Financial Assistance for Veterans and Their Families
November 10, 2023Eligible veterans can receive up to $2000 annually
NORTH BAY – As Remembrance Day approaches, we wanted to acknowledge and promote the meaningful work being done by the Soldiers’ Aid Commission of Ontario. The Commission has been helping Veterans and their families in need for more than 100 years.
“Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to keep our province and country safe,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, veterans can apply for financial support to help cover the cost of essential expenses. The government is proud to highlight the Commissions work helping those who have given so much to serve our country and province.”
The commission will consider applications to support eligible recipients with financial assistance of up to $2000 annually for essential expenses in the following categories:
- housing-related items, modifications or repairs that support mobility, accessibility or health and safety
- assistance to secure or maintain housing
- specialized equipment and assistive devices to support mobility, accessibility or health and safety
- health-related items and services to support physical and mental health
- personal items, services and expenses to support basic needs
- employment-related supports to remove barriers to employment or improve employability
The Lieutenant Governor established the Soldiers’ Aid Commission in 1915 through an Order in Council to help returning First World War Veterans and their families with problems they faced as they re-entered civilian life, such as finding work and housing.
Through the decades since its inception, the commission has continuously supported Ontario’s Veterans and their families. Following the Second World War and the Korean War, the commission expanded to provide supports and services to these returning Veterans and their families.
The Soldier’s Aid Commission Act, 2020 and accompanying regulations came into force on January 1, 2021. Through these modifications, eligibility for financial assistance from the commission was further expanded to include all Ontario Veterans and their eligible family members regardless of where and when the Veteran served.
For further information on how to apply, see the following website: Soldiers’ Aid Commission | ontario.ca or call: 416-327-4674.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- The commission reports to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and is governed by the Soldiers’ Aid Commission Act, 2020 and regulations made under the act .
- For Veterans receiving social assistance, funding from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission is in addition to other federal government programs someone may be eligible for and any financial assistance received from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). It will not impact their eligibility for social assistance or the amount of their monthly payment.