Expenditures by Program - Actuals

Expenditures By Program (in $ millions) Actual as of March 31, 2022
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Disability Pensions $1,261.2 $1,215.9 $1,227.0 $1,125.0 $1,064.6
Disability AwardsFootnote 1 $1,621.4 $1,323.7 $115.6 $3.0 $1.7
Pain and Suffering Compensation - - $917.0 $1,085.5 $1,543.0
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation - - $119.1 $154.1 $180.3
Other Health Purchased Services $583.3 $621.6 $630.2 $627.6 $699.8
Veterans Independence Program
(Includes Housekeeping & Grounds Maintenance)		 $344.6 $342.2 $339.2 $339.1 $340.4
Earnings Loss $420.1 $527.7 $13.9 $7.0 $7.7
Career Impact Allowance (CIA)Footnote 2 $123.1 $189.0 $0.0 $0.1 $0.0
Income Replacement Benefit - - $777.5 $868.4 $962.9
Canadian Forces Income Support $1.5 $1.5 $1.9 $2.1 $2.0
Supplementary Retirement BenefitFootnote 3 $0.3 $0.6 $40.6 $0.9 $1.4
War Veterans Allowance $6.1 $5.7 $4.6 $3.8 $3.3
Rehabilitation $33.8 $36.9 $48.3 $55.2 $69.3
Veterans Support Services $8.1 $14.7 $12.1 $8.0 $8.1
Career Transition Services $1.7 $1.6 $1.8 $2.3 $2.4
Education and Training Benefit - $12.3 $20.6 $23.4 $25.8
Retirement Income Security Benefit $0.9 $1.6 $0.1 $0.0 $0.0
Veterans Emergency Fund - $1.2 $1.5 $1.5 $1.3
Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund - $3.0 $4.8 $7.0 $8.0
Critical Injury Benefit $1.2 $0.7 $0.8 $1.4 $1.1
Caregiver Recognition Benefit - $6.6 $9.5 $10.6 $13.1
Family Caregiver Relief BenefitFootnote 4 $2.8 $0.3 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Subtotal: Program ExpendituresFootnote 5 $4,410.2 $4,306.8 $4,285.9 $4,326.0 $4,936.1
Other Program ExpendituresFootnote 6Footnote 7Footnote 8 $31.4 $23.9 $55.1 $54.9 $38.2
Total: Program ExpendituresFootnote 5 $4,441.6 $4,330.7 $4,341.0 $4,380.9 $4,974.3
 

Table 3.2 Expenditures by Program - Forecasts

Expenditure by Program (in $ millions) ForecastFootnote 9
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Disability Pensions Footnote 10 $1,046.6 $1,022.4 $1,003.1 $986.8 $974.1
Disability Awards Footnote 11 Footnote 12 $1.5 $1.5 $1.4 $1.0 $0.7
Pain and Suffering Compensation $1,506.2 $1,579.7 $1,018.4 $1,020.7 $1,059.3
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation $228.0 $274.5 $306.3 $340.4 $376.9
Other Health Purchased Services $793.7 $880.2 $950.5 $1,028.3 $1,093.5
Veterans Independence Program
(Includes Housekeeping & Grounds Maintenance)		 $347.5 $354.7 $358.8 $365.7 $375.4
Earnings Loss $6.5 $5.0 $2.5 $2.5 $2.5
Career Impact Allowance (CIA)Footnote 13 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Income Replacement Benefit $1,114.0 $1,245.2 $1,371.2 $1,498.8 $1,628.6
Canadian Forces Income Support $2.3 $2.4 $2.6 $2.8 $3.0
Supplementary Retirement BenefitFootnote 14 $0.5 $0.2 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
War Veterans Allowance $3.1 $2.8 $2.5 $2.2 $2.0
Rehabilitation $81.3 $82.4 $84.6 $86.8 $89.1
Veterans Support Services $10.6 $11.2 $9.9 $10.2 $10.6
Career Transition Services $3.8 $2.6 $2.7 $2.7 $2.8
Education and Training Benefit $31.9 $33.2 $33.9 $34.3 $34.7
Retirement Income Security Benefit $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1
Veterans Emergency FundFootnote 15 $1.0 $1.0 $1.0 $1.0 $1.0
Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund $7.0 $7.0 $3.0 $3.0 $3.0
Critical Injury Benefit $1.8 $1.7 $1.7 $1.7 $1.8
Caregiver Recognition Benefit $17.3 $22.4 $29.0 $37.5 $48.4
Subtotal: Program ExpendituresFootnote 16 $5,204.7 $5,530.1 $5,183.2 $5,426.6 $5,707.6
Other Program Expenditures Footnote 17 $40.5 $43.5 $43.0 $43.0 $43.0
Total: Program ExpendituresFootnote 16 $5,245.2 $5,573.6 $5,226.2 $5,469.6 $5,750.6

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
Report Category
Disclosure
Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
Searchable
Off

Table 2.1 Program and Operating Expenditures

The information below illustrates departmental spending (actual and planned).

