The War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is a tax-free monthly payment from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for low-income Veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War, and for their survivors and dependants. It tops up your income to a guaranteed level. For July to September 2026, that level is up to $2,102.20 a month for a single Veteran or survivor.
How much you’ll get
The WVA sets a guaranteed monthly income for your type of household. VAC adjusts these amounts every three months for the cost of living.
| Household | Maximum per month (July to September 2026) |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Veteran or survivor | $2,102.20 |
| Veteran or survivor, blind | $2,177.46 |
| Veteran with spouse or partner | $3,171.13 |
| Veteran with spouse or partner, both blind | $3,246.15 |
| Extra for each dependent child | $321.50 |
| Orphan | $963.33 |
The next adjustment is due October 1, 2026. The calendar at the top of this page will show the new amounts once VAC publishes them.
How your allowance is worked out
Most people get less than the maximum, because the WVA only fills the gap between your income and the guaranteed level. VAC works it out like this:
- Start with the maximum for your household.
- Subtract one-twelfth of last year’s counted income, such as CPP or QPP, other pensions, Employment Insurance, investment income and net earnings.
- Subtract the monthly benefits you get now under the Old Age Security Act (OAS and the GIS) and certain other pensions.
What’s left is your monthly WVA. Some income isn’t counted, including a Pension Act disability pension, social assistance, personal injury awards and your children’s income. There are also small exemptions for casual earnings and interest.
Example. A single Veteran had $2,400 of CPP last year ($200 a month) and now gets $1,500 a month from OAS and the GIS. For July to September 2026, the WVA would be about $2,102.20 − $200 − $1,500 = $402.20 a month.
The payment year runs from July to June and uses your income from the year before, so file your taxes and report your income to VAC every year.
Who qualifies
- You’re a Veteran (including the Merchant Navy) or an Allied Veteran of the Second World War or the Korean War, or a civilian who served in certain roles in the Second World War. Survivors and orphans of these Veterans can also qualify.
- You live in Canada when you apply.
- If you’re an Allied Veteran, you also lived in Canada before you enlisted, or you’ve lived here for at least 10 years in total since your service.
- Your income is low. VAC uses the same income rules as the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
How to apply
- Apply online through My VAC Account.
- Or mail your application to Veterans Affairs Canada, PO Box 6000, Matane QC G4W 0E4.
- Or book an appointment to apply in person.
A family member can help. For help with the form, call VAC at 1-866-522-2122, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm local time.
When the WVA is paid
VAC pays the WVA monthly, and you can get it by direct deposit. VAC doesn’t publish a payment day for the WVA, and its published monthly dates are for disability benefits, so we don’t show dates here. Your own deposit dates appear in My VAC Account.
What changed in 2026
VAC adjusted the maximum rates on January 1, April 1 and July 1, 2026, as it does every quarter. The next change is October 1, 2026. The eligibility rules didn’t change.
Payment late, missing or different?
VAC doesn’t give a waiting period. If a payment hasn’t arrived by the end of the day you expected it, check with your bank first. Then check My VAC Account or call VAC at 1-866-522-2122 (French 1-866-522-2022; TDD/TTY 1-833-921-0071). From the US, call 1-888-996-2242.
Common reasons the amount changes:
- The quarterly rate change on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.
- A new payment year in July, based on last year’s income.
- Your OAS or GIS went up. Those benefits are subtracted from your WVA.
- A missed income report or tax return.
- Time outside Canada. Most recipients who’ve lived in Canada for at least 12 months can be paid during short absences. Allied Veterans can’t receive the WVA outside Canada.
When a recipient dies, the surviving spouse keeps getting the full allowance for one year. After that, they get the single rate, plus any amounts for dependent children.
Watch for scams. VAC will never ask for a fee, gift cards or your password by text or email. If a message seems off, call VAC yourself at 1-866-522-2122.
Other help you might be missing
- The Assistance Fund: WVA recipients facing an emergency can get grants of up to $1,000 per calendar year. Ask VAC.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: if you get OAS on a low income, make sure the GIS is in place too.
- OAS payment dates: OAS and the GIS arrive together each month.
- Veterans disability pension: a Pension Act disability pension isn’t counted as income for the WVA.
- Caregiver Recognition Benefit: a monthly payment for the unpaid caregiver of a Veteran with a serious service-related condition.
- Benefits checkup: see what else your household might get.
Common questions
Is the War Veterans Allowance still available?
Yes. VAC still takes applications from eligible Second World War and Korean War Veterans, certain civilians, and their survivors and orphans.
Is the War Veterans Allowance taxable?
No. VAC describes the WVA as a tax-free monthly benefit.
Does OAS reduce my War Veterans Allowance?
Yes. Your monthly OAS and GIS are subtracted from the guaranteed amount, so the WVA tops you up to that level.
Can a widow get the War Veterans Allowance?
Yes. A survivor can apply in their own right. If the Veteran was already getting the WVA, the survivor keeps the full amount for a year, then moves to the single rate.
How often do War Veterans Allowance rates change?
Every three months: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.