Overview
Eligible Ontario Veterans and their families in financial need can get up to $3,000 per 12-month period to help pay for eligible expenses.
If both spouses in a household are Veterans, each spouse is eligible for up to $3,000 in a 12-month period. However, both Veterans cannot apply for funding for the same expense.
If you receive social assistance, funding from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission is in addition to any financial assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). It will not impact your eligibility for social assistance or the amount of your monthly payment.
Financial assistance through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission can supplement support offered by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Funding for the Soldiers’ Aid Commission is provided by the Province of Ontario.
Eligible expenses
You can use the financial assistance to help you pay for essential expenses in the following categories:
- Home-related items, such as repairs, furniture, replacement/repair of roof and furnace
- Housing-related items, such as first and last month’s rent or moving costs
- Mental health supports and health-related items, such as hearing aids, glasses, prescription and dental needs
- Specialized equipment, including assistive devices, wheelchairs and prosthetics
- Personal items, such as clothing and personal care products
- Employment-related supports, including work clothing such as work boots, and short-term courses to help improve access to the job market
If your request is under $3000, you may apply again over the 12-month period until you have received the maximum amount of $3,000.
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial assistance from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission, you must:
- be a Veteran or their eligible family member
- be in financial need
- live in Ontario
A Veteran is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has completed basic training and was released from service. Review the complete definition of Veteran.
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
Demonstrating financial need
To demonstrate financial need, you must show that:
- you have made a reasonable effort to access funds from other Veteran-specific programs run by the federal government
- you cannot reasonably cover the cost of an eligible expense
How to apply for funding
Ontario Command has dedicated resources to support applications for funding from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. You do not need to be a Legion member to apply.
If you have questions or would like to apply, please contact Ontario Command:
Phone: 1-888-207-0939
Email: sac@on.legion.ca
To begin the application process please have the following documents ready. This will make the application process easier:
- the Veteran’s Service Number or date of birth
- a quote for the expense you need help with
- valid government photo ID
- a copy of your most recent bank statement or statement of benefits if you are on ODSP or Ontario Works
Once you’ve connected with Ontario Command you will be required to complete the following forms prior to applying:
Legion Benevolent Fund application form:
- Completed form including signatures in section A, C & D.
Soldiers’ Aid Commission cover form
Additional Documentation:
- Quote for service/support you require assistance with
- Up to 3 months of bank statements
- If you are on ODSP or Ontario Works a copy of your statement of benefits
Next Steps:
Once you’ve completed the application form, Ontario Command will submit your application to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission for review. You will then be notified shortly of the outcome of your application.
If approved, funding is provided in the form of a cheque made payable to the supplier and mailed to the applicant.