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Andrea Janus, CTVNews.ca Published Monday, March 9, 2015 9:37AM EDT Last Updated Monday, March 9, 2015 3:38PM EDT

The federal Liberals say a new benefit to provide financial support for Canadas most severely injured veterans in their later years is borne of public pressure and not concern for wounded vets.

The new Retirement Income Security Benefit will provide a monthly income support payment for moderately to severely injured veterans after the age of 65.

Veterans Affairs Minister Erin O'Toole unveiled the proposed new benefit at a press conference in Toronto Monday morning.

In response to the new measure, the Liberals accused the government of taking "years" to offer financial support to severely wounded veterans.

"This action was provoked by public pressure, not concern for those who have served, and only comes after the Prime Minister rejected the sacred obligation to our veterans," Liberal Veterans Affairs critic, Frank Valeriote, said in a statement.

"As the Veterans Ombudsman made clear today, numerous, pressing gaps remain in the benefits and services provided to veterans. Unfortunately, the Conservatives still fail to present a plan that will offer the best of care and support to our veterans and their families."

The new benefit would ensure that, after turning 65, the total annual income of a veteran permanently incapacitated in the line of duty will be at least 70 per cent of what he or she received in benefits prior to age 65, O'Toole said.

Monthly payments will be calculated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account what each veteran received prior to age 65 and other sources of income the veteran may have.

Veterans Affairs estimates that the "immediate cash cost" will be more than $10 million, with only a few hundred veterans being over age 65 within the next five years.

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Liberals slam feds over new benefit for severely wounded veterans