Eve Adams, parliamentary secretary to Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney. (Reuters)

Veterans who have up until now received housekeeping and maintenance reimbursements will receive biannual cheques upfront starting Jan. 1.

Eve Adams — parliamentary secretary to Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney — announced the change to the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) Thursday morning at a west-end Royal Canadian Legion branch. She says the move is part of improving the action plan launched in October to aid veterans in the transition to civilian life.

“We will provide upfront annual payments in two instalments, so that veterans have the support they need as quickly as possible,” Adams said.