Disability benefits
Do you have hearing loss, tinnitus or a similar condition related to your service? Disability Benefits are financial recognition for the impact this condition can have on your life.
About this program
A disability benefit is a tax-free, financial payment to support your well-being.
The amount you receive depends on the degree to which your condition is related to your service (entitlement) and the severity of your condition, including its impact on your quality of life (assessment).
Do you qualify?
To qualify for a disability benefit you must be one of the following:
- Canadian Armed Forces member or Veteran,
- a current or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP),
- Second World War or Korean War Veteran (includes Merchant Navy), or
- certain civilians who served in the Second World War.
You should apply for a disability benefit if you:
- have a diagnosed medical condition or disability; and
- are able to show that the condition is related to your service.
If you qualify for a disability benefit, you will receive either a:
- Pain and Suffering Compensation – a life-time monthly benefit or lump sum benefit – the choice is yours.
- View the Pain and Suffering Compensation rates.
- Disability Pension * - a life-time monthly benefit. If you have any dependents (e.g. spouse, common-law partner and/or children), your monthly amount will be increased.
View the Disability Pension rates.
* A Disability Pension is provided if you served with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the Second World War or Korean War. For other CAF service, a disability pension is provided in relation to any application prior to April 1, 2006.
How to apply
Apply online
Apply online through My VAC Account. Applying is easier with a guided form. Sign in or register for My VAC Account.
Mail or in person
Download the application form. Then, drop it off at any VAC office, CAF Transition Centre or Service Canada office. You can also mail your completed form directly to the address listed on the form.
Go to formGet help with your application
The staff at any VAC office, CAF Transition Centre or Service Canada office can assist you or call us at 1-866-522-2122. Service Officers with The Royal Canadian Legion or The War Amps of Canada can also assist you with your application, including helping you get all of the information you need to support your application. Their assistance is free of charge.
Disability Pension corrective payment
If you received a benefit from VAC between 2003 and 2010 and it was under the Pension Act, you may receive a corrective payment because of a discrepancy in our calculations. Most payments are automatic, however, Please contact us at 1-866-522-2122 if:
- You no longer receive a benefit from VAC, or
- You represent the estate of a deceased recipient.
If you are legally entitled to inherit assets from the estate of a deceased recipient, you may apply to receive a corrective payment if you are eligible.
Additional information
The application package: learn more about all of the components that make up an application for a disability benefit.
See current rates for Pain and Suffering Compensation: a life-time monthly benefit or lump sum benefit – the choice is yours.
See current rates for Disability Pension: a life-time monthly benefit. If you have any dependents (e.g. spouse, common-law partner and/or children), your monthly amount will be increased.
How we review a claim for a disability benefit: learn more about how your disability claim is reviewed by the department and particularly, by the adjudicator : a trained decision-maker for disability claims.
Disability Pension Corrective Payment: If you are legally entitled to inherit the assets of a deceased benefit recipient, you may apply to receive the corrective payment.
Monthly payment dates - 2024
- January 30
- February 28
- March 27
- April 29
- May 30
- June 27
- July 30
- August 29
- September 26
- October 30
- November 28
- December 23
Reviews and appeals
If you do not agree with the decision made regarding your application for disability benefits, you may request a Departmental review. Learn more about reviews and appeals.
Reassessment
If the disability for which you are receiving VAC benefits worsens and medical evidence can show this change in your condition, you can request a reassessment. If the reassessment confirms that your condition has worsened, your disability benefit, will be adjusted accordingly – unless you are already receiving the maximum amount of the benefit. To request a reassessment, your first step should be to call us or visit your local VAC office.
Tools for Adjudication
Eligibility Entitlement Guidelines – These guidelines are current medical and scientific descriptions of known injuries and diseases related to service.
Table of Disabilities – This table helps the adjudicator assess the level of impairment and the impact that impairment has on your quality of life.
Related programs
Critical injury benefit - A one-time payment that recognizes the immediate impact of the most severe and traumatic service-related injuries or diseases.
Rehabilitation services - Services to improve your health and adjust to life after service.
Clothing allowance - Monthly payments if you need new or special clothing due to your health issues.
Treatment Benefits – Coverage for medical and health related services.
Benefits for survivors – Financial support or compensation for the survivors of a disability pensioner or of a member or Veteran who died in service or as a result of a service-related illness or injury.
Financial advice - If you receive a lump-sum payment more than 5% of the current maximum, we can pay up to $500 for professional advice to help you manage your money effectively.
Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation - Monthly payments in recognition of any severe and permanent disability, related to your military service, which creates a barrier to life after service.
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.
Programs related to a disability pension:
Attendance allowance - Monthly payments for a disability pensioner whose health needs require daily personal care support.
Exceptional incapacity allowance - Monthly payments if your illness or injury impacts your quality of life.
Disability tax credit (DTC)
The DTC helps reduce the income tax that people with physical or mental impairments, or their supporting family members, may have to pay. It aims to offset some of the costs related to the impairment. Learn more about this non-refundable tax credit available through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Frequently asked questions
If I apply for the benefit and get declined, can I appeal?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with a decision you may apply in writing for a review. Learn more about your review and appeal options.
How is my request for Disability Benefits decided?
Learn more about how we review a disability benefit claim.
Are there policies for this program?
Yes. Read more about the Disability Benefits policies.
Read more FAQs about the disability benefits program.