Question Period Note: PENSION FOR LIFE

• Pension for Life is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and stability to members and Veterans who experience a service related illness or injury.
• Veterans themselves asked for a better system. They wanted:
• More choice and lifelong financial recognition for pain and suffering related to a service-related illness or injury;
• One, easy-to-understand monthly benefit that provides short and long-term income support for themselves and their families;
• Financial compensation to account for the impact of having to re-establish in post-military life; and
• Recognition of the exceptional impacts and quality of life issues faced by those living with a service-related illness or injury.
• On April 1, 2019, approximately 80,000 Veterans and other recipients were successfully transitioned from the previous suite of disability and complex financial benefits to the new benefits.
• Response from the Veteran community has been very positive.
• Our Government is committed to supporting Canada’s Veterans and their families, and values the significant contributions that Veterans have made protecting Canadians.
• We are committed to ensuring that Veterans receive the respect, support, care, and economic opportunities they deserve.
• Pensions for life represent an additional investment of close to $3.6 billion to support Canada’s Veterans. When combined with well-being programs already announced in previous budgets, the Government of Canada’s investments since 2016 add up to over $10 billion.
• These investments deliver what Veterans have asked for: a monthly pension for life, enhanced supports and a simpler system, while helping Veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life.
• Pension for Life is a comprehensive package that provides compensation for pain and suffering and income replacement benefits.

BACKGROUND: PENSION FOR LIFE

Pension for Life is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.

The Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.

Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) - Recognizing service-related pain and suffering: This monthly, lifelong, tax-free payment recognizes pain and suffering experienced by Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members with a disability due to a service-related illness and/or injury. The choice between monthly and lump sum options give Veterans and members the flexibility to decide what works best for them and their families.

Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC) - Delivering further recognition for those with severe and permanent impairment: This monthly, tax-free payment is for Veterans experiencing barriers to re-establishing themselves after service because of their severe and permanent illness and/or injury.

Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) - Delivering income support when Veterans need it: The monthly, benefit is designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment primarily resulting from service. The benefit is available to Veterans, survivors and orphans, for life, should they need it.

Pension for Life addresses concerns raised by military and Veteran communities and families. It empowers CAF members and Veterans living with a disability, caused by a service-related illness or injury, to choose the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.

The rationale and research behind this change:

These changes combine what Veterans have asked for with the most up-to-date research and understanding on Veteran well-being.

Veterans have asked for:
• More choice and lifelong financial recognition for pain and suffering related to a service-related illness or injury;
• One, easy-to-understand monthly benefit that provides short and long-term income support for themselves and their families;
• Financial compensation to account for the impact of having to re-establish in post-military life; and
• Recognition of the exceptional impacts and quality of life issues faced by those living with a service-related illness or injury.
• VAC Researchers have conducted studies, and also reviewed extensive research from around the world to come to these conclusions on Veteran well-being.
redaction

None