DVA provides a wide range of financial support, health care coverage, and practical assistance for eligible veterans and their families. This article provides an overview of the main categories. Actual amounts depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only. Always verify current rates at dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Compensation payments:
Initial Liability acceptance: When DVA accepts that your condition is service-related, you receive a White Card covering treatment for that accepted condition. This is the foundation for further compensation. Available under VEA, DRCA, and MRCA. See dva.gov.au for details.
Permanent Impairment: Lump sum and/or periodic payments for conditions that have stabilised. Under MRCA this is generally a lump sum based on impairment points. Under VEA this is an ongoing Disability Compensation Payment. MRCA PI indicative lump sum ranges from around $12,000 to $200,000 or more depending on impairment points. Actual amounts depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only. Available under VEA, DRCA, and MRCA. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Incapacity Payments: Financial support when an accepted condition reduces your ability to work. Payments are based on the gap between your normal earnings and what you can currently earn. Available under MRCA and DRCA (transitioning to MRCA from 1 July 2026). See dva.gov.au for details.
Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP): The MRCA equivalent of the TPI pension. An ongoing payment for veterans unable to work more than 10 hours per week due to accepted conditions (requires specialist medical confirmation). SRDP involves complex offsetting rules — payments may be reduced by Commonwealth superannuation (MSBS, CSS, PSS), previous lump sums, and other compensation. DVA generally considers seeking independent financial advice before applying. Veterans with 50 or more impairment points may be eligible for DVA-funded financial advice. Available under MRCA. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Income support payments:
Service Pension: Income support for eligible veterans who have reached qualifying age or are permanently unable to work. Available under VEA. Remains under VEA after 1 July 2026. See dva.gov.au for details.
Income Support Supplement (ISS): An additional income support payment for eligible DVA recipients. Available under VEA. See dva.gov.au for details.
Veteran Payment: A temporary payment for veterans who have lodged a mental health liability claim and cannot work more than 8 hours per week while the claim is assessed. Available under MRCA. See dva.gov.au for details.
Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA): A top-up payment that may be available to veterans whose other income support is reduced because of DVA compensation. See dva.gov.au for details.
Health cards:
Gold Card: Covers all clinically necessary health care for any condition, not just accepted conditions. Eligibility pathways include 60 or more impairment points under MRCA, VEA Special Rate (TPI), Extreme Disablement Adjustment, Prisoner of War, Victoria Cross or George Cross recipients, war widows and widowers, and veterans aged 70 or older with qualifying service. From 1 July 2026, DRCA and VEA veterans can qualify for an MRCA Gold Card if they experience at least a 5-point worsening of their already accepted conditions, allowing them to reach the 60-point MRCA threshold without needing 60 points entirely under their original Act. Verify this directly with DVA as transition rules are complex. See dva.gov.au/access-benefits/health-care/dva-health-cards.
White Card: Covers treatment for DVA-accepted conditions only. Issued when initial liability is accepted. See dva.gov.au for details.
Orange Card: Provides specific pharmaceutical benefits. Issued to certain veterans for access to medicines at concessional rates. See dva.gov.au for details.
Supplements and allowances:
Energy Supplement: A regular payment to assist with household energy costs for veterans receiving certain DVA income support payments. Available under VEA and MRCA. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Telephone Allowance: A small regular payment toward telephone costs for veterans receiving certain DVA payments. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Pharmaceutical Allowance: Helps cover the cost of prescription medicines not covered by DVA health cards. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Rent Assistance: Additional payment for veterans who pay rent and receive certain DVA income support payments. The amount depends on rent and personal circumstances. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Remote Area Allowance: Additional payment for veterans living in specified remote areas who receive certain DVA payments. See dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
Other support:
Household Services: Help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and garden maintenance when accepted conditions limit your ability to manage household tasks. Available under MRCA. See dva.gov.au for details.
Attendant Care: Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, mobility) for veterans with accepted conditions limiting daily self-care. Available under MRCA. Form D2550. See dva.gov.au for details.
Motor Vehicle Compensation: Vehicle modifications or contributions toward a suitable vehicle for veterans with mobility-limiting accepted conditions. Available under MRCA. Form D2597. See dva.gov.au for details.
Travel reimbursement: DVA may reimburse travel costs for attending medical appointments related to your accepted conditions. Verify eligibility directly with DVA.
Financial advice reimbursement: Veterans with 50 or more impairment points are eligible for DVA-funded independent financial advice. This is particularly important before making decisions about SRDP. See dva.gov.au for details.
Education schemes: MRCAETS and VCES provide educational and tutoring support for children of veterans who have died or are severely impaired as a result of service. Available under MRCA and VEA respectively. See dva.gov.au for details.
Funeral benefits: DVA may contribute to funeral costs for eligible veterans. Verify eligibility and current amounts directly with DVA.
Rehabilitation programs: Under MRCA, DVA provides medical, psychosocial, and vocational rehabilitation to help veterans recover and return to work. DVA assigns a rehabilitation coordinator to develop an individual plan. Available under MRCA. See dva.gov.au for details.
Actual amounts depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only. Verify current rates at dva.gov.au/financial-support/payment-rates.
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.