VAC Coverage and Benefits
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and requested services from VAC.
Making a MyVAC account
The MyVAC Account is a simple and secure way to do business online with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
Click here to register for a MyVAC account
VAC Service Offerings
Have you served in the CAF or RCMP?
If so, you may qualify for services to support your finances, education, mental health and more.
Click here to learn more
VAC Case Management Service
If you’re facing complex challenges, VAC can provide case management services. This is a collaborative process between you, your case manager and the case management team. Its aim is to identify your needs, set goals and create a plan to help you achieve your highest level of independence, health and well-being.
There is no application form to request Case Management.
When preparing to leave service, the VAC transition interview may identify that you and your family need case management services. We will then assign you a case manager.
If you have already been released, please VAC if you think you (and your family) could benefit from case management services.
Veteran services agent
VSRs can help with VIP, Additional Pain and Suffering, and escalated issues and requests. If you are speaking with a VAC customer service agent, you can ask to speak to a Veteran Service Agent (VSR). A VSR is for members that do not have a Case Manager or have been deemed Diminished Earnings Capacity and require additional assistance for applications, questions, or
concerns.
How does making claims for VAC coverage and benefits work?
To make a claim for VAC coverage and benefits:
- VAC claim applications can be completed and submitted electronically directly on the MY VAC Canada Account or on paper applications requested from VAC or downloaded from the internet – https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/forms. Paper applications can be uploaded to the My VAC Canada Account, faxed, mailed or hand carried to your nearest VAC office https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/contact
- VAC will send a claim application. This will need to be completed by Dr/Nurse Practitioner.
- 8-10 business days after submitting a claim to VAC, you will receive a medical questionnaire for your healthcare team to complete. This paperwork will be provided to you via the My VAC Canada Account or via Canada Post. Once this is completed, it can be submitted to VAC by your DR, or you can submit it to VAC via My VAC Canada Account, fax, mail or in person at your closest VAC office.
- VAC will approve or deny your request for benefits. The approval/denial of benefits and the percentage you will receive if approved is based on the level of your impairment from your claimed condition (s) and how your injury/impairment affects your daily quality of life. There is a criterion that Veteran Affairs Canada follows to determine the percentage of disability https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/health-support/physical-health-and-wellness/compensation-illness-injury/disability-benefits/benefits-determined/entitlement-eligibility-guidelines/az-intro You will receive a decision letter in your My VAC Canada Account inbox or via Canada Post, once the decision has been rendered. If you receive a denial or are unhappy with the % offered, you will have an opportunity to appeal this decision. The information on how to appeal will be in your decision letter.
Click here for MyVac
As a Veteran, VAC will assign you A or B line coverage:
A – CoverageTreatment and benefits are only approved and can relate directly to your awarded condition. |
B – CoverageAwarded condition for Special Duty Area (SDA) area that requires VIP services. Can be approved for frail criteria + injury from a Special Duty Area. Special Duty Areas are specific geographic areas outside Canada where members are exposed to conditions of elevated risk (Afghanistan, Iraq etc.). You can determine if your injury was awarded from a Special Duty Area by looking at your Decision or Summary of Assessment. |
VAC Benefit Grid
you can search here to see if your VAC coverage covers a service or medical product you are looking for
Click here for more information
VAC Claims Payout Rates
VAC Claims Payout Rates
Find out what you should be paid out following approval of an awarded claim.
Click here to learn more
Additional Pain & Suffering Applicaiton
Submit an application for additional pain and suffering through your MyVAC. It is a financial benefit to recognize and acknowledge the Member’s barriers to re-establishing life after service. A non-taxable monthly benefit, payable for life to any Veteran who suffers from any disabilities that create a permanent and severe impairment and create a barrier to re-establishment in civilian life, has been granted an awarded condition.
dy received.
Reassessments
You can ask for a reassessment at any point where the impairment has increased. No reassessments are required if you are already maxed out at 100% with your awarded conditions or your status is Diminished Earnings Capacity (DEC). DEC is a status determined by Veteran Affairs Canada if your medical conditions make you unable to earn 60% + 2/3 of your pre-release salary. Your healthcare practitioner can send progress notes for your current conditions for this status.
Click her to learn about reassessments
Consequential Conditions
Consequential conditions such as physical/mental health conditions that are a result of an existing injury or side effect from prescriptions or injury/impairment. Ex: PTSD (original condition) = Bruxism, GERD, dental damage, sexual function.
Click here to learn more
Application communications received by VAC related to your submitted claim:
WithdrawnContact VAC; they need more info. |
SuspendedContact VAC within 8-10 days. Why 8-10 days? They need more information. VAC should contact you regarding this status, if you do not hear from them in 8-10 days, call or send a secure message through your MyVAC. |
CompleteA decision on your claim has been made, and your benefits are being processed! |
Veteran independence program
Submit an application for the Veteran independence program through your MyVAC. The VIP program gives you a monthly financial payment to hire services that help you with home care, such as:
Grass cutting
Snow plowing
Personal assistance such as laundry and cleaning services.
You can ask for your VIP services to be reassessed if you feel your needs have increased.
Click here to learn more about VIP
Mental Health Hotline
The VAC Assistance Service provides free, short-term psychological support with a mental health professional.
When you contact the VAC Assistance Service, you will speak to a mental health professional. They will help identify your needs and make an appropriate referral to a local mental health professional. You can usually receive an appointment within five working days.
You can receive between one and up to 20 hours of confidential support through this service. The number of hours will depend on the nature, severity and urgency of the issue.
For immediate support, call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional right now.
Click here for more information
Second career assistance network
Seminar provides a broad range of information on major transition topics including, but not limited to, topics such as:
- Pension benefits
- VAC benefits, services and entitlements
- Administration procedures on release
- SISIP coverage after release
- Family services
- Education benefits
- Career interest inventories
- Job search tools
- Networking opportunities
Click here for more information
Veteran Emergency Fund
Quick access to funds for eligible Veterans and their families who are facing an unexpected financial emergency
Click here for more information
Vaporizer coverage
VAC will cover the replacement cost of a vaporizer up to $300 available every three calendar years.
Click here for more information