veterans pension settlement.kpmg.ca download/claim-form.pdf

This settlement addresses alleged underpayments of disability pension benefits administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. The class action involves Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police members, and their families who received benefits between 2003 and 2023.

Overview of the Class Action

This class action lawsuit was initiated due to alleged miscalculations in the disability pension benefits provided to eligible veterans and their families. The lawsuit targeted the Government of Canada for errors in the administration of certain benefits by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The core of the issue involves the adjustment of basic pensions under section 75 of the Pension Act, affecting related benefits such as disability awards. The class action covers a specific period from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2023. This period is crucial as it identifies the timeframe in which the miscalculations are alleged to have occurred. The settlement aims to rectify these errors and provide compensation to those affected. It is a significant step in addressing the financial discrepancies and ensuring veterans receive their rightful benefits. The lawsuit sought to remedy the impact of these errors on disability pensions, disability awards and other related benefits.

Details of the Settlement

The Federal Court approved the settlement on January 17, 2024. The settlement addresses underpayments of certain disability pension benefits. The effective date of the settlement is March 19, 2024.

Federal Court Approval Date

The Federal Court officially granted its approval for the settlement agreement on January 17, 2024, marking a crucial step forward in resolving the class action lawsuit concerning the miscalculation of disability pension benefits. This decision by the Federal Court signifies that the proposed settlement has been deemed fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class members involved. The approval followed a thorough review of the settlement terms and conditions, ensuring that the agreement met the necessary legal standards and provided adequate compensation to those affected by the underpayments. This date is pivotal as it sets the stage for the subsequent stages of the settlement process, including the implementation of payment distribution and the resolution of claims. The court’s decision also demonstrates the validity of the claims made by the class members.

Effective Date of the Settlement

The settlement agreement officially became effective on March 19, 2024. This date is significant as it marks the point from which the terms of the settlement, including payment distribution, become legally binding and enforceable. The effective date follows the Federal Court’s approval in January and initiates the process of delivering settlement benefits to eligible veterans and their families. From this date onward, all actions taken by the settlement administrator, KPMG Inc., are governed by the provisions of the finalized settlement agreement. The effective date is a crucial milestone for class members, as it confirms that the resolution of the pension underpayment issue is now underway. It allows for the automatic payment process to commence for current pension recipients.

Automatic Payments for Current Pension Recipients

Class members who currently receive disability pensions directly from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) will receive automatic settlement payments. These payments will be made by VAC through direct deposit or cheque, eliminating the need for current recipients to file a claim form. This process is designed to streamline the settlement distribution for individuals who are already receiving regular pension payments. The payments will be processed later in the year following the effective date of the settlement, March 19, 2024. This approach ensures that those who are immediately identifiable and already within the VAC system are promptly compensated without further administrative hurdles. It is a key aspect of the settlement’s efficiency.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible individuals include members and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Spouses, common-law partners, and dependents of veterans are also included in this settlement.

Members and Former Members of CAF and RCMP

This settlement encompasses individuals who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). It is crucial to note that eligibility extends to both those currently active and those who have previously served. If you were a member of either the CAF or RCMP at any point between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2023, and received disability benefits that were potentially affected by the miscalculation of pension adjustments under section 75 of the Pension Act, you are included in this class action. This includes disability pensions and related benefits that were subject to annual adjustments. The settlement aims to rectify the errors made in the calculation of these benefits and provide compensation to those affected. It’s important to review the terms to confirm your specific situation.

Spouses, Common-law Partners, and Dependents

The scope of this settlement extends beyond just the members and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It also includes spouses, common-law partners, and dependents who may have been affected by the miscalculation of disability pension benefits. This means that if you are a spouse or a common-law partner of a veteran who received such benefits during the specified period, you may also be eligible for compensation under this settlement. Dependents of veterans who received these benefits are also included. The settlement recognizes that the impact of these miscalculations extended beyond the veteran and affected their families as well. It is important that eligible family members are also able to receive the compensation they are due. Therefore, please review the settlement details carefully if you believe you fall within this category.

Affected Disability Benefits

The settlement pertains to specific disability benefits administered by Veterans Affairs Canada that were affected by miscalculations in annual adjustments of basic pensions under section 75 of the Pension Act; These affected benefits include, but are not limited to, disability pensions, disability awards, and other related benefits. The miscalculations were related to the annual adjustment process applied to the basic pension, which impacted the subsequent calculation of other benefits. This means that if you received any disability-related payments from Veterans Affairs Canada that were linked to the basic pension’s adjustment from 2003 to 2023, your payments might have been affected. The complete list of impacted benefits can be found in Schedule A of the settlement documents, providing a detailed look at all included awards and benefits.

