The Federal Court of Canada has approved a historic $817 million settlement, resolving a long-standing class-action lawsuit involving underpaid disability pension benefits. The case addressed miscalculations by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) that impacted veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and their survivors over two decades.
The lawsuit was brought forward by representative plaintiffs Dennis Manuge, Raymond Toth, Betty Brousse, Brenton MacDonald, Jean-Francois Pelletier, and David White, who argued that VAC failed to properly adjust disability benefits for inflation, resulting in significant financial losses for recipients.
Who is Eligible to Claim this Settlement?
Eligibility Criteria
The settlement is open to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as well as their spouses and dependents.
To qualify:
- You must have received disability pensions, disability awards, or other benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada at any time between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2023.
- Your benefits must have been impacted by VAC’s annual adjustment of the basic pension.
How Many People are Affected?
The settlement impacts over 330,000 class members, making it one of the largest class-action settlements in Canadian history. This includes CAF and RCMP members, as well as their families and dependents.
Terms of the Settlement
Compensation Details
Each eligible class member will receive a one-time payment reflecting approximately 2% of the total disability benefits they received during the settlement period (2003–2023). The total compensation to be distributed will range between $435 million and $817 million, depending on the number of validated claims.
Automatic Payments and Filing Requirements
Who Gets Paid Automatically?
Class members who are currently receiving disability pensions from Veterans Affairs Canada will automatically receive their settlement payments. No further action is required on their part.
Who Needs to File a Claim?
Class members not currently receiving benefits must submit a claim form to receive their share of the settlement.
Claim Submission Deadline and Final Approval Hearing
The deadline to file a claim is March 19, 2025.
The Federal Court conducted the final approval hearing on December 18, 2023, reviewing the settlement terms to ensure fairness and adequacy for all eligible members.
How to File a VA Disability Pension Claim Submission Form
Follow these steps to submit your claim:
- Access the Claim Form: Visit the official Veterans Affairs Canada website to download or complete the claim form.
- Provide Necessary Details: Include personal and service-related information, as well as documentation proving your eligibility (e.g., benefit statements or pension documents).
- Read Instructions Carefully: Ensure you understand all requirements before filling out the form.
- Complete the Form Accurately: Double-check all fields for accuracy.
- Attach Documentation: Ensure copies of required documents are clear and legible.
- Submit the Form: After completing the form, submit it via the provided online or mail instructions. You should receive confirmation of receipt.
- Await Processing: Claims will be reviewed to confirm eligibility and calculate settlement amounts.
- Receive Payment: Once approved, settlement payments will be issued.
A Milestone for Canadian Veterans and Their Families
This settlement represents a significant step in addressing financial discrepancies experienced by veterans and their loved ones. It reflects the Canadian government’s commitment to rectifying past errors and ensuring fair treatment for those who served the nation.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to act promptly to secure their rightful compensation and acknowledge this opportunity to address the financial impacts of decades of underpayment.
