Client definition
As of 1 April 2023, Veterans Affairs Canada has adopted a uniform definition for the term “client”.
Veterans Affairs Canada provides services and supports to a wide range of individuals. We serve Veterans, CAF members, still-serving and retired RCMP members, their families, caregivers and survivors.
We prefer not to use the term “client,” but it is sometimes used to refer to the diverse group of people we serve.
We now define a client as any living person who:
- Is currently receiving payment for a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) benefit;
- Is currently receiving a VAC service; or
- Has received a short-term VAC benefit within the last year, like a payment from the Veterans Emergency Fund, Education and Training Benefit and/or Career Transition Services.
- Simply put, a VAC client is anyone who has received VAC benefits or services within the past 12 months.
The client definition will not cause any changes or delays in VAC services or benefits, and does not impact who can receive them. It will improve our data collection, analysis and reporting.
Since the definition only includes clients who received VAC benefits or services within the last 12 months, it will reduce our reported number of clients in our public reporting.
This update will improve our forecasting and position us to better support the people we serve. For more information, visit the "Who we serve: our client definition" section.
Disability pension corrective payment
If you received a Veterans Affairs Canada disability pension or certain related benefits between 2003 and 2010, you are eligible for a corrective payment because of a discrepancy in our calculations during those years. Most payments to recipients are automatic.
However, if:
- You no longer receive these benefits, or
- You are the legal representative of the estate of a deceased recipient, and you are legally entitled to inherit the assets of a deceased benefit recipient,
you should apply to receive a corrective payment.
For more information, please visit our Frequently asked questions page or contact us at 1-866-522-2122.