HALIFAX - The federal government will no longer require veterans to submit receipts when covering their travel costs to medical appointments.
Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney announced the change Monday during the Royal Canadian Legion convention in Halifax.
Blaney said the change will reduce paperwork for about 18,000 veterans who will receive money more quickly.
"It makes life simpler for veterans, it eliminates routine and administration tasks for our civil servants and it's good for the taxpayer," Blaney told about 1,500 delegates at the convention on Monday.
The Veterans Affairs Department processes about 5,500 health-related travel claims each month, with an average reimbursement of $274.
John Hopkins, president of the St. Peter's branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Nova Scotia, said the announcement will make it easier for the 19 veteran members of his branch to be reimbursed.
"Many of our veterans are in nursing homes right now and unable to do regular travelling," said Hopkins. "It will make it a lot easier for us."
Blaney said the announcement is one in a series of changes that will reduce red tape in the processing of veterans claims.
In April, he announced that the department will provide veterans with upfront payments for grounds maintenance and housekeeping services.
