Prisoner of War Compensation

Prisoner of War Compensation

A Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, or Canadian merchant mariner, who was a prisoner of war for 30 days or more, or who evaded capture or escaped from the enemy for 30 days or more, may be entitled to compensation under the Pension Act. Compensation may also be paid to members of Allied Forces who were domiciled in Canada or Newfoundland at the time of enlistment in the First or Second World War, and to some civilians who served in support of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The term "prisoner of war" now also includes those who were interned in a neutral country designated as enemy-occupied territory. Algeria and Tunisia are among areas designated in this way. Additional compensation for a spouse/common-law partner and dependents, similar to that awarded for a disability pension, is also available. A prisoner of war is entitled, on application, to basic compensation equal to:

1. In respect of any period spent as a prisoner of war to Japan:

• 5% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 30 days but not more than 88 days;

• 20% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 89 days but not more than 364 days;

• 50% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 365 days

2. In respect of any period spent as a prisoner of war of another power:

• 5% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 30 days but not more than 88 days;

• 10% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 89 days but not more than 545 days;

• 15% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 546 days but not more than 910 days;

• 30% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 911 days but not more than 1,275 days;

• 35% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 1,276 days but not more than 1,641 days;

• 40% of basic pension, where that person was a prisoner for periods totaling at least 1,642.

3. Former prisoners of war are also entitled to receive special awards of Attendance Allowance or Exceptional Incapacity Allowance provided that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Contact us to apply for prisoner of war compensation: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/contact

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/financial/pow