Minister of Veterans Affairs issues statement on compensation for corrective adjustments to annual Disability Pension calculations between 2003 and 2010

Ottawa – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence issued the following statement today on Veteran Affairs Canada’s response to an error in the calculation of disability pension adjustment rates:

“I wish to thank the Ombudsman for bringing to our attention that our disability pension adjustment calculations didn’t accurately reflect a change to personal tax exemptions. When we learned about this discrepancy, we took action and corrected the calculation. After a detailed review of all records between 2003 and 2010, we found that upwards of 270,000 Veterans, RCMP members, and their survivors still required compensation for this adjustment.

“The Department has secured a source of funds of up to $165 million for retroactive payments. Most individuals will receive a few hundred dollars, while the maximum amount to be paid would be a couple of thousand dollars.

“We will ensure those affected receive the compensation to which they are entitled. At this stage, given the number of individuals affected, we expect to issue payments by 2020. We will share more information with those affected as it becomes available.

“This is another example of how the Department works closely with the Ombudsman’s office to improve the lives of Veterans and their families.”