Phase 3: After release
Phase 3 of the medical release process in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) begins from your official release date and ends after two years. This phase focuses on your adaptation to civilian life and the continued support available to you and your family.
These are some important considerations to keep in mind after you are released.
The three phases of medical release
Is this your first visit?
This is not official policy or instructions. If this is your first visit, review the considerations before proceeding through the phases.
Direct questions or concerns about your release to your chain of command, your CAF Nurse Case Manager, or your local CAF Transition Centre (CAF TC).
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Access transitional support
- Use the Military Benefits Browser and VAC Benefits Navigator to explore benefits and services that you may be entitled to.
- Contact SISIP Financial to assist with your insurance needs, including CAF LTD.
- Veteran Family Program (VFP) is available at the majority of the 32 MFRCs and MFS entities. Contact your local MFRC for more information on the program or contact the Family Information Line 1-800-866-4546 or FIL-LIF@cfmws.com.
- Through the VFP, the Family Liaison Officer services can provide transition support for families of medically released Veterans. Contact your local TC or MFRC to access the service.
- Veteran Family Telemedicine Services (VFTS) provides medically released Veterans of the CAF and their families, one year access to virtual care service. This service works to ensure that you have timely access to a primary care physician during the first year of transition.
- Veterans of the CAF, their families and surviving family members of deceased CAF members who released on or after April 1, 2025, are eligible for VFTS.
- Eligible individuals have until March 31, 2027, to sign up for the telemedicine service.
- Mental health support: VAC Assistance Service is available 24/7 at 1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 (TTY).
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Confirm your pension and health benefits
- Your pension benefits are based on your years of pensionable service, earnings and the plan to which you contributed. Understand your pension under Section 16 of the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act.
- Consult the CAF pension plan for information on your pension plan and related benefits or call the pension centre at 1-800-267-0325 or 1-855-255-9935 (TTY).
- To learn more about your specific pension plan, visit:
- If you’ve applied for health or dental benefits, follow up with the Pension Centre for updates.
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Transitioning to Civilian and Public Service Employment
- If you’re interested in a Federal Public Service job, review Priority Entitlement.
- Certain collective agreements for employees in the core public administration consider military service in the calculation of vacation leave benefits. For more information, consult Applying Recognition of Prior Service in the Canadian Forces for Vacation Purposes to the AI, AO and UT Collective Agreements.
- Familiarize yourself with the CAF’s “Building Your Next Career” webpage. They offer comprehensive career transition resources.
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Complete your move—Intended Place of Residence (IPR)
- Review details surrounding your IPR move by reviewing the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD). Note that IPR is in chapter 14 of the directive.
- Keep in mind that most relocation expenses must be incurred within two years of your release. Some exceptions apply. Consult Chapter 14. Moves to Intended Place of Residence (IPR).
Related link
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Manage and update your benefits
Contact SISIP to:
- Discuss your financial needs, including insurance and financial planning.
Coordinate with VAC:
- Update your address with VAC if you move after release to ensure the transfer of your file to your new location
- If you have not previously been in contact with VAC and you experience difficulties after your release, it is important that you speak with a VAC representative about your benefits and services applications by:
- calling (toll free) 1-866-522-2122 or 1-833-921-0071 (TDD/TTY),
- sending a secure online message using My VAC Account,
- visiting a Service Canada Centre, or
- making an in-person appointment with VAC staff at a local Area Office or at a CAF TC.
Some of your VAC financial benefits are dependent on being part of the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Programs. The Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Programs are available for Veterans who have a health problem caused by military service and which hinders reintegration into civilian life. You may also be eligible to receive additional benefits such as the Public Service Health Care Plan and Income Replacement Benefits.
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Stay informed and respond to changing needs
New health issues
- Is your VAC Rehabilitation Plan still meeting your needs? If not, contact VAC.
- Contact your CAF LTD Case Manager and VAC if you face any additional health issues post release. Ensure your existing coverage is current and still applies to your conditions.
- Contact the Royal Canadian Legion for additional services that may be available for you.
Personal life events
- Marriage, divorce, disability, and the death of a pensioner or survivor may affect pension benefits. When these personal events occur, be sure to update your personal information with the Pension Centre and your health and benefits provider.
Stay connected
- Follow the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services’ (CFMWS) Featured News and Resources and consult their Support services and Services for Veterans pages.
- Follow the CFMWS on social media: Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn.
- Follow the work of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research.
- Rehabilitation services
- Follow the National Defence and Canadian Forces Ombudsman on X, Facebook and Instagram.
- Follow the VAC Ombud on social media: X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Follow VAC on social media: X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Apply for the CFOne Card to benefit from discounts, travel deals, CANEX rewards, and other services described in the card’s official discount program.
- Apply for the services of the Royal Canadian Legion. These services are free of charge, regardless of Legion membership. The Legion is also another source of current information about military member and Veteran issues.
- Contact the DND/CAF to obtain information about your pay, pension, access to personal information, and other related matters.
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