Supporting Information on Lower-Level Programs

Sub-Program 1.1.1: Disability Pension Benefits and Allowances

Description

This program recognizes and compensates eligible Veterans as well as Canadian Armed Forces members who applied for a disability pension prior to April 1, 2006, survivors, dependants and, in certain circumstances, civilians for the effects of a service-related disability and/or death. Compensation is provided in the form of a monthly disability pension. The program also provides Clothing Allowance for the distinct effects that disabilities may have on clothing; Attendance Allowance for pensioners who are totally disabled, whether by reason of military service or not, and in need of attendance; Treatment Allowance for the period of time pensioners are hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a pensioned condition to temporarily compensate at a 100% pension rate for that period of time; and, Educational Assistance of up to four years or 36 academic months for the cost of university, college or trade courses to eligible dependent children of pensioners who died as the result of military service or were pensioned at the 48% rate or greater at the time of death. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Pensions for Disability and Death; Payments under the Flying Accidents Compensation Regulations; Payments of Gallantry Awards; and, Treatment Allowances.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on disability pension benefit and allowance applications	% of Disability Pension applications awaiting a decision that are less than16 weeks old.	80%	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 1	n/aFootnote 1	n/aFootnote 1
	% of Disability Pension decisions rendered within 16 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	91%	64%* *Indicator = 12 weeks	69%
	% of Exceptional Incapacity Allowance decisions rendered within 12 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	80%	86%	84%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
1,315,660,369	1,308,884,481	1,305,560,802

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
296.3	286.5	288.3

Sub-Program 1.1.2: Disability Awards, Critical Injury and Death Benefits

Description

The program recognizes and compensates eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans and members, and in some cases surviving spouses/common-law partners and surviving dependent children, for the non-economic effects of service-related disability, death, detention and/or the immediate consequences of a sudden, single incident on or after April 1, 2006. Compensation is provided in the form of a lump sum Critical Injury Benefit and a lump sum Disability Award with options for the Disability Award to be paid in annual payment(s) or a combination of annual payments and lump sum. This program also compensates those in receipt of a Disability Award for the effects that disabilities may have on clothing. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Disability Awards and Allowances and Critical Injury Benefit.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Veterans, CAF members and other individuals receive timely decisions on applications for disability awards, critical injury and death benefits	% of Disability Award applications awaiting a decision that are less than16 weeks old.	80%	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 2	n/aFootnote 2	n/aFootnote 2
	% of Disability Award decisions rendered within 16 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	81%	41%* *Indicator = 12 weeks	48%
	% of Critical Injury Benefit decisions rendered within 12 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 3	n/aFootnote 3	70%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
1,538,095,849	709,354,917	701,805,111

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
476.9	461.2	464.0

Sub-Program 1.2.1: Earnings Loss Benefit

Description

This program provides income replacement to respond to the economic impact a military career-ending or service-connected health problem may have on a Veteran’s ability to earn income following release from the Canadian Armed Forces. To meet their basic needs, eligible Veterans participating in the Veterans Affairs Canada’s rehabilitation program are provided, post military release, with temporary income replacement in the form of a monthly payment so that their income does not fall below 90% of their gross pre-release military salary. Where a Veteran who had been participating in the rehabilitation program is not able to participate in suitable gainful employment (due to health problems), the income replacement continues until the Veteran reaches the age of 65. This benefit can also be paid to the survivors and/or orphans of a Veteran who dies as a result of a service-related injury or disease until the Veteran would have reached the age of 65 years. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans are able to fund their basic needs	% of Veterans completing the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program who reported that their income during their participation in the Program was sufficient to meet their basic living expenses, or better.	80%	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 4	92%	n/aFootnote 4

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
426,962,844	374,400,210	384,276,471

