Chapter 6 - Benefits and services
Rent assistance
Child-related allowances
Pharmaceutical allowance
Telephone allowance
Remote area allowance
Utilities allowance
Seniors concession allowance
Pensioner Concession Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Lump sum advance
Hardship pension
Education Entry Payment
Pension bonus scheme
Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) bonus
Pension loans scheme
Defence Service Homes (DSH) Scheme
This chapter is about the allowances and concessions you may be entitled to, the forms of financial assistance available to you, and some of the support services provided by DVA and other agencies.
Allowances you may be entitled to
This section provides information about the allowances you may be entitled to receive.
| Fact Sheet: IS14 |
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| Income Support Allowances (PDF version) |
| Income Support Allowances (HTML version) |
Rent assistance
If you pay rent in Australia to a non-government body or a landlord and the rent is more than the current rent threshold, you may be eligible for rent assistance.
The gross amount of rent assistance payable is calculated at the rate of 75 cents for every dollar of rent paid over the rent threshold up to a maximum amount. However, the net amount included in the calculation of the pension may be lower as follows:
- For a service pensioner, the gross amount of rent assistance may be reduced by an amount of disability pension or permanent impairment payment made to the person or their partner.
- For war widows receiving income support supplement, the gross amount of rent assistance may be reduced by an amount of disability pension paid by DVA or by a permanent impairment payment paid to the person or their partner.
- For veterans and their partners receiving social security age pension (paid by DVA), the gross amount of rent assistance is not reduced before the calculation of the pension rate.
Note: For social security age pensioners (paid by DVA), the Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) may be reduced due to adjusted disability pension. See Chapter 2 Which Pension do you get?
If you have dependent children, any rent assistance you may be eligible for will be paid by the Family Assistance Office (Centrelink) as part of your Family Tax Benefit.
If you are travelling overseas:
- permanently, you are not eligible for rent assistance from the day after you leave Australia; or
- temporarily, you are only eligible for this allowance for up to 26 weeks while you are away from Australia.
Child-related allowances
If you have children who are substantially dependent on you, you may be eligible for a range of child allowances through the Family Assistance Office.
If you have dependent children your income free area may be adjusted when we calculate your pension.
Dependent children include:
- a child under the age of 16;or
- a student over the age of 16 and under the age of 22 who is undertaking full-time education at a school, college or university, does not have income such as Abstudy, Austudy or payments under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme over a prescribed limit and does not receive an income support pension, benefit or allowance from Centrelink.
For further information contact your nearest DVA office.
Obligations |
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| Your obligations in relation to child-related allowances |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you live overseas or receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that your obligations are the same except that if you receive remote area allowance you need to tell us within 14 days not 28 days of the events. |
Pharmaceutical allowance
Most pensioners receive this allowance which is paid to assist with the cost of prescriptions. The current rates are $2.90 each per fortnight for members of a couple and $5.80 per fortnight for singles.
If you are travelling overseas:
- permanently, you are not eligible for pharmaceutical allowance from the day after you leave Australia; or
- temporarily, you are only eligible for this allowance for up to 26 weeks while you are away from Australia.
Telephone allowance
If you are a telephone subscriber living in Australia and you:
- are a service pensioner, age pensioner or a war widow; or
- receive a disability pension at the Special Rate or Extreme Disablement Adjustment; or
- are the holder of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; or
- are members or former members eligible for the Special Rate Disability Pension safety net payment under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA); or
- are members or former members eligible for maximum impairment compensation under MRCA; or
- are wholly dependent partners eligible for compensation for a deceased member’s death under MRCA
you are eligible for a telephone allowance. The allowance is paid automatically every quarter and is adjusted in line with movements in the cost of living. Veterans of World War 1 receive a full rental rebate. When notifying of a change in your address you should also let DVA know your new telephone number.
Note: A telephone subscriber includes someone who has a mobile listed in their name.
If you are travelling overseas:
- permanently, you are not eligible for telephone allowance from the day after you leave Australia; or
- temporarily, you are only eligible for this allowance for up to 26 weeks while you are away from Australia.
Obligations |
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| Your obligations in relation to the telephone allowance |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that your obligations are the same except that if you receive remote area allowance you need to tell us within 14 days not 28 days of any changes. |
Remote area allowance
If you are living in a remote area of Australia and you receive service pension, social security age pension(paid by DVA) or income support supplement, you may be eligible for this allowance (See Chapter 3 Living Arrangements).
Utilities allowance
If you are a service pensioner or an income support supplement recipient you may be entitled to receive utilities allowance. Utilities allowance is a quarterly payment to assist DVA pensioners and their partners with the payment of energy, rates, water and sewerage expenses. The allowance is not taxable, and is not taken into account in the assessment of income support payments. It is paid in March, June, September and December and may be adjusted in line with movements in the cost of living.
