Ontario

Soldiers' Aid Commission

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Soldiers Aid Commission provides eligible Ontario Veterans and their families with financial assistance of up to $3,000 per year to pay for eligible expenses.

Eligible Expense Categories

You can use the financial assistance to help pay for essential expenses in the following categories:

  1. Home-related items

    • Repairs
    • Furniture
    • Replacement/repair of roof and furnace

  2. Housing-related items

    • First and last month’s rent
    • Moving costs

  3. Mental health supports and health-related items

    • Hearing aids
    • Glasses
    • Prescription and dental needs

  4. Specialized equipment

    • Assistive devices
    • Wheelchairs
    • Prosthetics

  5. Personal items

    • Clothing
    • Personal care products

  6. Employment-related supports

    • Work clothing (e.g., work boots)
    • Short-term courses to improve access to the job market

To be eligible for financial assistance from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, you must:

  • Live in Ontario
  • Be in financial need
  • Be a Veteran or an eligible family member

Financial Need

Financial need is demonstrated by:

  • A reasonable effort to access funding from federal Veteran programs
  • Inability to cover the cost of the eligible expense

Definition of a Veteran

A Veteran is defined as a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has:

  • Completed basic training, and
  • Been released from service

Review the complete definition of Veteran here:
Ontario Regulation 2007/03 – Definition of Veteran

Eligible Family Members

An eligible family member must be:

  • A Veteran’s spouse, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran, and/or
  • The financially dependent child of a Veteran or Veteran’s spouse, if both are deceased

Review the eligibility requirements for dependant children here:
Ontario – Soldiers’ Aid Commission

Application by a Representative

If you are:

  • Under 18 years old – your parent or guardian must apply on your behalf
  • Unable to apply due to a disability – an authorized person may apply on your behalf

Proof of  residency in Province/ Territory

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Proof of residency in Canada

A document that displays your name and current home address and confirms that your primary place of residence is in the province or territory that is providing the benefit. For example:

  • Driver's license
  • Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
  • Child Tax Benefit Statement
  • Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
  • Income tax assessment (most recent)
  • Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)
  • Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)
  • Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
  • Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)
  • Property tax bill
  • School, college or university report card or transcript
  • Statement of Direct Deposit for social assistance or income assistance in your province or territory (for example, Disability Assistance, Hardship Assistance, Income Support, Assured Incoome, Social Solidarity, etc.)
  • Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
  • Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
  • Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
  • Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
  • Valid Provincial or Territorial Driver's Licence
  • Temporary Driver's Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
  • Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
  • Valid Photo Identification

You can apply through the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command (the Legion) or Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
Their service officers and agents may also help you access other support in addition to assistance from the Commission.

Option 1 – Apply Through the Legion

Contact a Legion service officer:

Option 2 – Apply Through Veterans Affairs Canada

Contact VAC directly:

Required Documentation

Before starting your application, ensure you have:

  1. The Veteran’s Service Number or date of birth
  2. A quote for the expense you need help with
  3. A copy of your most recent bank statement or statement of benefits (if you are on ODSP or Ontario Works)

After You Apply

  • The Legion or Veterans Affairs will send your application to the Commission for review.
  • You will be notified by the Commission once a decision is made.
  • Note: The Commission’s decisions are final. You cannot appeal a decision on your application.

Last updated: November 12, 2024