Province making GO Transit free for veterans and increasing financial support to up to $3,000 each year
The Ontario government is increasing the financial assistance available to veterans and their family through the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. The government is making new regulatory amendments alongside the changes proposed in the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which will allow eligible veterans and their family members to receive up to $3,000 each year, up from $2,000, to help pay for essential services and supports.
“Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to make our country and province what it is today and they deserve our unwavering commitment to their well-being,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “That’s why we are working across government to make it easier for eligible veterans and their families across Ontario to access additional financial supports. Our government will continue to stand behind every man and woman who has served in our armed forces and honour their service – lest we forget.”
Eligible veterans can find out how to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission at Ontario.ca/SoldiersAid to help cover health-related expenses such as hearing aids and eye glasses, specialized equipment like wheelchairs, home repairs and moving costs, as well as personal items such as clothing. To make it faster and easier for veterans to access support, the government is also removing the requirement for veterans to apply to non-federal funding sources before becoming eligible to apply to the Soldiers’ Aid Commission.
Ontario is also strengthening community services and supports for veterans to help keep costs down and improve their health and well-being, including:
The proposed changes are part of the ongoing work the Ontario government is doing to continue to recognize and honour veterans for their pivotal role in the nation’s past and future, and build on the government’s Honouring Veterans Act, 2024.