You cannot be paid utilities allowance if, in the current financial year, you have previously received four instalments of the utilities allowance or seniors concession allowance from either DVA or Centrelink.
If you are travelling overseas:
- permanently, you are not eligible for utilities allowance from the day after you leave Australia; or
- temporarily, you are only eligible for this allowance for up to 13 weeks while you are away from Australia.
Note: For more information on pension age see Chapter 2 Which pension do you get?
| Fact Sheet: IS16 |
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| Utilities Allowance (PDF version) |
| Utilities Allowance (HTML version) |
Seniors concession allowance
You may be entitled to seniors concession allowance if you are:
- a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder; or
- an eligible gold card holder.
You are an eligible gold card holder if:
- you are of veteran pension age; and
- you are not eligible for utilities allowance; and
- you are not already eligible for seniors concession allowance as a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder.
Seniors concession allowance is a quarterly payment to assist with the payment of energy, rates, water and sewerage expenses. This allowance is not taxable and is not taken into account in the assessment of income support payments. It is paid in June and December and may be adjusted in line with movements in the cost of living.
If you are travelling overseas:
- permanently, you are not eligible for the seniors concession allowance from the day you leave Australia; or
- temporarily, you are only eligible for this allowance for up to 13 weeks while you are away from Australia.
You cannot be paid seniors concession allowance if, in the current financial year, you have previously received four instalments of any combination of the utilities allowance or seniors concession allowance from either DVA or Centrelink.
Note: For more information on pension age see Chapter 2 Which pension do you get?
| Fact Sheet: IS127 |
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| Seniors Concession Allowance(PDF version) |
| Seniors Concession Allowance (HTML version) |
Obligations |
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| Your obligations in relation to the utilities and seniors concession allowance |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that your obligations are the same except that if you receive remote area allowance you need to tell us within 14 days not 28 days of any changes. |
Concession Cards
This section contains information about:
- the Pensioner Concession Card; and
- the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Pensioner Concession Card
This card is issued to service pensioners, social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) and war widows who receive the income support supplement. It entitles you to a range of concessions including:
- Prescription pharmaceuticals at the concession rate.
- Free hearing aids (a maintenance and service fee applies).
- Reduced transport fares.
- Discount rail travel, including limited free travel in some States.
- Council and water board rebates (subject to local authorities’ regulations).
- Discounted car registration and driving licences (subject to local authorities’ regulations).
- The $529.30 Medicare Safety Net threshold.
A number of other concessions are available from State and local governments and these vary from State to State.
This card is issued annually, generally towards the end of the year. You should use your new card as soon as you receive it. If you transfer from a Centrelink payment to a DVA income support payment or if your pension concession card number changes then you should notify the individual authority to ensure you continue to receive the concession.
Certain states issue rail travel vouchers with the card. These states
include WA, SA and Victoria. Although vouchers are not issued in NSW,
QLD, Tasmania and the ACT, travel concessions are available on the production
of your card. NT does not offer any travel concessions.
If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, contact your nearest DVA office and a replacement card will be issued. It takes about a week to replace a card.
Note: Concessions available to pensioners are not determined by DVA. Please contact your local authority for further details.
| Fact Sheet: IS125 |
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| Pensioner Concession Card (PDF version) |
| Pensioner Concession Card (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 01 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders NSW (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders NSW (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 11 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders VIC (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders VIC (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 21 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders QLD (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders QLD (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 31 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders SA (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders SA (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 41 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders WA (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders WA (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 51 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders TAS (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders TAS (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 61 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders NT (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders NT (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: SOI 71 |
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| Concessions for PCC Holders ACT (PDF version) |
| Concessions for PCC Holders ACT (HTML version) |
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is issued by either DVA or Centrelink, to eligible veterans, partners, war widows and widowers who are of pension age or qualifying age and who do not receive an income support pension from DVA or a pension or benefit from Centrelink because their income and/or asset levels exceed the amount allowing payment. This card entitles the holder to:
- pharmaceuticals at the same cost as people receiving an income support pension;
- telephone allowance (for telephone subscribers);
- seniors concession allowance;
- additional concessions from state and local government authorities (these may vary from state to state);
- concessional fares for travel aboard Great Southern Rail lines;
- the $529.30 Medicare Safety net threshold.
For more information contact your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: IS126 |
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| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (PDF version) |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: IS152 |
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| Great Southern Rail Travel Concession (PDF version) |
| Great Southern Rail Travel Concession (HTML version) |
Obligations |
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| Your obligations in relation to Commonwealth seniors health cards |
You need to tell us within 14 days (28 days if you receive remote area allowance) of the event if:
Social security age pensioners (paid by DVA) - note that your obligations are the same except that if you receive remote area allowance you need to tell us within 14 days not 28 days of any changes. |
Financial Assistance
You may be entitled to receive short-term financial assistance such as a cash advance or ongoing assistance with your income as set out below.
