Former Prisoners of War in Europe payment

On this page:

Introduction
Who is eligible?
How do you apply?
Where can you find out more?

Introduction

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mr Bruce Billson has announced the Government’s commitment to pay $25,000 compensation to those Australians who were held captive by Germany, Italy or their Allies during World War II.

The cash payment is non-taxable, exempt from the income test for income support from Centrelink, the service pension and other benefits paid by DVA.

Who is eligible?

Under the Federal Budget initiative, the Government will make an ex gratia payment

to surviving former Prisoners of War (PoW) of Germany, Italy or their Allies;
to civilians who were detained or interned by the Germans, Italians or their Allies; or
to widows and widowers of former PoWs or detainees/internees held by Germany, Italy or their Allies, who were alive on 1 January 2007.

In cases where an eligible recipient has died since 1 January 2007, their estate may make application for payment

How do you apply?

Call the Hotline on 1800 044 029 to request a form.

Send the form to:
Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
PO Box 21,
WODEN ACT 2606

Where can you find out more?

For more information on compensation for PoWs of Germany, Italy or their Allies, please call the Canberra Office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (from anywhere in Australia) on 1800 044 029.