Actual expenditures for fiscal years 2017 to 2022
Expenditures (in $ millions) 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Total Program Footnote 1 $4,441.6 $4,330.7 $4,341.0 $4,380.9 $4,974.3
Total OperatingFootnote 2 $332.4 $359.8 $491.3 $455.8 $432.1
Total: Actual ExpendituresFootnote 3 $4,774.0 $4,690.5 $4,832.3 $4,836.7 $5,406.4

Source: Public Accounts of Canada

PlannedFootnote 4 expenditures for fiscal years 2022 to 2027
Expenditures (in $ millions) 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
Total ProgramFootnote 1 $5,245.2 $5,573.6 $5,226.2 $5,469.6 $5,750.6
Total OperatingFootnote 2Footnote 5 $354.4 $324.9 $324.9 $325.4 $325.1
Total: Planned Expenditures $5,599.6 $5,898.5 $5,551.1 $5,795.0 $6,075.7

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 2.2 Departmental Budget

Veterans Affairs Canada's budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year is currently $6.33 billion. Over 90% of the Department's budget represents payments to Veterans, their families and other program recipients.

Main and Supplementary Estimates
Main and Supplementary Estimates
Authorities 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
Main Estimates $3,628,281,702 $4,691,399,582 $4,394,554,432 $4,419,994,365 $5,237,702,254 $6,290,972,437
% change from Previous Year 1.4% 29.3% -6.3% 0.6% 18.5% 20.1%
Supp Estimates (A) - - $51,618,013 $857,597,414 $87,725,159 -
Supp Estimates (B) $129,961,829 $26,213,870 $323,177,757 - $37,759,214 $19,397,430
Supp Estimates (C) $134,848,828 $177,172,873 - - $56,268,000 $6,809,007
Adjustments, warrants & transfers Footnote 6 $21,338,217 $27,750,542 $26,547,620 $11,173,956 $51,712,957 $10,208,607
Total: Authorities $3,914,430,576 $4,922,536,867 $4,795,897,822 $5,288,765,735 $5,471,167,584 $6,327,387,481
% Increase from Previous Year 8.6% 25.8% -2.6% 10.3% 3.4% 15.6%

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
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Report Year
2023
Start year
2022-03
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The Veteran figures below below include Veterans who are VAC clients, as well as those who are not.

Veteran figures are based on the 2021 Statistics Canada Census of Population. For the first time since 1971, a question was added to the short-form questionnaire of the Census asking about Canadians’ military experience. The main purpose of the 2021 Census question was to fill a significant data gap to inform policies and programs administered by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and other Veteran support organizations.

Table 1.1 Estimated Veteran Population by Province

The current Veteran data available from the 2021 Census is disaggregated by province of residence and other individual characteristics but does not differentiate Veterans by their service (Second World War, Korean War, Canadian Armed Forces).

Estimated War Service Veteran figures have been prepared by the VAC Statistics Directorate. Veterans Affairs Canada is working with Statistics Canada to develop updated War Service Veteran estimates. Table 1.1 will be updated with those figures as soon as they are made available.

Province Veterans
(CAF and WS as of May 11/21)Footnote1Footnote2		 Estimated War Service Veterans
(Second World War, Korean War as of March 31/21)Footnote3
Newfoundland and Labrador 8,915 300
Prince Edward Island 3,645 200
Nova Scotia 33,200 1,300
New Brunswick 20,305 1,000
Quebec 104,695 2,000
Ontario 149,020 11,000
Manitoba 14,725 1,100
Saskatchewan 11,435 800
Alberta 49,880 2,000
British Columbia 63,845 5,500
Territories 1,570 -
Foreign Countries - 300
Total: Estimated Canadian Veteran PopulationFootnote 4 461,240 25,500

Source: Canadian Armed Forces Veterans - Statistics Canada. War Service Veterans - Veterans Affairs Canada.

