Non-Liability Health Care
Mental health or cancer treatment without proving service connection.
What the VETS Act 2026 means for your claim
If you lodge before 1 July 2026
Your claim is currently processed under the Available under all Acts. The pathway in this app reflects the rules, evidence requirements, and forms that apply now.
If you lodge on or after 1 July 2026
The improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) applies. The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) close to new compensation claims from that date. We will route your claim through the improved MRCA pathway.
What stays the same
Existing payments and entitlements you already receive are not affected. They continue and remain indexed. Income support (Service Pension, Income Support Supplement, Veteran Payment) remains under the VEA. DRCA incapacity payments transition automatically to the MRCA on 1 July 2026.
Reviews and appeals
From the date of the VETS Act, the Single Review Pathway applies for all veterans: decisions are reviewed by the Veterans' Review Board (VRB), with appeals to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). DRCA review decisions go through the VRB first (in effect since 21 April 2025).
Complete claims only
Since 31 March 2025, DVA accepts complete claims only. Incomplete claims are placed on hold until they meet the complete-claims requirement. The Evidence Builder in this app helps you assemble a complete claim before lodging.
Source: Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 — Act No. 17 of 2025, Royal Assent 20 February 2025. See dva.gov.au/about-us/inquiries-and-reviews/veterans-legislation-reform — verified 17 March 2026.
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.
Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) allows veterans to access treatment for mental health conditions and cancer without needing to prove a service connection.
NLHC has two distinct pathways:
• Mental health NLHC — form D9213. Any current or former ADF member with at least one day of full-time service can access treatment for any mental health condition. No diagnosis required. D9213 can be submitted through MyService, by phone, by email, or in person.
• Cancer NLHC — form D9215. Eligibility depends on eligible service as defined by DVA. A cancer diagnosis is required. D9215 is lodged with DVA in person, by mail, or by email to NLHC@dva.gov.au — not through MyService.
This is not a compensation payment — it covers the cost of your treatment. You can apply for NLHC and pursue an Initial Liability claim at the same time.
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging.
Key Points
- No need to prove service connection
- Mental health: form D9213 — no diagnosis required — available via MyService, phone, email, or in person
- Cancer: form D9215 — diagnosis required — lodged with DVA directly, not through MyService
- Can be used alongside an Initial Liability claim
- Mental health and cancer are separate NLHC pathways with different forms
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Required
- Mental health: Confirmation of ADF service + identify the condition (no formal diagnosis required) — form D9213
- Cancer: Confirmation of eligible service + medical diagnosis of cancer — form D9215
What To Do Next
- Use the Eligibility Checker to confirm this claim type suits your situation.
- Build your Evidence Checklist so you know exactly what to gather.
- Download the correct form from DVA and review our Form Guide.
- When ready, lodge your claim via MyService, phone, in person, or post.
- If you need help, consider a free advocate through an ex-service organisation. Call DVA on 1800 555 254.
Dependants and Survivors
Dependant definition: Dependants under MRCA include spouses, de facto partners, children (including step-children and adopted children), and in some cases dependent parents. The definition is broader than many veterans realise. Verify this directly with DVA.
War Widow/Widower claims from 1 July 2026: From 1 July 2026, new death benefit claims will be processed under the improved MRCA regardless of which Act the veteran's original service fell under. This provides standardised lump sum payments and Gold Card access for eligible dependants.
Children's education support: Eligible children of deceased or incapacitated veterans may also qualify for educational support under the MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) or the Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES). Verify eligibility with DVA.
This tool currently supports veteran self-claims only. Dependant and family claim pathways are not yet supported here. For guidance on these pathways, verify directly with DVA or speak with a qualified advocate.
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.