Support for Families

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Then: In 1990, injured CAF Veterans could access ambulance, dental, vision and hearing services, as well as financial support for prescriptions, nursing care, prosthetics and travel to appointments for their service-related disabilities.

Now: CAF Veterans can access those benefits and also have access to comprehensive rehabilitation services, including:

• medical treatment to restore their health to the fullest extent possible,
• professional support such as life skills and pain management strategies to promote independence and adjustment, and
• vocational supports to build a rewarding civilian career.

Today, Veterans can access benefits and services at any time throughout their life if they have rehabilitation needs arising primarily from service.

Over 90% of VAC’s $3.6 billion budget goes directly into programs and services.

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Then: In 1990, CAF Veterans with mental health conditions could receive a disability pension, treatment for their service-related disability, and the services of an area counsellor. At that time, VAC only had 50 registered mental health service providers. Now: Today, eligible CAF Veterans and their families have access to disability awards, death benefits, rehabilitation, financial benefits, group health insurance, as well as approximately 4,000 registered mental health service providers across the country, VAC case management services, clinical care managers, a network of VAC-DND specialized clinics, the VAC Assistance Service offering free counselling with a mental health professional, and the VAC-DND OSISS Program, which offers social support to Veterans, CAF personnel and their families impacted by an operational stress injury. Over 90% of VAC’s $3.6 billion budget goes directly into programs and services.

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Then: In 1990, there were only VAC district offices that offered services to Veterans. Now: Today, Veterans and their families have access to more than 650 points of service, including: • integrated personnel support centres, • operational stress injury clinics, and • Service Canada locations. Over 90% of VAC’s $3.6 billion budget goes directly into programs and services.

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Then: In 1990, Veterans and their families were served by VAC staff whose primary role was administration of benefits. Now: Today, Veterans and their families with complex needs can benefit from the one-on-one services of a VAC case manager who will help them identify and reach their goals. VAC case managers are part of a larger team and have access to doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mental health specialists, rehabilitation specialists, and provincial and local programs and service providers. Over 90% of VAC’s $3.6 billion budget goes directly into programs and services.

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Then: In 1990, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)Veterans had no assistance from VAC with finding a new career. Now: Today, CAF Veterans and personnel leaving the military or those with service-related rehabilitation needs find jobs in the civilian workforce. Eligible Veterans are provided with vocational rehabilitation and reimbursed up to $75,800 for training-related expenses to prepare them for new careers. Releasing Veterans may also access up to $1,000 for career transition services. The Hire a Veteran initiative matches the world-class skills and expertise of CAF members and Veterans with careers in corporate Canada and local businesses. CAF Veterans medically released for service-related reasons will also receive priority access to job opportunities in the public service. Over 90% of VAC’s $3.6 billion budget goes directly into programs and services.

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Then: In 1990, injured Veterans could receive a monthly disability pension, case management and some related health care. Now: Today, Veterans and their families can receive personalized and comprehensive benefits and services to assist them in achieving their full potential, including: • disability awards for pain and suffering, • rehabilitation services to restore function and independence, • vocational training, • income supports, • job finding assistance, and • access to individual and family group health benefits. Over 90% of VAC’s $3.6 billion budget goes directly into programs and services.