While they support a federal government initiative that will make it easier for them to receive money for housekeeping and property maintenance, some veterans have misgivings about the program. Mississauga-Brampton South MP Eve Adams, who also serves as parliamentary secretary to the minister of veterans affairs, was at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 582 on Hensall Circle today to announce changes to the Veterans Independence Program. Veterans who received money for housekeeping and maintenance services, such as lawn cutting or snow removal, through the program will no longer have to submit receipts and then wait to be reimbursed by Veterans Affairs Canada. Now, they will receive the money in two installments each year. Adams said the amount varies from veteran to veteran, but it's usually a few hundred dollars. Carsten MacKay and Philip Griffin, service officers with the Hensall Circle legion, said they like the idea of the changes, but still had some reservations. For example, they wondered what would happen if the cost of the service is more than what the government has allotted them. Adams said, if that's the case, the person should call Veterans Affairs or her office. However, both Griffin and MacKay said it's often difficult getting a hold of someone at the department and when messages are left, it takes a while for officials to call back. "(The changes) make sense as long as it's enough money," said Griffin. Adams said the changes will take effect Jan. 1. About 100,000 veterans who receive funding through the program will be affected. Adams said veterans will receive the same amount of funding as they did the previous year. Adams, a former City of Mississauga councillor, said many veterans have been telling her they don't want to deal with unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape. As an example, if a veteran sent in 40 receipts, the department would have to cut a cheque for each receipt. The changes will eliminate an estimated 2.5 million transactions. "We're reducing the hassle for our veterans and their families," said Adams. "And we're treating our veterans with the respect they so greatly deserve." Derrill Henderson, national secretary of the Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada, lauded the changes. "The removal of the necessity of preparing monthly submissions for VIP benefits greatly reduces the stress on our aging veterans and simplifies their lives," said Henderson. "(The) move to reduce demands on veterans while maintaining their benefits is appreciated and viewed as a positive and cost-effective move by our association."
VVi Co-Publisher Comment: To clarify the "program" starts on 1 Jan 2013 but deposits into clients bank accounts start on the contract renewal date for the client. If you do not know your contract renewal date call the NCCN at 1-866-522-2122. Also the clients first grant deposit will be half of the previous year amount (from submitted receipts) and the second deposit for the year will be from a 'calculated formula' that reflects the cost of services in your area. VVi is in contact with VAC to get the best information for VIP clients to make an informed decision when hiring a housekeeper or groundskeeping. Please note the NCCN does not know the formula to calculate these amounts so to save frustration do not ask the NCCN agent.