Your guide to veteran benefits in Australia
Do you know what veteran benefits you could be eligible for?
Many Australian veterans are eligible for free medical care, compensation for health conditions, and financial assistance for lost income. There are also benefits designed to support your family, including education.
This guide breaks down the main benefits available to veterans, who’s eligible, and additional support available you might not know about.
Australian veterans benefits
There are three main benefits available to veterans under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA). You can access more than one benefit at a time – qualifying for one won’t affect your eligibility for the others.
1. Treatment expenses
Veterans can get lifetime healthcare support with either a White Card or a Gold Card.
White Card: Covers medical treatment for specific conditions accepted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) as related to your service.
Gold Card: Offers more comprehensive coverage than the White Card, providing treatment for all medical conditions – not just those related to service. It includes medical, dental, and optical care, as well as subsidised medications and access to medical aids. You’re eligible if your permanent impairment is rated at 60 points or higher.
2. Permanent Impairment
The Permanent Impairment (PI) benefit is a lump-sum payment for injuries or illnesses caused by your service that result in long-term disability. Your level of impairment is assessed using a points system. The higher you’re assessed, the greater your compensation benefit will be.
There are also thresholds for access to other benefits, including:
50 points: You qualify for the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) and TPI.
60 points: You’re entitled to a Gold Card for healthcare.
80 points: You qualify for maximum compensation and an additional Severe Impairment Payment (SIP).
3. Incapacity Payments
If your service-related condition affects your ability to work, incapacity payments replace the income you’ve lost. Payments are calculated based on your rank and pay grade when you left the military.
These payments can continue until you reach retirement age, as long as you provide regular medical evidence that your condition still impacts your ability to work.
Other support available for veterans and their families
There are several other ways veterans and their families can access support.
Severe Impairment Payment
Veterans who reach the maximum impairment level of 80 points may qualify for a one-time lump sum of about $108,000.
This payment is for each eligible young person in your care. This includes children up to age 25 who are studying full-time and not working full-time.
MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS)
This scheme helps with education and training costs for your dependents. It covers allowances for tuition, rent, travel, and additional study expenses.
You’re eligible for MRCAETS if your permanent impairment is rated at 80 points or you qualify for the SRDP. MRCAETS isn’t means-tested.
Household Services
If your condition makes it difficult to manage household tasks, there’s support available to help you maintain your home. This includes short and long-term help for services including:
Cleaning
Lawn mowing and gardening
Shopping
Meal preparation
Childcare in short-term or crisis circumstances.
Am I eligible for veterans benefits?
Eligibility for these benefits is based on the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA), which covers injuries or illnesses caused by military service after 1 July 2004.
To qualify, you must have your condition accepted as service-related by DVA. Once liability is accepted, you can apply for the benefits you’re entitled to.
Need help navigating your benefits?
Understanding and claiming your benefits can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re unsure what you’re eligible for or need support with a claim, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you access the support you deserve.