Post by : Meena Ariff

A significant number of Canadian veterans—nearly 100—are being instructed to repay substantial amounts in benefits, with some debts surpassing $65,000, and dating back more than five years. Communications from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) claim that these veterans did not report additional income, including payments from the Canada Pension Plan.

Since October, VAC has dispatched upwards of 90 letters to veterans enrolled in the Income Replacement Benefit program. These communications assert that recipients owe funds due to unreported income. However, numerous veterans assert that they did disclose all income changes and had previously been reassured that their records were current and precise.

Angus Cameron, a Navy veteran active in supporting fellow veterans facing service-related struggles, labeled the situation as troubling. “I haven’t witnessed so many veterans suddenly getting overpayment notices—some for thousands of dollars,” he remarked.

One veteran from New Brunswick noted that he has received a letter claiming he owes over $65,000 from benefits issued since April 2019. Another veteran located in Quebec is facing a nearly $70,000 repayment demand, which includes a preliminary payment of $3,600 due this month, after being notified that his disability income “was not counted.”

Veterans advocates and support organizations have criticized VAC's management of these repayment demands. They contend that former service members should not bear the burden of repaying funds tied to departmental mismanagement. Some advocate for annual benefit reviews to curb the accumulation of debt over multiple years.

Experts caution that the intricate nature of VAC’s processes may leave vulnerable veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD and other service-induced health conditions, at risk. Cameron highlighted the necessity for a more empathetic method, stating, “Veterans deserve comprehension and support—not unexpected bills that deepen their stress levels.”

The recent influx of repayment requests underscores ongoing concerns regarding administrative practices at Veterans Affairs Canada and the potential emotional and financial repercussions for the nation's veterans.

#Political News #Canada News