»Table of Contents

Government of Canada Expands Veterans Independence Program

A program that helps eligible Veterans and their survivors remain healthy and independent in their own homes and communities has been expanded as part of the 2008 Federal Budget.

The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, said he was pleased with the improvements made to the Veterans Independence Program, commonly known as VIP.

“This expansion of the Veterans Independence Program will ensure that widows who need help the most and can least afford it will have the help they need to remain independent in their homes,” said Minister Thompson. “This is an important measure that builds on our Government’s strong record of support for our Veterans and their families.”

The enhancement of VIP will provide housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance benefits, to a maximum of $2,400 per year, to eligible lowincome or disabled survivors of certain war-service Veterans. In order for the survivors to be eligible, the Veterans must not have been receiving VIP housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance benefits when they died or were admitted to a health care facility.

This improvement is a response to the long-standing need resulting from the fact that since these Veterans were not receiving VIP, their survivors never had the opportunity to access VIP housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance benefits.

“As a Government, we recognize the sacrifices these survivors made in caring for their loved ones,” said Minister Thompson. “By making sure they now have the help they need to remain independent in their homes, we further honour the legacy of Canadian Veterans.”

Individuals who feel they may be eligible for this expansion of the Veterans Independence Program may call, toll free, 1-866-522-2122 or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for more information.

Table of Contents » New Veterans Ombudsman » First Veterans Ombudsman—Colonel (retired) Patrick B. Stogran