ISSUE: A palliative Veteran and their spouse contacted the Office of the Veterans Ombud (OVO) after Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) said the Veteran wasn’t eligible for the Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB) because they were receiving a Disability Pension (DP).
The Veteran needed daily support with basic activities, which their spouse had been providing for a long time.
VAC suggested they ask about Attendance Allowance (AA), but when they did, they didn’t get clear information and didn’t apply. Instead, they focused on appealing the CRB denial, unsure why no help was available.
ACTION: We explained the eligibility rules for CRB and AA, and helped the couple apply for AA. We also informed VAC that the request was urgent due to the Veteran’s palliative condition.
While reviewing the file, we also saw the Veteran wasn’t receiving the additional pension for a dependent spouse. We let VAC know that all the required information was already on file and reminded them that they could waive the need for a new application.
RESULTS:
- VAC approved the AA application. We reviewed the decision and found the effective date was wrong. When we asked VAC to correct it they agreed and issued a retroactive payment. Because the decision was made before the Veteran’s death, the spouse will receive the AA benefit for one year after the date of death.
- VAC approved the additional pension for the Veteran’s spouse, backdated to when the Veteran first received the Disability Pension. The spouse will continue receiving the Veteran’s full pension and the dependent amount for one year. After that, they will begin receiving a survivor’s pension.
Sadly, the Veteran passed away before all matters were fully resolved. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. We honour the Veteran’s service and recognize the unwavering care and support provided by their spouse throughout this difficult time.