Table 1.2 Enumerated Veterans by Age Group and Gender

Age Group (years)Footnote5 Total - GenderFootnote6 Men+Footnote7 Women+Footnote8
17 to 24 7,180 5,745 1,440
25 to 64 261,095 211,795 49,300
25 to 29 11,325 9,615 1,715
30 to 34 18,900 15,905 2,995
35 to 39 20,625 16,750 3,875
40 to 44 22,135 17,260 4,870
45 to 49 32,615 25,295 7,315
50 to 54 42,090 34,120 7,970
55 to 59 57,650 47,205 10,455
60 to 64 55,755 45,640 10,115
65 & over 192,960 168,765 24,195
65 to 74 86,135 76,080 10,055
75 to 84 73,400 65,330 8,070
85 & over 33,420 27,350 6,070
Total - AgeFootnote4 461,240 386,300 74,935

Source: Statistics Canada.

Table 1.3 Estimated Veterans by Indigenous Status (First Nation, Métis, Inuk) and Age Group

The estimated Veteran population table below include Veterans who are VAC clients, as well as those who are not.

Age Group (years)Footnote5 Total Single Indigenous Responses Multiple Indigenous ResponsesFootnote9 Other Indigenous ResponsesFootnote10
Total First Nations (North American Indian) Métis Inuk (Inuit)
17 to 24 800 775 530 185 60 10 15
25 to 64 15,705 15,130 7,625 6,940 565 315 260
25 to 29 980 935 585 320 40 20 20
30 to 34 1,340 1,265 630 595 45 55 20
35 to 39 1,245 1,195 640 480 75 30 30
40 to 44 1,385 1,320 650 620 55 30 35
45 to 49 1,900 1,820 920 840 65 50 30
50 to 54 2,795 2,730 1,360 1,265 100 40 25
55 to 59 3,215 3,120 1,590 1,435 90 50 45
60 to 64 2,840 2,745 1,250 1,395 100 35 55
65 & over 6,575 6,245 2,805 3,315 130 100 230
65 to 74 3,645 3,500 1,585 1,855 65 45 95
75 to 84 2,420 2,255 1,035 1,180 40 45 120
85 & over 515 490 185 285 25 10 20
Total - AgeFootnote4 23,075 22,150 10,950 10,440 755 425 505

Source: Statistics Canada.

Veterans Affairs Canada

Since November 2010, the Department has been serving more modern-day Canadian Armed Forces Veterans than traditional War Service Veterans.

Table 1.4 Veterans and Survivors Served by VAC (Unique)

VAC Unique Veterans and Survivors by Type Actuals as of March 31, 2022 Average Age
(March 31, 2022)
2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
War Service Veterans 20,273 15,644 12,375 8,026 5,880 96
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans 97,231 101,049 106,744 112,252 118,820 60
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans 13,169 13,136 14,081 16,640 19,135 58
Subtotal: Veterans 130,673 129,829 133,200 136,918 143,835 61
War Service Survivors 47,375 43,184 37,828 34,398 30,441 89
CAF Survivors 9,847 11,928 14,848 15,729 16,630 69
RCMP Survivors 1,032 1,139 1,225 1,317 1,429 75
Subtotal: Survivors 58,254 56,251 53,901 51,444 48,500 82
Total: VAC Veterans and Survivors 188,927 186,080 187,101 188,362 192,335 66
VAC Unique Veterans and Survivors by Service Type ForecastFootnote 11
2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26 2026–27
War Service Veterans 4,400 3,200 2,300 1,600 1,100
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans 125,800 132,600 134,300 135,900 137,500
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans 21,500 23,800 24,700 25,500 26,200
Subtotal: Veterans 151,600 159,600 161,200 163,000 164,700
War Service Survivors 26,900 23,600 20,300 17,600 15,200
CAF Survivors 18,000 19,500 20,900 22,400 23,800
RCMP Survivors 1,600 1,800 1,900 2,100 2,300
Subtotal: Survivors 46,500 44,800 43,200 42,100 41,300
Total: VAC Veterans and SurvivorsFootnote 4 198,100 204,400 204,400 205,100 206,000

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 1.5 Total Number of Veterans by Sex, Service Type, and Age - March 2022

