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We help you understand what is in front of you and sort out what to do next. The responsible organization always makes the decision — we do not.
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What we don't do:
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Showing 18 benefits
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC)
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC) is a tax-free monthly benefit payable for life to eligible Veterans. It recognizes severe and permanent service-related impairment that creates a barrier to re-establishment in civilian life. APSC is graded at three levels according to the extent and severity of impairment. It is different from PSC: PSC recognizes the disability itself, while APSC focuses on permanent and severe impairment and the resulting barrier after service.
Read the plain-language guideCanada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) is a taxable monthly benefit for eligible CPP contributors who are over 18 and under 65 and have a severe and prolonged mental or physical disability. 'Severe' generally means the disability regularly prevents any substantially gainful work; 'prolonged' means long-term and indefinite or likely to result in death. Contribution requirements also apply. CPP-D is not limited to service-related conditions.
Read the plain-language guideCanadian Forces Income Support (CFIS)
Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS) is a tax-free, income-tested monthly benefit for eligible low-income Veterans, survivors and orphans. It may become relevant after participation in the VAC Rehabilitation Program or after certain income-replacement support ends. Eligibility depends on service/release criteria, household income, employment-search or exemption rules and application timing. It is not the same as IRB, provincial assistance or a military pension.
Read the plain-language guideCaregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB)
The Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid directly to a designated informal caregiver who provides or coordinates ongoing care for an eligible Veteran. The Veteran applies and designates one caregiver. Eligibility depends on the Veteran having an approved disability benefit and needing a defined level of daily care, direction or supervision because of the service-related disability.
Read the plain-language guideCritical Injury Benefit
The Critical Injury Benefit (CIB) is a tax-free lump-sum payment for an eligible CAF member or Veteran who, after March 31, 2006, sustained a severe and traumatic service-related injury or developed an acute service-related disease from a sudden and single incident, with immediate severe impairment and severe interference in quality of life. It is designed for the acute impact of a critical incident, not for every serious or chronic service-related disability.
Read the plain-language guideDepartmental Review / VRAB Review and Appeal
A departmental review is an internal VAC redress option for certain disability-benefit decisions. It is often most useful when new, relevant evidence is available or when a clear factual or legal issue can be addressed efficiently by VAC. It is not always the best route for every disagreement, and it should be distinguished from a reassessment for worsening and from a hearing before the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB). The decision letter and advice from the Bureau of Pensions Advocates are important. The Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) is an independent federal administrative tribunal that reviews certain VAC disability-benefit decisions. The first tribunal stage is generally a Review Hearing, where the applicant may give oral testimony. If dissatisfied with the Review decision, an Appeal Hearing may be available. BPA can provide free legal advice and representation in eligible cases. Further reconsideration or Federal Court judicial review may exist in limited circumstances, but they are not routine substitutes for the ordinary stages.
Read the plain-language guideDisability Pension
The Disability Pension is a tax-free monthly disability benefit under the Pension Act. It generally applies to eligible service before April 1, 2006 and to certain groups and service types still governed by the Pension Act, including eligible RCMP service. Like PSC, the decision involves both entitlement - the relationship between disability and service - and assessment - the extent of disability. Additional Pension Act allowances may become relevant in some cases.
Read the plain-language guideDisability Tax Credit (DTC)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit that can reduce income tax payable by an approved person or, where conditions are met, a supporting family member. Eligibility is based on the effects of a severe and prolonged impairment, not on diagnosis, employment status, income level or military service. Approval can also open access to other programs, including the RDSP and Canada Disability Benefit, subject to their separate rules.
Read the plain-language guideEducation and Training Benefit (ETB)
The Education and Training Benefit (ETB) provides eligible Veterans with funding toward a completed education or training plan after release. Eligibility is primarily based on accumulated paid CAF service, with benefit tiers tied to years of service and current indexed maximums. The program can support formal education and shorter courses, but approval, remaining entitlement, time limits and eligible costs must be confirmed before committing to study.
Read the plain-language guideIncome Replacement Benefit (IRB)
The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a taxable monthly benefit that helps maintain income while an eligible Veteran participates in the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program. It may continue when VAC determines, before age 65, that a Veteran has a diminished earning capacity. Before age 65, VAC generally calculates a starting amount using 90% of indexed gross pre-release military salary or the applicable minimum threshold, then subtracts prescribed income sources. It is therefore not automatically an extra payment equal to 90% of salary.
Read the plain-language guideMental Health Benefits
Treatment coverage for eligible mental health conditions while a related disability application is processed.
Read the plain-language guidePain and Suffering Compensation (PSC)
Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) is VAC’s tax-free disability compensation for the non-economic impact of a service-related disability. It recognizes pain, functional loss and the effect of the disability on quality of life. VAC first decides entitlement - whether the disability is related to eligible service - and then assesses the extent of disability as a percentage. A person may generally choose monthly payments for life or a lump-sum option, subject to the rules that apply to the decision.
Read the plain-language guideRegistered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan for a person approved for the Disability Tax Credit. Private contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment growth is sheltered while inside the plan. Depending on age and family income, the plan may receive Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. Withdrawals can trigger repayment of recent grants and bonds under the assistance holdback rules, so the RDSP should be treated as long-term planning rather than an ordinary savings account.
Read the plain-language guideRehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance
VAC Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance is an individualized program intended to address service-related barriers to re-establishment. A rehabilitation plan may include medical, psychosocial and vocational components. VAC case managers remain responsible for plan approval and coordination, while contracted rehabilitation partners may deliver assessments and services. Vocational assistance may also be available to an eligible spouse, common-law partner or survivor in defined circumstances.
Read the plain-language guideSISIP Long Term Disability (LTD)
Canadian Armed Forces Long Term Disability (CAF LTD), commonly associated with SISIP administration, is an employer-sponsored group disability plan for eligible CAF members. It can provide income replacement after release when a member is medically released or otherwise meets the plan definition of total disability. The plan may also include vocational rehabilitation. The governing policy, certificate, decision letter and case-specific calculation are essential because offsets, duration, definitions and reporting obligations differ from VAC programs.
Read the plain-language guideTreatment Benefits
VAC Treatment Benefits provide eligible Veterans with coverage for authorized health-care products and services. Coverage is organized through Programs of Choice, including aids for daily living, ambulance, hearing, dental, medical services, supplies, nursing, oxygen, prescription drugs, prosthetics and orthotics, related health services, special equipment, vision and health-related travel. Eligibility and coverage depend on how the person qualifies, the entitled condition, clinical need, benefit-grid rules and authorization requirements.
Read the plain-language guideVeteran Emergency Fund
The Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides rapid, short-term financial assistance to eligible Veterans and certain family members facing an unforeseen financial emergency that threatens health or safety. It is intended to address the immediate emergency when the person lacks the means to do so. It is not ongoing income support, debt consolidation or a substitute for longer-term housing, income or benefit programs.
Read the plain-language guideVeterans Independence Program (VIP)
The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) provides eligible Veterans and certain survivors or primary caregivers with funding for approved services that help maintain health, independence and residence at home. Services may include housekeeping, grounds maintenance, personal care, access to nutrition, ambulatory health care and home adaptations, depending on eligibility and assessed need. VIP is not a general household-income benefit and does not automatically cover every service.
Read the plain-language guideDisclaimer: This library provides navigation and education only. We don't assess eligibility, guarantee approval, or provide legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Program rules can change. Confirm current information using the official source shown on each benefit page. Official decisions are made by the responsible department, tribunal, insurer, or benefit provider.