The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides financial, health and wellbeing services to Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and to their families. Many eligible people never claim what they are entitled to because the system can seem complex at first. This guide explains who qualifies, what help is available and how to start.
DVA support covers current and former ADF members, reservists and, in many cases, partners, widows, widowers and dependent children. You do not need to have served overseas or in a war zone to qualify. In many cases, a single day of continuous full-time service is enough to access some services.
Before applying for DVA support, gather your service details, including your PMKeyS number, service dates and any medical records linked to your service. Having these ready speeds up processing and reduces follow-up requests.
Check Your Eligibility
Eligibility depends on your type of service, when you served and the nature of any injury or illness. DVA assesses claims under several pieces of legislation, and recent reforms have moved towards a simpler, single framework. Contact DVA directly to confirm which rules apply to you.
Common eligibility pathways include:
- Service-related injury or illness: Conditions caused or worsened by your service.
- Mental health treatment: Free treatment for any mental health condition, with no need to prove it relates to service.
- Family eligibility: Partners and children may qualify for counselling, education help and bereavement payments.
Types of Support Available
DVA offers a broad mix of services. The main categories are:
- Health cards: The Veteran Gold Card covers treatment for all conditions. The Veteran White Card covers specific accepted conditions and mental health care.
- Compensation payments: Lump sums or regular payments for permanent impairment linked to service.
- Income support: Pensions and allowances for veterans and partners on lower incomes.
- Rehabilitation: Programs that help you recover, return to work or adjust to civilian life.
- Counselling: Free, confidential counselling for veterans and families, available 24 hours a day on 1800 011 046.
- Household help: Domestic assistance, home modifications and transport to medical appointments.
- Education help: Financial assistance for eligible children of veterans.
How to Get Started
Follow these steps to begin your claim:
- Create a MyService account. MyService is DVA’s online portal. Register through myGov to lodge claims, track progress and update details.
- Lodge your claim. Answer questions about your service and health. MyService guides you through each section.
- Provide medical evidence. Ask your GP or specialist for a diagnosis of any condition you are claiming.
- Track your claim. Check progress online and respond quickly to any requests for extra information.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). You can also visit a Veterans’ Access Network office in most states and territories.
Get Free Help With Your Claim
Trained advocates can help you prepare and lodge claims at no cost. Ex-service organisations across Australia offer this service, and DVA can refer you to an accredited advocate near you. Serving members can also speak with a Veteran Support Officer on many ADF bases.
- Apply early, even if you are unsure you qualify.
- Keep copies of all documents you submit.
- Ask for a review if you disagree with a decision.
DVA benefits exist to recognise your service. Take the first step today by registering for MyService or calling DVA to discuss your situation.