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
43.4	41.9	42.2

Sub-Program 1.2.2: Career Impact Allowance

Description

This program recognizes the impact on employment potential and career advancement caused by severe and permanent service-related disabilities. A monthly allowance is payable to Canadian Armed Forces Veterans who received a disability benefit for health conditions that are creating a permanent and severe impairment and for which rehabilitation services and vocational assistance program eligibility have been approved. The allowance is payable at an increased amount to Veterans not capable of suitable gainful employment (due to eligible health problems).This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for Career Impact Allowance	% of Career Impact Allowance decisions rendered within 12 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	87%	61%	9%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
131,277,465	112,545,546	115,097,641

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
36.9	35.7	35.9

Sub-Program 1.2.3: Retirement Benefits

Description

This program provides eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans with assurance that they will have sufficient funds to meet their basic needs after age 65. The retirement Income Security benefit is a taxable monthly income support benefit available to Veterans who: attain the age of 65 years after March 31, 2006; are designated totally and permanently incapacitated by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) as of the day before the date of their 65th birthday (or, for a limited time, have been designated totally disabled by the Service Income Security Insurance Plan Long Term Disability (SISIP-LTD)); and, have been granted a disability benefit for a service-related disability. This monthly income support ensures that an eligible Veteran’s income does not fall below 70% of the financial benefits which they were eligible to receive from VAC prior to age 65. The Supplementary Retirement Benefit, a taxable lump sum payment providing compensation for lost opportunities to contribute to retirement pensions, is also available to Veterans designated totally and permanently incapacitated by Veterans Affairs Canada. This Benefit is equal to 2% of the total amount of Earnings Loss benefits that were paid to the Veteran before income offsets. Survivors may also be eligible for a benefit under this program, payable after the Veteran would have reached the age of 65 years. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit, and Retirement Income Security Benefit.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for the Retirement Income Security Benefit and Supplementary Retirement Benefits	% of Retirement Benefit decisions rendered within 4 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	84%	91%	56%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
4,389,759	5,692,701	7,236,264

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
1.8	1.7	1.7

Sub-Program 1.2.4: Canadian Forces Income Support Benefit

Description

This program ensures that eligible Veterans have a minimum level of family income to meet basic needs while they are engaged in job search activities. This is achieved through a temporary monthly payment which supports low income Canadian Armed Force Veterans who have completed Veterans Affairs Canada’s rehabilitation program but have not yet obtained employment. Program recipients must continue to meet the income test to maintain eligibility for this benefit and some must demonstrate that they continue to seek employment. This program is also available to survivors and/or orphans of Veterans in certain circumstances. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Canadian Forces Income Support Allowance.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for Canadian Forces Income Support	% of Canadian Forces Income Support decisions rendered within 4 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	97%	85%	58%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
1,775,100	1,648,563	1,632,040

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
1.1	1.1	1.1

Sub-Program 1.2.5: War Veterans Allowance

Description

This program provides financial assistance to eligible Veterans, Merchant Navy Veterans, qualified civilians and their survivors, dependents and orphans. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with a regular, monthly income to meet basic needs and/or access to other Veterans Affairs Canada programs. Eligibility for War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is determined by the wartime service of a Veteran or qualified civilian, age or health, family income and residency. A surviving spouse, a surviving common-law partner or orphan may also qualify for a WVA. Recipients may also be eligible to receive financial assistance for emergencies or unexpected contingencies through the Assistance Fund. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: War Veterans Allowances and Civilian War Allowances, Assistance in accordance with the provisions of the Assistance Fund Regulations, Assistance to Canadian Veterans - Overseas District, Veterans Insurance Actuarial Liability Adjustment (statutory), Returned Soldiers Insurance Actuarial Liability Adjustment (statutory), Repayments under Section 15 of the War Service Grants Act (statutory) and Re-Establishment Credits under Section 8 of the War Service Grants Act (statutory).

