AFP/AAC Newsletter #32 - English

Armed Forces Pensioners’ / Annuitants’ Association of Canada Issue #32 • March 2019 W hen unexpected financial crises occur, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) is there to help. Whether the urgent need involves food, shelter or med- ical expenses, this fund is intended to provide quick access to sup- port, without a lot of red tape. The VEF is designed to allow Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to meet its mandated commitments of as- sisting veterans with their care, treatment and re-establishment in civilian life, as well as repaying the nation’s debt of gratitude toward those who have sacrificed for their country. The VEF provides financial aid to veterans, their families or their sur- vivors in situations where well-be- ing is at risk. With an understand- ing that every person’s situation is unique, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and funds may be allocated to cover such essentials as food, clothing, rent or mortgage payments, medical expenses and costs required to maintain safety and shelter. Key details It is important to note that emer- gency funding is only available to Canadian residents, which means the applicant must be absent from Canada for no more than 183 total days between April 1 and March 31 of a given fiscal year. The funds are provided in the form of a grant, so repayment is not required. In addition, VEF funds are considered social assistance payments so recipients are not required to report the funds on in- come tax returns as it is not taxable. Where appropriate, payments are made directly to third parties on behalf of applicants. The maxi- mum amount payable per veteran per fiscal year is $2,500, although exceptions to this amount may be considered. Because the fund is only in- tended to provide temporary financial relief, VAC will work with affected personnel and their families to identify and develop solutions and make referrals to al- ternate and/or additional resourc- es to improve financial stability for the long term. Eligibility Eligible applicants for this program include those with an urgent finan- cial need who are either: n a former member of the Canadi- an Armed Forces (CAF); n the spouse/common-law part- ner of the former member; n a survivor of a deceased CAF member or veteran; or n an orphan of a deceased CAF member or veteran (or the legal guardian if the orphan is under the age of 18). HOW TO APPLY The most expedient method is to apply online; one must first register for a My VAC account (visit https:// www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/e_services ). Alternatively, there is a download- able application form (available at: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/ forms/document/587 ) which can be completed and dropped off at any VAC Area Office or Service Canada Office, or sent by Canada Post to the address provided. Anyone with- out Internet access to download forms should contact their local RCL branch to request a copy, or contact us to have it mailed. First-time applicants to a VAC program will need to provide proof of identity. If documents have been destroyed as a result of the emer- gency situation, VAC will provide support to help confirm identity and verify military service. It is helpful to provide as much information as possible about the financial emergency, including such supporting details as invoices, quotes, notices, letters or statements to explain the situation. Applicants will be advised if additional infor- Veterans Emergency Fund of this article should you wish to read more. Thanks to the LASS surveys and subsequent analysis, VAC now has a better picture than ever before about the socioeconomics, military characteristics, health, disability and well-being of CAF Primary Re- serve and Regular Force veterans. LASS findings have provided evi- dence to inform the efforts of both VAC and DND/CAF to support transition to civilian life. Future research is expected to provide deeper understanding of the health and well-being of veterans, which will be useful as policies, programs and services to support veterans continue to evolve. To read the detailed report of the 2013 LASS, please visit: http:// publications.gc.ca/collections/ collection_2016/acc-vac/V32-252- 2014-eng.pdf The detailed report of the 2016 LASS is available at: https://www. veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-us/ research-directorate/publications/ reports/lass-2016 n Health Indicators Continued from page 3