Allied veterans from the United Kingdom, their families and widows who are in financial need can approach Legion branches or provincial commands to obtain assistance from poppy funds and are encouraged to do so. They can also obtain assistance from benevolent funds back in the U.K. These funds can help veterans and their families (defined as a current spouse and dependant children) with food, clothing, prescription medications, prescribed medical devices, emergency repairs, etc.

Allied veterans or their widows who are having significant trouble making ends meet on a month-to-month basis may also be eligible for a Regular Charitable Payment (RCP) or Regular Financial Assistance (RFA) award. These awards are given out by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) and/or the Royal Air Force (RAF) and are distributed on their behalf by the Dominion Command Service Bureau on a quarterly basis. If there has been no change to the veteran’s or the widow’s financial situation, these awards can also be renewed on an annual basis.

Also be aware that as of 2010, changes were made to the War Veterans Allowance Act. Low-income Allied veterans now living in Canada may qualify for War Veterans Allowance (WVA) and its related services and benefits which include the following: the Assistance Fund; Funeral and Burial Program; treatment benefits, Veterans Independence Program and long-term care.

To qualify, you must:
•    Have served with one of the Allied forces during the Second World War or the Korean War; and
•    Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years or lived in Canada prior to enlisting.

To find out if you qualify for any of the “Allied Veterans Services & Benefits” please contact VAC toll-free at 1-866-522-2122.

If you have any questions regarding the RCEL or RAF benevolent funds in the U.K. and/or the RCP and RFA awards that you may qualify for, please contact the North American representative for Allied veterans, Gary Foster, at Dominion Command toll-free (1-877-534-4666) or at gfoster@legion.ca.