Federal

Veterans Affairs Canada Death Benefit

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Death Benefit is paid to a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children if a Canadian Armed Forces has died as a result of a service-related injury or disease if the death was within 30 days after the injury occurred or the disease was contracted.

If the death was more than 30 days after the incident, this support is provided through Disability benefits.

The amount of this benefit is adjusted annually according to the cost of living.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • The surviving spouse, who was, at the time of the member's death, living with the member; or
  • The person who was, at the time of the Canadian Armed Forces member's death, the member's common-law partner

A dependent child of a deceased Canadian Armed Forces member is:

  • The child of a Canadian Armed Forces member (or of their spouse or common-law partner) who is under 18 years of age, or;
  • Under 25 years of age and in school, or an adult but have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from earning a living,
  • The child must have been living in the home of the Canadian Armed Forces member to be considered a dependent child.

If you have not heard from VAC at the time of the member's death, please contact VAC and they will help you complete the form:

Last updated: December 13, 2021