VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA Services and Benefits VAC-DND Military Family Services Pilot Presenter: Mirjana Adzija, VAC Ottawa Office September 29, 2015

VAC-DND Military Family Services Pilot The initiative will run from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2019 inclusive Seven Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) sites only Scope For medically released Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans and their families to access community-based MFRCs and two national services – the Family Information Line and familyforce.ca for two years from the date of release. 2

A Veteran 3 Once military members release from the Canadian Armed Forces they are considered a Veteran

Veterans Affairs Canada Mission 4 To provide exemplary, client- centred services and benefits that respond to the needs of Veterans, our other clients and their families, in recognition of their services to Canada; and to keep the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.

Veterans Affairs Canada Services and Benefits Veterans Affairs Canada provides services and benefits to traditional war service Veterans from the Second World War and Korean War, releasing members and Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and eligible family members. The range of services and benefits available to each Veteran is dependent upon program eligibility. Veterans with service-related injuries and/or illnesses are eligible to receive a suite of services and benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. 5

Veterans Benefits Browser 6

Applying for Disability Benefits Step 1 – Initial application Step 2 – Disability Benefits/Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Officer: –Service health records, service eligibility, identification, family information, Military Personnel Record Resume, any supporting evidence Step 3 – Veterans Affairs Canada Decision: –Eligibility, extent of disability, amount of award 7

Redress Process Following receipt of VAC decision: if they have questions or are not satisfied with the decision, review and appeal options may be available; contact the Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA) at for free legal advice and counselling; the Royal Canadian Legion and other Veterans organizations can also assist. 8

Services and Benefits under the New Veterans Charter Transition Services Case Management Services Rehabilitation Health Care – treatment benefits, Veterans Independence Program Disability Benefits and Survivor Benefits Financial benefits Group Health Insurance (PSHCP) Career Transition Services Family Support Mental Health Services (including Peer Support) Hire A Veteran initiative Critical Injury Benefit (CIB) Retirement Income Security Benefit (RISB) Family Caregiver Relief Benefit (FCRB)

Supports for Families Vocational Assistance Case Management Services Financial Benefits VAC Assistance Service Peer Support Group Health Insurance (PSHCP) Death Benefit Educational Assistance for Children Family Caregiver Relief Benefit Disability/Benefits in respect of death for survivors and dependent children Veterans Independence Program in respect of death for survivors

Support for Non-Eligible Veterans Veterans without service-related injuries and/or illnesses are eligible for case management services and other support services such as: Pastoral Outreach VAC Assistance Service (24/7 help line and referral service) Peer Support Career Counselling Job search training and support Emergency Funds Assistance with accessing community services 11

Early Transition Intervention in Collaboration with CAF For CAF personnel, who are primarily medically releasing and are severely ill and injured with complex transitions needs. The CAF and VAC case managers develop a collaborative plan to make sure the necessary services and benefits are in place for a smooth transition to civilian life. 12

VAC Transition Interview Mandatory for releasing members, which include all Regular Force members both medically and non-medically releasing, medically releasing Reservist, those Reservists with Special Duty Area or Special Duty Operation Service to participate in a transition interview with VAC. Available to any other Reservists or RCMP members who make a request. Provides information on VAC program benefits and services prior to release. Focuses on determinants of health to screen for potential barriers or risks to an unsuccessful transition to civilian life. Family members or other support persons are encouraged to attend. 13

Case Management Services Available to all Veterans, releasing Canadian Armed Forces members and their families and releasing RCMP members who may be finding it difficult to navigate a transition or change in their lives. Case management services enable Veterans with complex needs, and their families, to achieve mutually agreed upon goals through a collaborative, organized and dynamic process, coordinated by the VAC Case Manager. As part of this interactive problem solving process, the Case Manager performs six core functions: 1.Engagement and relationship building 2.Comprehensive assessment(s) 3.Analysis 4.Case planning and consultation 5.Monitoring and evaluation 6.Disengagement 14

e-Tools 15 My VAC Account My VAC Book Facebook Twitter VAC mobile apps

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