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans and their survivors receive timely decisions on applications for War Veterans Allowance	% of War Veterans Allowance decisions rendered within 4 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	87%	93%	85%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
7,646,806	7,066,012	6,978,770

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
5.9	5.7	5.7

Sub-Program 1.3.1: Health Care Benefits

Description

This program provides eligible Veterans, certain Reserve Force personnel, civilians and other individuals with access to appropriate treatment benefits for their health needs. Treatment benefits include medical, surgical or dental examinations or treatment; surgical or prosthetic devices and aids and their maintenance; home adaptations to accommodate the use of devices or aids; preventive health care; pharmaceuticals; and travel and other expenses incurred to access these benefits. This program is delivered through operating funds.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans and other individuals have timely access to the Health Care Benefit Program	% of Health Care Identification cards sent within 3 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	100%	*100% *Indicator = 6 weeks	100%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
450,393,594	399,193,584	389,547,341

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
430.1	415.9	418.4

Sub-Program 1.3.2: Rehabilitation Services

Description

This program provides Veterans with military career ending or service connected health problems with funding, post military release, to ensure timely access to the rehabilitation or vocational assistance services needed to improve their functional capacity, their employability, and reduce barriers to re-establishment in civilian life. Through this program, Veterans and their families have access to health insurance through the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP), if they are not otherwise eligible. In addition, a broad group of Veterans are eligible for funding for career transition services. In certain circumstances, survivors or spouses/common-law partners may be eligible for these services. This program is delivered through operating funds and through funding from the following transfer payment: Career Transition Services.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for the Rehabilitation and Vocational Assistance Programs and the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP)	% of rehabilitation program eligibility decisions rendered within 2 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	82%	78%	71%
	% of PSHCP eligibility decisions rendered within 4 weeks.	80%	March 31, 2018	89%	83%	74%
	% of Career Transition Services eligibility decisions rendered within 4 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	97%	96%	53%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
78,444,228	73,342,394	65,871,425

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
368.4	356.1	358.3

Sub-Program 1.3.3: Intermediate and Long Term Care

Description

This program supports eligible Veterans and other individuals who require nursing home type care to meet their needs. The program works in cooperation with provincial agencies and long term care facilities to support eligible Veterans and other individuals in an appropriate long term care setting. This program is delivered through operating funds and from the following transfer payment: Contributions to Veterans, under the Veterans Independence Program.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on Long Term Care support	% of Long Term Care decisions completed within 10 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	95%	77%	65%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
275,032,265	257,785,440	249,151,838

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
131.4	127.1	127.8

Sub-Program 1.3.4: Veterans Independence Program (VIP)

Description

This program provides funding to eligible Veterans, certain Reserve Force personnel, civilians, as well as survivors and primary caregivers so that they can access home and community care and support services to meet their physical, mental and social needs. This assistance allows them to remain healthy and independent in their own homes and communities. The services and benefits which may be funded include home care services and personal care (housekeeping, access to nutrition, grounds maintenance, and ambulatory health care), home adaptations and transportation services. Housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance services are also available to eligible survivors and primary caregivers. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Housekeeping and Grounds Maintenance Grant and Contributions to Veterans under the Veterans Independence Program.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans' needs for home care and support are met	% of Veterans Independence Program recipients who rely on the program to remain in their homes	80%	March 31, 2018	97.5%	95%	98%
	% of Veterans Independence Program recipients who report that the Veterans Independence Program meets their needs	80%	March 31, 2018	81.7%	83%	81%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
332,144,605	334,045,006	331,591,401

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
262.8	254.1	255.7

Sub-Program 1.3.5: Family Caregiver Relief Benefit

Description

The Family Caregiver Relief Benefit provides eligible Veterans with a single annual tax-free grant payment. The amount of the grant will be indexed every January 1st. This benefit ensures Veterans continue to get the support they need when their informal caregivers are temporarily unavailable. It allows an informal caregiver to take time off and recharge or attend to their own health and well-being, while knowing that someone else is providing necessary services and support to the Veteran in their absence. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Family Caregiver Relief Benefit.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit	% of Family Caregiver Relief Benefit eligibility decisions rendered within 6 weeks	80%	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 5	n/aFootnote 5	83%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
5,315,452	2,793,242	3,056,454