All Veterans by Sex War Service CAF RCMP Total % Total
Male 4,802 104,345 15,908 125,055 87%
Female 1,040 14,009 3,220 18,269 13%
Unknown 38 466 7 511 0%
Total 5,880 118,820 19,135 143,835 100%
Male Veterans
Age War Service CAF RCMP Total % Male
29 and under 0 1,987 113 2,100 1%
30 to 39 0 11,551 1,460 13,011 9%
40 to 49 0 13,429 2,774 16,203 11%
50 to 59 0 23,091 3,094 26,185 18%
60 to 69 0 19,909 3,816 23,725 16%
70 to 79 0 16,728 3,340 20,068 14%
80 to 89 323 14,991 1,174 16,488 11%
90 and over 4,479 2,659 137 7,275 5%
Total 4,802 104,345 15,908 125,055 87%
Female Veterans
Age War Service CAF RCMP Total % Female
29 and under 0 466 36 502 0%
30 to 39 0 2,021 437 2,458 2%
40 to 49 0 3,102 1,074 4,176 3%
50 to 59 0 4,416 1,054 5,470 4%
60 to 69 0 2,784 517 3,301 2%
70 to 79 0 526 95 621 0%
80 to 89 18 558 7 583 0%
90 and over 1,022 136 0 1,158 1%
Total 1,040 14,009 3,220 18,269 13%
Total Unknown Veterans
Age War Service CAF RCMP Total % Unknown
29 and under 0 4 0 4 0%
30 to 39 0 5 0 5 0%
40 to 49 0 9 0 9 0%
50 to 59 0 72 1 73 0%
60 to 69 0 106 1 107 0%
70 to 79 0 122 2 124 0%
80 to 89 2 127 3 132 0%
90 and over 36 21 0 57 0%
Total 38 466 7 511 0%

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Table 1.6 Veterans served by Area Office as of March 2022

The table below provides a breakdown of Veterans by VAC Area Office and lists Veterans who have active case plans with a departmental Case Manager.

Area Office War Service CAF RCMP Total Veterans with
Active Case PlansFootnote 12
Halifax 229 14,355 1,494 16,078 1,797
Sydney 41 1,573 159 1,773 185
Subtotal: Nova Scotia AreaFootnote 13 270 15,928 1,653 17,851 1,982
Campbellton 43 975 136 1,154 78
Charlottetown 46 1,305 266 1,617 187
Cornerbrook 16 670 132 818 149
Oromocto 46 4,706 313 5,065 893
Saint John 113 4,565 624 5,302 357
St John's 66 2,000 473 2,539 310
Subtotal: NF and LAB, NB, PEI 330 14,221 1,944 16,495 1,974
Montreal 346 6,057 597 7,000 798
St-Jean 0 10 2 12 2
Subtotal: Western Quebec Area 346 6,067 599 7,012 800
Quebec 77 9,995 147 10,219 1,639
Subtotal: Quebec Area 77 9,995 147 10,219 1,639
Gatineau 28 2,506 308 2,842 289
Ottawa 273 8,625 1,365 10,263 963
Pembroke 48 4,136 153 4,337 527
Subtotal: National Capital Area 349 15,267 1,826 17,442 1,779
Kingston 105 4,693 176 4,974 496
Peterborough 140 1,030 42 1,212 153
Thunder Bay 84 697 20 801 105
Toronto 709 2,089 139 2,937 225
Trenton 68 3,322 31 3,421 325
Subtotal: Central Ontario Area 1,106 11,831 408 13,345 1,304
Hamilton 253 1,860 119 2,232 200
London 152 1,421 116 1,689 228
North Bay 524 4,421 321 5,266 304
Mississauga 111 1,901 33 2,045 246
Windsor 170 1,583 87 1,840 133
Subtotal: South Western Ontario Area 1,210 11,186 676 13,072 1,111
Brandon 55 1,157 279 1,491 159
Calgary 255 4,429 1,587 6,271 475
Edmonton 189 8,450 1,884 10,523 1,002
Regina 79 803 667 1,549 70
Saskatoon 94 793 456 1,343 97
Winnipeg 182 2,557 619 3,358 336
Subtotal: Prairie Area 854 18,189 5,492 24,535 2,139
Kelowna 89 1,230 894 2,213 124
Penticton 178 1,766 1,100 3,044 182
Prince George 26 488 451 965 63
Surrey 311 1,938 1,771 4,020 177
Vancouver 246 1,463 773 2,482 233
Victoria 395 7,891 1,317 9,603 597
Subtotal: British Columbia and the North 1,245 14,776 6,306 22,327 1,376
Subtotal: Foreign Country Operations 93 1,339 68 1,500 123
Subtotal: Unknown/Missing 0 21 16 37 3
Total 5,880 118,820 19,135 143,835 14,230

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

 
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Report Year
2023
Start year
2020-03
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March 2022 Edition

