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Source verified August 23, 2026
Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada)
Financial recognition for service-related conditions
Latest source updateLast Update: August 23, 2026Latest change: The policy’s effective date moved to August 19, 2026, the Reassurance special-duty operation now continues until further notice, and seven special-duty operations were added to the designation list.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 23, 2026
Latest change: The policy’s effective date moved to August 19, 2026, the Reassurance special-duty operation now continues until further notice, and seven special-duty operations were added to the designation list.
Disability Benefits policy updated
The policy document now shows an effective date of August 19, 2026 instead of September 29, 2021. It also changes the Reassurance special-duty operation from ending March 31, 2023 to continuing until further notice. Seven special-duty operations were added to the designation list: CARIBBE, KOBOLD, NEON, OPEN SPIRIT, PROJECTION (IAP), PROTEUS, and RENDER SAFE.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Veterans with a diagnosed medical condition or disability related to their service.
See full eligibility
Overview
Disability benefits provide financial recognition for veterans with physical or mental health conditions related to their service. Examples include hearing loss, tinnitus, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Illness, and similar conditions related to service.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- A declaration attesting to the truth of the information provided.
- Medical reports or other records that document the member’s or Veteran’s injury or disease, diagnosis, disability, and increase in the extent of the disability.
- For an application by a survivor or a dependent child, a copy of the death certificate of the member or Veteran and medical reports or other records that document the cause of death.
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Veterans with a diagnosed medical condition or disability related to their service.
Who is not eligible
- Survivors and dependent children cannot apply for Pain and Suffering Compensation for a medical condition for which they received the Death Benefit.
Selection criteria
- Adjudicators review all evidence relating to the claim and issue a fair, impartial written decision with reasons.
- They must draw all reasonable and favourable inferences and resolve any doubt in favour of the applicant.
- Relevant evidence is considered in light of all the circumstances of the case, and doubtful relevance is generally accepted for consideration.
- Credible and uncontradicted evidence should be accepted.
How to apply
- Apply online through My VAC Account.
Processing and Agreement
- VAC will get a copy of your service health records when it receives your application for disability benefits.
- The Claim Summary Tool (CST) is used to help process Disability Benefit applications more quickly.
- Your disability benefits application is reviewed by a trained decision maker.
Additional information
- Gulf War Illness is recognized by VAC as a valid medical diagnosis.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) Program
What is the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada)?
Disability benefits provide financial recognition for veterans with physical or mental health conditions related to their service. Examples include hearing loss, tinnitus, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Illness, and similar conditions related to service.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) program?
To be eligible for the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) program, you must:
Have a diagnosed medical condition or disability.
Show that the condition or disability is related to your service.
Who can I contact for more information about the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada)?
You can contact Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) or by phone at 1-866-522-2022.
Where is the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) available?
The Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) program is available across Canada.
Is the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada)?
Disability Benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada) is funded by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)