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
2.0	2.0	2.0

Sub-Program 2.1.1: Public Recognition and Awareness

Description

This program pays tribute to Canadian Veterans and those who died in service and raises awareness of their achievements and sacrifices. This includes organizing commemorative ceremonies and events, both in Canada and overseas, in collaboration with regional, national and international partners. This program also engages Canadians, most notably educators and youth, in remembrance through a suite of resources and initiatives that tell our country’s military history. In addition, first issue and replacement war service medals are provided to Veterans, and the Minister’s Commendation Award is presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary service to Veterans. This program is delivered through operating funds.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Canadians, especially youth, have increased knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian Veterans and those who died in service	% of educators using VAC educational resources who report increased youth knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian Veterans and those who died in service	85%	March 31, 2018	99%	99%	99%
Canadian Veterans and those who died in service are publicly recognized and important Canadian military milestones are marked regionally, nationally and internationally	# of VAC-led and VAC-supported ceremonies and events	250	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 6	n/aFootnote 6	325

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
11,744,158	7,338,071	7,357,608

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
63.6	65.0	66.0

Sub-Program 2.1.2: Commemorative Partnership Program

Description

This program expands the reach of remembrance programming by providing financial assistance for commemorative initiatives. These initiatives are undertaken by organizations that wish to ensure that the achievements of our Veterans are not forgotten. As a result, Canadians have increased opportunities to participate in remembrance activities. This program is delivered through operating funds, as well as funding from the following transfer payments: Grant for Commemorative Partnerships and contributions under the Commemorative Partnership Program.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Canadians have opportunities to participate in remembrance activities	# of projects that received financial support under the Commemorative Partnership Program	225	March 31, 2018	n/aFootnote 7	n/aFootnote 7	257

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
3,209,412	3,048,132	3,048,132

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
9.6	9.8	9.8

Sub-Program 2.1.3: Memorial and Cemetery Maintenance

Description

This program preserves the memory of Canadians who served their country in war and peace by maintaining in perpetuity symbols of remembrance. This includes responsibility for the 14 World War memorials in Europe, grave markers all over the world and two departmental cemeteries in Canada. Graves of more than 110,000 war dead in Europe and in Canada, as well as war memorials overseas, are cared for in collaboration with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This program also provides funding through an annual grant for the maintenance of the graves of Canadian war dead buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The Canadian Virtual War Memorial and the Books of Remembrance are also maintained through this program which is delivered through Operating and Maintenance funds, as well as funding from the following transfer payments: Commonwealth War Graves Commission, United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, and the Canadian Veterans Association of the United Kingdom.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Memorials, grave markers and cemeteries for which VAC is responsible are maintained in accordance with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's standards and VAC's National Technical Maintenance Manual on behalf of all Canadians	# of maintenance items completed in Canadian cemeteries	3,000	March 31, 2018	3,415 maintenance items completed on 2,500 markers Target = 7,000	3,730 Number of gravemarkers maintained in accordance with the standards of VAC’s National Technical Maintenance Manual Target = 7,000	4,046

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
18,616,609	18,646,032	18,626,495

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
11.0	11.0	10.9

Sub-Program 2.1.4: Funeral and Burial Program

Description

This program provides financial assistance toward funeral, burial and grave marking expenses of eligible Veterans to recognize their service to Canada. Under the Veterans Burial Regulations, 2005, assistance is available for Veterans whose deaths are a result of their service or whose estates do not have sufficient funds for a dignified funeral, burial and grave marking. The Funeral and Burial Program is administered by the Last Post Fund, an independent, non-profit organization, on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. This program is delivered through Operating and Maintenance funds, as well as funding from the following transfer payments: Last Post Fund.

Planned results

Expected Result	Performance Indicator	Target	Date to achieve target	2013–14 Actual result	2014–15 Actual result	2015–16 Actual result
Financial support is provided to eligible Veterans for funeral and burial expenses	% of times that decisions are made and payments are processed for means-tested funeral and burial benefits within the published service standard of 30 calendar days	80%	March 31, 2018	90%	88%	87%

Budgetary Financial Resources (dollars)

2017–18 Planned Spending	2018–19 Planned Spending	2019–20 Planned Spending
12,015,168	12,462,593	12,386,193

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents	2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents	2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents
5.5	5.7	5.7