Summary of Program Recipients

Traditional Programs

Program 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23
Forecast		 Forecasted
Percentage
ChangeFootnote 1
Disability Pensions 92,881 87,554 80,318 75,500 -6.0%
Treatment BenefitsFootnote 2 78,220 74,730 76,969 82,000 6.5%
Veterans Independence Program (VIP) 83,855 81,709 79,863 81,600 2.2%
War Veterans Allowance 1,391 1,174 1,014 880 -13.2%

Veteran Well-Being Act (VWA) Programs

Program 2019–20 2021–21 2021–22 2022–23
Forecast		 Forecasted
Percentage
ChangeFootnote 1
Disability AwardsFootnote 3 2,457 161 81 60 -25.9%
Pain and Suffering Compensation 82,367 88,744 99,460 107,400 8.0%
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation 14,223 18,326 21,846 26,300 20.4%
Rehabilitation 14,199 14,377 13,363 13,540 1.3%
Earnings Loss n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4
Income Replacement Benefit 21,729 24,420 26,697 29,000 8.6%
Career Impact Allowance (CIA) n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4
Canadian Forces Income Support 95 106 104 110 5.8%
Supplementary Retirement BenefitFootnote 4Footnote 5 10,333 181 222 100 -55.0%
Retirement Income Security Benefit (RISB) n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4 n/aFootnote 4
Critical Injury Benefit 11 18 14 22 57.1%
Caregiver Recognition Benefit 756 852 1,078 1,360 26.2%
Education and Training Benefit 1,700 1,933 2,219 2,600 17.2%
Veteran and Family Well-Being FundFootnote 6 32 22 63 n/aFootnote 7 n/aFootnote 7
Veteran Emergency Fund 865 620 585 n/aFootnote 8 n/aFootnote 8

Note: the following programs came into effect April 1, 2018: Education and Training Benefit; Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund; Caregiver Recognition Benefit; and Veteran Emergency Fund. The following programs came into effect April 1, 2019: Pain and Suffering Compensation; Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation; and Income Replacement Benefit.

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Summary of Program Expenditures

Traditional Programs

Program (in $ millions) 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23
ForecastFootnote 9		 Forecasted
Percentage
Change
Footnote 10Footnote 11
Disability Pensions $1,227.6 $1,125.5 $1,065.1 $1,046.6 -1.7%
Other Health Purchased Services (incl. Treatment Benefits) $630.2 $627.6 $699.8 $793.7 13.4%
Veterans Independence Program $339.2 $339.1 $340.4 $347.5 2.1%
War Veterans Allowance $4.6 $3.9 $3.3 $3.1 -6.7%

Veteran Well-Being Act (VWA) Programs

Program (in $ millions) 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23
ForecastFootnote 9		 Forecasted
Percentage
Change
Footnote 10Footnote 11
Disability Awards Footnote 12 $115.6 $3.0 $1.7 $1.5 -13.5%
Pain and Suffering Compensation $917.0 $1,085.5 $1,543.0 $1,506.2 -2.4%
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation $119.1 $154.1 $180.3 $228.0 26.4%
Rehabilitation $48.3 $55.2 $69.3 $81.3 17.4%
Veterans Support Services $12.1 $8.0 $8.1 $10.6 30.7%
Career Transition Services $1.8 $2.3 $2.4 $3.8 58.3%
Earnings LossFootnote 13Footnote 14 $13.9 $7.0 $7.7 $6.5 -15.9%
Income Replacement Benefit $777.5 $868.4 $962.9 $1,114.0 15.7%
Career Impact Allowance (CIA)Footnote 15 $0.0 $0.1 $0.0 n/a n/a
Canadian Forces Income Support $1.9 $2.1 $2.0 $2.3 14.4%
Supplementary Retirement BenefitFootnote 13Footnote 5 $40.6 $0.9 $1.4 $0.5 -60.7%
Retirement Income Security BenefitFootnote 13 $0.1 $0.0 $0.0 $0.1 534.2%
Critical Injury Benefit $0.8 $1.4 $1.1 $1.8 66.3%
Caregiver Recognition Benefit $9.5 $10.6 $13.1 $17.3 31.8%
Education and Training Benefit $20.6 $23.4 $25.8 $31.9 23.7%
Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund $4.8 $7.0 $8.0 $7.0 -12.5%
Veteran Emergency Fund $1.5 $1.5 $1.3 $1.0 -23.6%

Note: the following programs came into effect April 1, 2018: Education and Training Benefit; Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund; Caregiver Recognition Benefit; and Veteran Emergency Fund. The following programs came into effect April 1, 2019: Pain and Suffering Compensation; Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation; and Income Replacement Benefit.

Source: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch

Analysis of VAC Facts and Figures

The 2021 Census saw the addition of a question on military service for the first time in 50 years. This census release includes relevant and timely information on Veterans and serving members of the Canadian military. The census counted fewer Veterans than VAC’s estimated number; as documented in the technical report “Veterans data in the 2021 Census”, Statistics Canada concluded that these differences are due to differing data sources, methods, and statistical concepts. VAC will continue to work closely with Statistics Canada and other partners to strengthen data on the Veteran population going forward.

As of March 31, 2022 VAC served 5,880 WS Veterans and 118,820 CAF Veterans. In addition, VAC provided benefits to 30,411 WS survivors, 16,630 CAF survivors, and administers benefits on behalf of 20,564 RCMP members or former members and their survivors.

VAC’s budget fluctuates each year due to the demand-driven nature of its programs which are based on Veterans’ needs and entitlements. In other words, a Veteran who is entitled to a benefit is paid that benefit, whether 10 Veterans come forward or 10,000.

Overall, total VAC clients (Veterans and survivors) increased by 2.1% in 2021-22. It is forecasted that growth in CAF and RCMP Veterans and Survivors will slightly outpace the decline of WS Veterans and Survivors, resulting in an average of 1.4% total VAC client growth over the next 5 years.

Pension For Life

April 1, 2019, Pension for Life (PFL) was introduced. Pension for Life includes three new benefits: Pain and Suffering Compensation; Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation; and Income Replacement Benefit. The Pension for Life Benefits package is intended to meet the following objectives:

  • Providing recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
  • Providing a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments; implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six of seven existing income-related financial benefits.
  • Addressing concerns raised by military and Veteran communities and families by empowering CAF members and Veterans living with a disability, caused by a service-related illness or injury, to choose the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.

VAC’s actual spending for 2020-21 was lower than planned due mainly to the demand for certain programs being less than originally forecasted as well as the impacts of the pandemic.

Retired Programs

The former Career Transition Services Program was discontinued as of April 1, 2018 and replaced by the new Career Transition Services Program.

The Family Caregiver Relief Benefit was discontinued as of April 1, 2018 and replaced by the Caregiver Recognition Benefit.

Automation of the VAC Facts & Figures

The VAC Facts & Figures is transitioning from its current format to an automated dashboard in 2023. The dashboard will contain automated client data which will be updated on a monthly basis. It will provide access to client figures for each program with drill-down capability by geographical area, province, age, service type, sex, client type and urban/rural breakdown and will link to the following information:

 
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Departmental client and expenditure forecasts are used to support official budgetary requests to adjust annual funding levels and spending authorities for Veteran programs and services as well as to track actual client intake and program usage in terms of both number of clients and dollars expended. Forecasts are updated annually while expenditure tracking is reflected quarterly where possible.

These numbers will not reconcile precisely with other published financial reports as listed below, due to timing of the information, the level of detailed reporting across the various programs and focus on program spending only. Departmental regular operating budget and expenditures are not included under program spending. Forecasts may not correspond to approved departmental budget amounts. In these cases, funding adjustments may be sought through future Estimates cycles to ensure appropriate funding so that all Veterans receive their rightful benefits and services.

More detail on the Department's expenditure plan and actual expenditures can be found as follows:

  1. The Departmental Plan (DP) (previously known as the Report on Plans and Priorities) describes departmental priorities, strategic outcomes, programs, expected results and associated resource requirements, covering a three-year period beginning with the year indicated in the title of the report.
  2. The Departmental Results Report (DRR) (previously known as the Departmental Performance Report) is a departmental account of actual performance for the most recently completed fiscal year against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the respective Departmental Plan. DRRs inform Parliamentarians and Canadians of the results achieved by government organizations for Canadians.
  3. Quarterly Financial Reports (QFR) for departments and agencies consist of financial tables comparing planned and actual expenditures for both the quarter and year-to-date, as well as comparative information for the preceding fiscal year. Each report includes spending authorities granted through the Main and Supplementary Estimates, as well as any allotment transfers approved by Treasury Board that have become available for use by the institution at the end of the quarter.
  4. The Public Accounts of Canada is the report of the Government of Canada prepared annually by the Receiver General. The report covers the financial transactions of the Government during the year.
 
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Start year
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