Families, Caregivers and Survivors
Supports for family members, caregivers, and survivors of veterans, including recognition benefits, independence programs, and survivor benefits.
Orientation
Supports for family members, caregivers, and survivors of veterans, including recognition benefits, independence programs, and survivor benefits.
Who this hub may help
Common situations that lead someone here
- You are caring for a veteran and need support
- You are a family member trying to understand benefits
- You are a survivor exploring available programs
- You want to understand caregiver recognition
Boundary: VANCA helps families and caregivers navigate. VAC determines eligibility for family and caregiver programs.
Most Useful Starting Points
Recommended pages
Relevant tools
Related Programs
Departmental Review / VRAB Review and Appeal
Verified: 2026-07-18
Critical Injury Benefit
Verified: 2026-07-18
Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS)
CFIS
Verified: 2026-07-18
Veteran Emergency Fund
Verified: 2026-07-18
Education and Training Benefit (ETB)
ETB
Verified: 2026-07-18
Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB)
CRB
Verified: 2026-07-18
What Usually Happens Next?
What Usually Happens Next?
- 1
Explore the recommended starting points
Responsible: You
Possible following step: Review program cards and guides
- 2
Gather relevant documents
Responsible: You
Possible following step: Use the document checklist
Document Checklist - 3
Review related programs
Responsible: Responsible organizations
Possible following step: Check eligibility criteria
- 4
Contact the responsible organization or request support
Responsible: You
Possible following step: Submit applications or ask questions
This sequence is educational. The actual process depends on the responsible organization's decision. Approval is not an inevitable next step.
Decision Tree
I am helping a Veteran as a family member or caregiver
Supports exist for family members, caregivers, and survivors. This tree helps you find what may be relevant.
What is your situation?
Verified Timelines
SISIP / CAF LTD — Application Deadline
DeadlineApply no later than 120 days after release
Application is encouraged at disclosure or before release. Apply no later than 120 days after release.
Starts when: Release date
Responsible: SISIP / Manulife
Source checked: 2026-07-26
SISIP / CAF LTD — Income Benefit
Benefit periodPayable only after release
CAF LTD income benefit is payable only after release. Final calculation depends on receipt of final release details.
Starts when: Release date
Responsible: SISIP / Manulife
Source checked: 2026-07-26
CAF Pension — Initial Direct Deposit
Service standardUp to 45 calendar days after release
The published standard is initial direct deposit within 45 calendar days after release once the Pension Centre has all required documentation.
Starts when: All required documentation received by the Pension Centre
Some files take longer. Time spent gathering documentation may not be included.
While waiting: Confirm all required documents are submitted and banking information is correct.
Responsible: CAF
Source checked: 2026-07-26
PSHCP and PDSP — Application Window
DeadlineApply within 60 days after release
Applying within 60 days after release where eligible may preserve applicable continuous or retroactive coverage.
Starts when: Release date
Coverage setup may take up to approximately three months.
Responsible: CAF / Treasury Board
Source checked: 2026-07-26
VAC Income Replacement Benefit and Canadian Forces Income Support
Service standard4 weeks
The published service standard is 4 weeks. The department aims to process 80% within this standard.
Starts when: Complete application received
Responsible: VAC
Source checked: 2026-07-26
Post-Release Transition Phase
Planning windowRelease date through two years after release
The official medical-release transition framework describes the post-release phase as extending through the first two years.
Responsible: DND/CAF
Source checked: 2026-07-26
Common Mistakes
Writing only that the decision is unfair.
Not identifying the exact error or missing evidence.
Using reassessment evidence to challenge an old decision without clarifying the issue.
Missing the deadline.
Submitting duplicate records with no explanation.
Assuming a departmental review includes an oral hearing.
Trying to present every life event instead of the disputed legal and factual issues.
Submitting unexplained medical records.
Giving testimony outside personal knowledge.
Waiting too long to contact BPA.
Assuming an appeal guarantees a different result.
Treating judicial review as another ordinary appeal.
Focusing only on permanent disability instead of the immediate acute impact.
From: Critical Injury Benefit
Failing to identify one sudden incident.
From: Critical Injury Benefit
Using later symptoms without documenting the immediate severe impairment.
From: Critical Injury Benefit
Assuming other VAC awards prove CIB eligibility.
From: Critical Injury Benefit
Missing operational reports, hospitalization records or intensive-care evidence.
From: Critical Injury Benefit
Missing the application window.
Reporting only personal income and not required household income.
Assuming IRB automatically converts to CFIS.
Not documenting job-search activity.
Failing to report income changes.
Not checking interactions with provincial programs.
Family and Caregiver Document Checklist
These documents may be relevant for family, caregiver, and survivor programs.
Family documents
Marriage or common-law certificate
Sometimes helpfulNeeded for family benefit eligibility.
Dependant birth certificates
Sometimes helpfulNeeded for dependant benefits.
Caregiver documents
Caregiver assessment documentation
Situation-specificMay support Caregiver Recognition Benefit.
VIP assessment
Situation-specificShows home-care needs.
Keep copies of everything you submit. Store sensitive records securely and share them only through an approved method with the organization that requires them.