The evaluation finds that there is a continued need for the VEF, now and in the future, as Veterans are looking to VAC for assistance during times of financial crisis. Program uptake has been strong with minimal promotion of the program. Demand for the VEF has exceeded the funding level of $1,000,000 in each of its first two years of operation and is on pace to exceed the limit in year three.
Though the program is meeting the immediate needs of Veterans, longer term needs must be met through other supports. The VEF can act as a bridge until additional supports can be put in place, as evidenced by the program’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The VEF program aligns with Government of Canada goals as it is assisting Veterans who are struggling to pay for necessities (both before and during the pandemic), including those that are homeless/temporarily homeless.
The program area has demonstrated a commitment to program governance. Weekly reporting and daily tracking of program dollars is in place. A quality assurance function provides oversight and allows program management to identify and respond to issues in the field as they arise. The quality assurance function is a best practice that should be continued by the program area.
The VEF program is administratively burdensome for frontline staff due to the use of CSDN decision dockets to process applications. The lack of integration with other VAC systems increases the administrative burden on decision makers. In addition, the system does not allow for easy data retrieval required to support program management.
The current turnaround time for making payment on a VEF application within 48 hours of receiving all documentation is generally being accomplished. The current delivery standard is being met, even during office closures during the pandemic.
Community aid organizations are referring Veterans to the VEF for assistance when they would normally provide the assistance. This may put pressure on the program in the future.