How to Claim

To initiate a claim, a form must be completed. Claim forms are accessible online. You can submit the completed form electronically, by email, or by mail to the administrator.

Claim Form Availability

The necessary claim form for the Veterans Disability Pension Settlement is readily available for download online, ensuring easy access for all potential claimants. This form, a crucial step in the claims process, can be obtained directly from the official settlement website. Claimants can access the form in a PDF format. This downloadable format allows claimants to either complete the form electronically or print it for manual completion. The digital availability of the claim form aims to streamline the process, providing a convenient method for all members to initiate their claim. The claim form can be found at veteranspensionsettlement.kpmg.ca/download/Claim-Form.pdf which provides a direct link to the document. This accessibility is designed to make the application process as straightforward as possible for all eligible veterans and their families.

Online Submission Process

Claimants are strongly encouraged to utilize the online submission process for the Veterans Disability Pension Settlement claim form, as it is designed to expedite the handling of claims. The official settlement website, veteranspensionsettlement.kpmg.ca, provides a dedicated portal for online submissions. This method allows for a more efficient and faster processing of your claim compared to other submission methods. By completing and submitting the claim form electronically through the designated website, claimants can ensure their information is received quickly. This digital method provides a clear advantage, reducing processing times and speeding up the overall claims procedure; The online platform is user-friendly and secure, ensuring the confidentiality of submitted information. Therefore, it is recommended that claimants use the online submission portal for a prompt and efficient processing of their claims for disability pension benefits.

Alternative Submission Methods

While online submission is the preferred method, alternative submission methods are available for claimants who cannot submit their claim forms electronically. Claimants can complete the claim form and submit it via email to veteranspensionkpmg.ca; Another option is to submit the completed and signed form by mail to KPMG Inc., C/O Disability Pension Class Action Claims Administrator, 600 boul. De Maisonneuve West, Suite 1500, Montréal, Québec H3A 0A3. When using these methods, please ensure the form is filled out clearly, preferably by printing. It is important to note that these methods may result in longer processing times compared to the online portal. Regardless of the chosen submission method, all claim forms must be properly completed and signed to be considered valid. Claimants should choose the method that best suits their circumstances and accessibility needs.

Important Deadlines and Contact Information

The claim form deadline is March 19, 2025. The administrator can be contacted via the official settlement website⁚ VeteransPensionSettlement.kpmg.ca. Contact information is also available on the website.

Claim Form Deadline

It is crucial for all eligible individuals to note that the deadline for submitting claim forms for the Veterans Disability Pension Settlement is March 19, 2025. This is a firm date, and no extensions are anticipated, so it is imperative to take timely action to ensure your claim is considered for compensation. All completed forms, whether submitted online or via mail, must be received by the administrator, KPMG Inc., no later than this date. Claimants are strongly encouraged to begin gathering the necessary documentation and completing the claim form as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays. It is important to be aware that any claims received after this date may not be processed or considered for payment under the settlement agreement. Do not miss this important deadline.

Administrator Contact Information

For any inquiries or to submit your completed claim form, please contact the designated administrator, KPMG Inc. They are responsible for managing all aspects of the claim process for the Veterans Disability Pension Settlement. You can reach them at the following mailing address⁚ KPMG Inc., C/O Disability Pension Class Action Claims Administrator, 600 boul. de Maisonneuve West, Suite 1500, Montréal, Québec H3A 0A3. Additionally, you can submit your claim form online via their website. It is also possible to submit a completed and signed form via email at veteranspensionkpmg.ca. Claimants are encouraged to use the website or email for faster processing. If you need any clarification about the claims process or need to confirm receipt of your submitted documents, contacting the administrator directly is recommended.

Official Settlement Website

The official website for the Veterans Disability Pension Settlement is veteranspensionsettlement.kpmg.ca. This website serves as the primary resource for all information related to the settlement. Here, you can access crucial documents, including the claim form, which can be downloaded in PDF format for completion. The website provides details about eligibility criteria, settlement terms, and important deadlines. Claimants can submit their claim forms directly through the website, which is the recommended method for faster processing. Additionally, you will find the latest updates and frequently asked questions about the settlement. It’s important to regularly visit the website for the most current information and any announcements about the settlement. This website is your essential guide for navigating the claims process.