Who we serve

 

The Royal Canadian Legion Veterans Services Network serves Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, and their families, providing support, referrals, representation, advocacy and financial assistance free of charge, Legion member or not.

The Legion's definition of a Veteran

“A Veteran is any person who is serving or who has honorably served in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth or its wartime allies, or as a Regular Member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or as a Peace Officer in a Special Duty Area or on a Special Duty Operation, or who has served in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime.”

If you or a Veteran you know needs help, please contact a Legion Command Service Officer.

 


Legion services for Veterans and their families

The Legion provides a range of services and supports for Veterans, their families and dependents. In addition to directly assisting Veterans and their families with the disability claims process through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), the Legion offers a variety of programs, resources and referrals to support Veteran health, transition to civilian life, financial assistance and well-being.

At the local Legion Branch, a Veteran or their family can:

  • meet with a volunteer Legion Service Officer to help identify unmet health or support needs and review possible benefits through VAC, as well as other supports available
  • get assistance with completing the Legion Claims Form and receive a referral to Legion Command Service Officers for individual assistance
  • request benevolent financial assistance through the Poppy Fund
  • request visits to Veterans in retirement and long term care facilities
  • access Veteran support and care programs as offered through the Branch

 

Provincial Command Service Officers can help a Veteran or their family:

  • get assistance with the disability claims process 
  • request benevolent financial assistance through the Poppy Fund, beyond what a Branch can provide
  • obtain referrals to appropriate Legion and provincial Veteran support programs and resources
  • obtain referral to a Legion Dominion Command Service Officer for additional assistance and free, professional representation with VAC benefits and appeals

 

Dominion Command Service Officers can help a Veteran or their family:

  • access VAC benefits, from first application with the Veterans Affairs disability claims process, up to and including professional representation in a Request for Reconsideration with the Veterans Review and Appeal Board
  • request benevolent financial assistance through the Poppy Fund, beyond what a Provincial Command can provide
  • obtain referrals to appropriate Legion and national Veteran support programs and resources
  • request assistance for Canadian Veterans abroad, and Allied Veterans living in Canada 

 

If you or a Veteran you know needs help, please contact a Legion Command Service Officer.