Ottawa- Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo says last week’s announcements from Veteran’s Affairs regarding enhanced lifetime support for injured Veterans and their families, as well strengthened benefits for Reservists, is a great step to ensure Veterans receive the care and support they need, now and in the future.
“This week’s announcements respond directly to concerns raised by the Veterans Ombudsman and the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs,” said McLeod.
The new Retirement Income Security Benefit will provide moderately to severely disabled Veterans with continued assistance in the form of a monthly income support payment beginning at age 65.
This benefit will work in concert with existing services and benefits to establish a continuum of support that spans a disabled Veteran’s entire life.
Income support would also be extended to families through continued payment of a monthly benefit to the Veteran’s survivor.
Under proposed changes aimed at ensuring respect for Reservists, beginning in April 2015, part-time Reserve Force Veterans who are eligible for income support, due to injury, disability or illness, through the Earnings Loss Benefit will receive the same minimum level of income as full-time Reserve Force and Regular Force Veterans. As part of this change, Reserve Force Veterans’ Earnings Loss Benefit will be calculated using their actual military salary. Survivors of part-time reservists who are in receipt of the Earnings Loss Benefit are also eligible and will benefit from this change.
“I want all Veterans, Reservists and their families to know that if they need any assistance with these new initiatives in the coming months, to please not hesitate in contacting my office for assistance,” concluded McLeod.