Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists (OTs) provide treatment through assessment, education and advice. With the aim of helping a person maximise their abilities, which may have been disrupted because of accident, illness or disability.

For example, an OT might suggest appropriate rehabilitation aids such as a shower chair, grab rails in the bathroom or beside the bed. Some OTs may also provide treatment for lymphoedema and hand therapy.

What are the eligibility requirements?

DVA treatment card holders

  • Gold card holders can access OT services based on their clinical needs.
  • White card holders can only access OT services for a clinical needs related to their accepted disabilities and conditions eligible for treatment.
  • Referrals are valid for 12 months.

See: DVA White card (Factsheet HSV61)

Note: If you require a referral to a second OT, there is no need to contact DVA for prior approval. (The Health Insurance Commission is now able to accept and pay for referrals to second providers without the need for prior approval from DVA)

There is no limit to the number of OT visits you can receive, as long as there is a clinical need. However there are guidelines which OTs may follow, for acceptable benchmarks for number of visits.

Other veterans and war widow(er)s who don't hold a DVA treatment card:

  • Can access OT services based on clinical need through either their local area health service or through a private OT (fee to pay)
  • Eligibility is decided by referring GP and OT.

How do I access it?

DVA treatment card holders

Step 1

  • Establish eligibility - see above Eligibility Requirements
  • Obtain a written referral to a DVA registered occupational therapist, stating the treatment required.
  • You should see one of the following health professionals to obtain the referral:
    • LMO (GP), 
    • medical specialist, 
    • treating doctor in hospital
    • hospital discharge planner
    • another occupational therapist who has a current referral.


Step 2 (for NSW/ACT, QLD, TAS, VIC, WA)

  • Referral needs to be given to OT.
  • Either forwarded by referring health professional or given by DVA client at time of appointment. 
  • LMO or DVA client can contact DVA OT adviser for OT contacts in their area. 

Note: VAN offices may also be able to provide contact numbers.

Step 2 (for SA/NT)

  • Referral needs to be sent to SA State Office
  • SA State Office selects a contract OT provider in the client's area
  • The OT will contact the client within 5 days to arrange a home visit (fewer if urgent)

Step 3

  • If the OT decides a rehabilitation aid or modification is required, the OT will organise and seek approval if necessary from DVA. 
  • The client does not need to write or contact DVA requesting these items or seeking approval. The OT will do this for you, including arranging quotes for modifications if required.
Other veterans and widows who don't hold a DVA treatment card

Step 1

You may need to obtain a referral to a community health or private OT from one of the following health professionals (check with your health fund if this is necessary): 

  • GP 
  • Medical specialist
  • Treating hospital doctor
  • Discharge planner

Step 2

The health professional making the referral can send it either to your local community health centre or to a private OT (if you can afford to pay).

Note: some community health centres require a co-payment from the patients. This is generally means tested. Under HACC arrangements a lot of pensioners may pay $6.50.

Step 3

If OT decides that rehabilitation aid or modification is required, OT will organise this on behalf of client.

Can I change providers?

Yes - ask your LMO or GP to issue a new referral to a different OT.

Do I have to pay?

DVA treatment card holders 

  • OT services, rehabilitation equipment and modifications are paid for by DVA (once prior approval has been granted). 
  • If you pay for OT services, equipment or modifications without a referral, DVA will not automatically reimburse you.

Other veterans and widows who don't hold a DVA treatment card

  • OT services provided by community health centre may be free.
    • Note: some community health centres require a co-payment from the patients. This is generally means tested. Under HACC arrangements a lot of pensioners may pay $6.50.
  • There may be a lending fee for rehabilitation equipment.
  • There will be a charge for modifications.
  • Private OT will charge a fee for their services.
  • DVA will not cover or reimburse any of these charges.

Is there any related Transport coverage?

DVA treatment card holders

  • Most visits done in the home
  • If transport used - reimbursement under the Repatriation Transport Scheme 
  • see Medical Transport - Overview

Other veterans and widows who don't hold a DVA treatment card

  • Most visits done in the home
  • Pay for private transport
  • Refer to community transport organisation

See: Community Transport 

Can my parent receive OT services in an aged care facility?

DVA treatment card holders

  • Depending on the assessed level of care, ie high or low, aged care facilities are funded by Department of Health and Ageing to provide OT services.
  • DVA will not provide OT services for patients assessed as requiring high level care unless prior approval is given.
  • Hostel and serviced apartment residents have the same access to OT services as those living in a private residence (ie LMO referral to provider).

Other veterans and widows who don't hold a DVA treatment card

  • Community health will not provide OT services to a resident of a hostel or nursing home.
  • Suggest private OT.

There is a long wait for OT services in my area. What can DVA do about it?

  • Long waits may be experienced in some rural areas.
  • Usually no replacement for OTs on holidays
  • DVA MAY approve private OT from out of region in urgent cases

Long waits may be expected in some rural areas, and there is often no replacement for OT's on holidays and weekends. DVA may approve private OT consultations for out of your region in urgent cases.

DVA treatment card holder

Refer to the DVA OT adviser to see if your clinical needs can be addressed by different allied health providers. For example, a registered nurse or physiotherapist. Or if approval, access can be granted to a private OT from out of region.

Links to source documents:

State-specific information

For general RAP enquiries in all States call DVA RAP Section: 1300 550 457 (metro) or 1800 550 457 (country) - select option 1 for RAP.