Ottawa — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today announced that Veterans Affairs Canada has recently introduced the convenience of direct deposit for Veterans receiving payments under both the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) and the Treatment Benefits Program. With the addition of these two programs, Veterans now have the option of direct deposit for Veterans Affairs Canada's core programs.
"This direct deposit service is now offered to Veterans, survivors and primary caregivers in receipt of VIP services and treatment benefits," said Minister Blackburn. "This is another concrete example of how we are transforming and improving our services to make the experience with Veterans Affairs Canada more 'hassle free' and convenient."
Every month, many Veterans and survivors look for their reimbursement cheques for VIP services or treatment benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada in their mailboxes. Choosing direct deposit will eliminate trips to financial institutions to deposit cheques, while providing immediate access to their money.
This is just one of the many improvements Veterans Affairs Canada has been making to better meet the needs of today's Veterans. In the fall of 2010, Minister Blackburn tabled Bill C-55 (The Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act) which, if approved, will provide more financial support for Veterans who are severely injured. The new legislation will also give Veterans payment options when receiving a disability award, rather than just a lump-sum payment.
Veterans Affairs Canada is encouraging those Veterans and family members now receiving cheques to opt for the convenience and safety of direct deposit. Veterans currently receiving cheques for VIP or treatment benefits payments will receive a form in the mail, which they can complete if interested in this service. For more information on the direct deposit of Veterans Affairs Canada payments, visit veterans.gc.ca and search "Direct Deposit."
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Janice Summerby
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Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
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All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca
