The Federal Court of Canada has recently approved a substantial $817 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit that addresses the underpayment of disability pension benefits to veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and their survivors This case, which has been ongoing for years, stems from a miscalculation of disability benefits by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), which resulted in these individuals receiving lower payments than they were entitled to.
The lawsuit was initiated by a group of representative plaintiffs, including Dennis Manuge, Raymond Toth, Betty Brousse, Brenton MacDonald, Jean-Francois Pelletier, and David White They argued that VAC failed to properly adjust the disability benefits for inflation, which led to the underpayment of benefits over a span of two decades.
Who is Eligible to Claim this Settlement Amount
The settlement applies to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as well as their spouses and dependents To qualify for the settlement, individuals must have received disability pensions, disability awards, or other benefits from Veterans.
Affairs Canada since January 1, 2003, and those benefits must have been impacted by the annual adjustment of the basic pension The settlement covers the period from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2023.
How Many Are Affected
This settlement will impact over 330,000 class members, making it one of the largest class-action settlements in Canadian history These individuals include veterans, active members, their spouses, and dependents who were affected by the miscalculation of disability pension benefits.
Terms of the Settlement
Under the terms of the settlement, each eligible class member will receive a one-time payment This payment will represent approximately 2% of the total disability benefits.
they received during the period from 2003 to 2023 The total amount distributed in compensation will range between $435 million and $817 million, depending on the number of validated claims.
Automatic Payments and Claim Requirements
For those who are currently receiving disability pensions from Veterans Affairs Canada, the settlement payments will be automatically processed.
These individuals will not need to take further action to receive their compensation However, those who are not currently receiving benefits will need to submit a claim form to be eligible for the settlement.
Claim Submission Deadline and Final Approval Hearing
To receive the settlement, class members who are not currently receiving benefits must file a claim form by March 19, 2025 The final approval hearing for the settlement.
took place on December 18, 2023, during which the Federal Court confirmed that the terms of the settlement were fair and reasonable for all class members.
How to File the VA Disability Pension Claim Submission Form
Here are the steps to submit your claim form.
- Visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Website Access the official website to download and complete the claim form
- Enter Required Information Provide personal details, service history, and documentation that proves your eligibility for the settlement and the amount of benefits you received
- Follow Instructions Carefully Read the instructions on the claim form to ensure all required information is included
- Attach Documentation Submit copies of all necessary documentation, such as benefit statements or pension documents
- Double-Check Your Submission Review the form to ensure all fields are completed accurately
- Submit Your Claim Form Submit the claim online or by mail
- Receive Confirmation After submission, you will receive confirmation of your claim (either electronically or by mail)
- Processing and Approval The claims team will review your submission, calculate the settlement amount, and process your claim
- Receive Payment Once your claim is approved, you will receive your settlement payment.
Conclusion
This landmark settlement offers significant financial compensation to veterans, former members of the RCMP, and their families who were underpaid over a period of two decades If you are eligible
it is important to submit your claim by the deadline of March 19, 2025, to ensure you receive the compensation you are owed
