Government of Canada implements recently announced changes to support veterans, families

Veterans Affairs Canada to begin implementing recently announced changes

The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today advised that two recent announcements to help Veterans and their families are now in effect.

The Government of Canada is broadening eligibility for the Permanent Impairment Allowance, (PIA) and leveling the playing field for disabled Reserve Force Veterans who receive the Earnings Loss Benefit.

• The Permanent Impairment Allowance (PIA) provides lifelong monthly financial support to Veterans whose job opportunities have been limited by a permanent service-related injury or illness. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is expanding the number of Veterans eligible for the PIA by being less restrictive about the requirements relating to their ability to independently carry out most daily activities.

Also effective immediately:

• Reserve Force Veterans will have their Earnings Loss Benefit calculated in the same way as Regular Force Veterans. The Earnings Loss Benefit provides income support for Veterans with service-related injuries while they are participating in VAC's Rehabilitation Program or if they are unable to be suitably employed.
• Starting this month, all Veterans of the Reserve Force eligible for the EL Benefit will be ensured a minimum annual income of $42,426, which is the current EL Benefit of a basic corporal in the Regular Force. Higher ranks may receive more as the EL Benefit is calculated at 75% of a Veteran's monthly salary.

The Department will be contacting Veterans who are eligible to receive increased Earnings Loss benefits.

The Government of Canada continues to ensure that Canadian Veterans and their families have the support they need and are treated with care, compassion and respect.

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"Our Government is taking major strides to close the gaps and address the areas of greatest concern to Veterans and their families. Two of our recently announced improvements came into effect today. We will continue to move swiftly to improve the lives of those who have given so much on our behalf."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs