The Federal Court of Canada has approved a landmark $817 million settlement, concluding a prolonged class-action lawsuit addressing the underpayment of disability pension benefits to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and their survivors.
The Background of the Lawsuit
A group of representative plaintiffs, including Dennis Manuge, Raymond Toth, Betty Brousse, Brenton MacDonald, Jean-Francois Pelletier, and David White, initiated the class-action lawsuit. They alleged that Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) had failed to correctly adjust disability pension payments for inflation.
This oversight resulted in underpayments spanning over two decades, leaving veterans and their survivors with less financial support than they were entitled to. The lawsuit aimed to secure fair compensation and rectify these financial disparities.
Eligibility for the Settlement
The settlement covers the following groups:
- Current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- Spouses and dependents of these individuals.
To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
- Have received disability pensions, awards, or other benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2023.
- Your benefits must have been impacted by the annual adjustment of the basic pension during this period.
Scope of Impact
This settlement is one of the largest in Canadian history, involving over 330,000 affected individuals, including veterans, RCMP members, and their families.
Settlement Terms
Under the agreement:
- Eligible members will receive a one-time payment equal to approximately 2% of the total disability benefits they received from 2003 to 2023.
- The total settlement payout ranges between $435 million and $817 million, depending on the number of validated claims.
Automatic Payments for Current Recipients
Recipients currently receiving disability pensions from Veterans Affairs Canada will automatically receive their settlement payments, requiring no additional action.
For those not receiving ongoing benefits, a claim form submission is necessary.
Claim Submission Deadline
- Deadline for Claims: March 19, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing Date: December 18, 2023
Filing the VA Disability Pension Claim Form
Follow these steps to file your claim:
- Access the Form: Visit the official Veterans Affairs Canada website to download the claim form.
- Provide Required Information: Enter personal and service-related details, including supporting documents such as benefit statements or pension records.
- Carefully Review Instructions: Read all instructions to ensure accuracy.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all required fields with precision.
- Attach Documentation: Include clear and legible copies of necessary documents.
- Submit the Form: Double-check your form for errors before submission.
- Confirmation: Receive a submission confirmation (electronic or by mail).
- Processing: Claims will be reviewed for eligibility, and the settlement amount will be calculated.
- Payment Disbursement: Once approved, you will receive your settlement payment.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the settlement?
Eligible individuals include current and former members of the CAF and RCMP, along with their spouses and dependents, who received disability pensions or awards impacted by inflation adjustments between 2003 and 2023.
Will I need to file a claim?
If you are not currently receiving disability benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada, you must file a claim by March 19, 2025.
How much can I expect to receive?
Payments will amount to approximately 2% of the total disability benefits received during the eligible period.
