As a Canadian veteran, there are many services and programs available to support your health and well-being, and the health and well-being of your families and caregivers too, but it can be challenging to know where to start.
You’ve looked after the interests of all Canadians. Now it’s time to look after yourself. Let’s break down some of the resources available to Canadian veterans — and how to take the next steps!
Knowing where to start
Wondering where to start with your question? Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has created a resource to help veterans find what they’re looking for online. The Find information about programs and services page compiles the most popular pages on VAC’s website and the most likely to answer your questions.
Navigating your benefits
Veterans Affairs Canada has made a Benefits Navigator tool available on its website. While the tool cannot confirm your eligibility, it can help you find VAC programs and services you would be eligible to receive, based on your answers. (If you need help navigating the navigator, don’t worry! There’s an FAQ article to help.)
Veterans can also contact a Royal Canadian Legion Professional Command Service Officer for information and advice on available VAC programs and benefits as well as assistance with the preparation and submission of disability claims. These services are free of charge, whether or not you are a Legion member. For more information, visit the Legion online.
Do you have a My VAC Account? Applying for benefits, tracking your application and contacting VAC to follow-up on your application, among other things, are all done through a special account called a My VAC Account. For details on how to open your own account, visit the Registration page.
Connecting with a mental health professional
Mental health and well-being matter. If you’d like to speak to a mental health professional, there’s a confidential and free service available 24/7 to veterans, former RCMP members as well as their family members and their caregivers.
Call toll-free: 1-800-268-7708
TDD/TTY: 1-800-567-5803
When you call, you will be speaking to a bilingual mental health professional, who will ask you questions to identify your needs.
For any emergency or crisis situation, don’t delay — call 911.
Submitting complaints and addressing unfair treatment
The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) exists to help veterans access services that support their well-being and to ensure they are treated fairly. If you are a serving CAF member, RCMP member, veteran, family member or representative and you feel you have been treated unfairly by Veterans Affairs Canada, you can submit a complaint through the OVO, either online or by phone.
Much like the OVO, the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman works to ensure that serving and former members are treated fairly and that they can access programs and services that contribute to their well-being. Visit the DND/CAF Ombudsman website to contact an intake officer.