Rehabilitation services

About this program

Your rehabilitation needs will be assessed and then your individualized rehabilitation plan may be developed. Your rehabilitation plan is the roadmap to your recovery. The plan can include treatments from:

• Medical rehabilitation – services to improve your health to the fullest extent
• Psycho-social rehabilitation – services to help you regain your independence
• Vocational rehabilitation – services to help you gain skills to prepare for meaningful work

You may access the different types of rehabilitation at the same time or in an order that best meets your needs. If your health does not allow you to take part in vocational rehabilitation, your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for vocational assistance. Survivors of a CAF member or Veteran whose death was service-related may also qualify for vocational assistance.

You complete the Rehabilitation Program when:

• you achieve, or mostly achieve, your rehab goals
• we don’t identify any further rehab needs
• more intervention won’t be effective

You may reapply for rehabilitation services if the health problem returns. You may also apply if you develop another service-related health problem.

Do you qualify?

You should apply for the Rehabilitation Program if you:

• Served in the Canadian Armed Forces, and
• Have a temporary or permanent health problem related to your service that prevents your full participation at work, at home, or in the community

How to apply

Apply online

The application process is easier and faster when you use the guided form available in My VAC Account.

By mail

Download and complete the form.

Then print and mail your application form to the address provided.

Building a rehabilitation plan

We can usually decide if you qualify for the Rehabilitation Program within a few weeks of receiving your completed application and supporting documentation. If approved, a case manager and rehabilitation service specialist (RSS) will work with you (and your family) to assess your needs and identify your goals. Together we will build your rehabilitation plan.

To ensure your success, the plan will identify:

• Your goals
• The services and benefits you will need to reach those goals
• Service providers to help get you there
• A timeframe to complete it all

You are the most important part of any successful rehabilitation plan. Your participation is important. This means fully engaging with services, attending scheduled appointments, and following through with recommended actions. The more you engage with the program, the better your chance of success.

From start to finish, your VAC case manager will:

• Work closely with you and your family
• Respect your privacy and confidentiality
• Help identify information and services you need
• Help you develop support networks
• Coordinate between you, your health professionals, and others
• Track and discuss your progress on a regular basis

Additional information

Find out more

Are you medically-releasing from the Canadian Armed Forces soon?

If so, you can apply for the Rehabilitation Program before you leave service. If approved, you start the Rehabilitation Program the day after you release.

Related programs

Income Replacement Benefit – A monthly payment to supplement your income while you are taking part in the Rehabilitation Program.

Case management – A case manager can help you set goals and find the services you need to overcome a challenge in your life.

Guided support – Sometimes life situations can be challenging. When the challenge is too much to handle independently, guided support services can help you and your family.

Frequently asked questions

How can I pay my bills while taking part in the Rehabilitation Program?

Participants in the Rehabilitation Program may qualify for the Income Replacement Benefit. This income support ensures your total income will be at least 90% of your gross pre-release military salary while you participate in the program. This is available so you can focus on what matters most – your health and career goals.

I didn’t medically release from service, but I am having difficulty coping with life after service, do I qualify?

VAC’s Rehabilitation Program assists Veterans who have service-related a physical or mental health issue that prevents their full participation at work, at home, or in their community. It does not matter if that barrier is considered permanent or temporary. When you complete the application form, be sure to detail how your health has negatively impacted your life and ability to participate at home, at work, or in the community.

I already applied for a disability benefit and provided information about my health problems. Do I have to do that again to apply for rehabilitation.

No. When you apply for the Rehabilitation Program, just check the box on the application form that says “I have submitted a medical report or exam through a previous disability application” if:

• you recently applied for a VAC disability benefit for any of the health problems that are preventing you from participating at work, at home, or in the community, and
• the information in your disability benefit application has current information about how your health problems are affecting you today

It is still important to fully complete the Rehabilitation Program application form to ensure there are no processing delays.

Are there policies for this program?

Yes. Read more about the policies related to Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program.