Lump sum advance
If you receive a pension you may be eligible for a lump sum advance. The maximum advance payable is $500 and to qualify for this amount you must be receiving pension of at least $38.50 per fortnight. If your pension is less than $38.50 per fortnight, the maximum advance payable is 13 times the actual rate of your pension. You may apply for any amount up to your maximum amount.
Note: The advance must be repaid over 13 fortnights and you can only get one advance in any 12 month period.
| Fact Sheet: IS115 |
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| Lump Sum Advance (PDF version) |
| Lump Sum Advance (HTML version) |
Hardship pension
If you have a low income, are assessed under the assets test and have assets that you cannot sell and are in, or could be in, severe financial hardship, you may qualify for the hardship pension on an on-going basis or temporarily (for instance for farmers during drought). To be eligible there are a number of criteria that you will need to meet. If you wish to be considered under the hardship rules, your request must be in writing.
For more information contact your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: IS117 |
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| Financial Hardship (PDF version) |
| Financial Hardship (HTML version) |
Education Entry Payment
This payment is designed to provide assistance with the costs of enrolling in a course of study to develop skills, obtain a qualification or improve employment prospects for people under pension age. One payment is made in each calendar year.
To find out if you are eligible for this payment and for information on the requirements that you will need to meet please contact your nearest
DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: IS161 |
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| Education Entry Payment (PDF version) |
| Education Entry Payment (HTML version) |
Pension bonus scheme
This scheme is designed to encourage people to remain in the workforce longer by offering a bonus to veterans, partners and war widows who wish to keep working beyond pension age (See Chapter 2 Which pension do you get?). The bonus is a tax-free lump sum and only one bonus is payable per person.
You must register to become a member of the scheme. You can register for the scheme if you are either a veteran with qualifying service and their partner, a war widow or widower and their partner, a disability pensioner and their partner who would qualify for social security age pension. A partner of a veteran or war widow must register for the scheme separately. To be eligible for the bonus all requirements must be met such as the minimum and maximum age, work test requirements and have not been in receipt of an income support payment. Only one member of a couple needs to work. The non working partner must provide proof that their partner has met the work test. For more information on the requirements you will need to meet, how to register for the scheme and claim the pension bonus,contact your nearest DVA office.
Note: If you cannot continue to meet the work test or you decide to stop working, you have 13 weeks from that date to lodge a claim for the pension and pension bonus at the same time.
Note: If you are registered for the scheme at Centrelink and become a war widow, you will no longer be eligible for an age pension. However you may be eligible for DVA income support supplement and should register for the scheme with DVA. If a bonus is payable when you claim income support supplement, your bonus can then be calculated on the basis of the period you deferred both age pension and income support supplement.
| Fact Sheet: IS07 |
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| Pension Bonus Scheme (PDF version) |
| Pension Bonus Scheme (HTML version) |
Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) Bonus
Any social security pension bonus that is reduced by the inclusion of disability pension (or a similar payment) may result in entitlement to a DFISA bonus. The DFISA bonus will be equal to the difference between the Pension Bonus received under social security law, and the amount that would have been received if the disability pension (or similar payment) had not been included in the assessment of age pension. Any amount of DFISA bonus payable will be calculated automatically, using the adjusted disability pension details from the age pension claim. There is no need to claim the DFISA bonus separately. For more information about adjusted disability pension see Chapter 2 - Which pension do you Get?
Pension loans scheme
This scheme is designed for pensioners who have assets they cannot sell and low incomes. It can provide a fortnightly income at a reasonable rate of interest if you are on reduced rate of income support pension, or do not receive any income support pension because of your income and assets.
For more information on the requirements you will need to meet and how to apply contact your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: IS116 |
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| Pension Loans Scheme (PDF version) |
| Pension Loans Scheme (HTML version) |
Defence Service Homes (DSH) Scheme
Loans
You may qualify for a Defence Service Homes (DSH) loan if:
- you have served with the Australian Defence Forces for specified periods of full time service, or you were allotted for duty in certain operational areas;
- you are a widow or widower of someone who had service covered by the Defence Service Homes Scheme; or
- you were an Australian who served with part of the British Commonwealth Forces, Welfare Organisations, or Merchant Marine in certain circumstances.
For more information on how much you can borrow, other key features of the scheme and how to apply, contact Defence Service Homes National Processing Centre on Freecall 1800 722 000 or write to Defence Service Homes, GPO Box 1987R, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001.
| Fact Sheet: HAC01 |
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| Defence Service Homes Loans (PDF version) |
| Defence Service Homes Loans (HTML version) |
| Fact Sheet: HAC05 |
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| Home Support Loans (PDF version) |
| Home Support Loans (HTML version) |
Home Insurance
If you qualify for a subsidised Home Loan, a Home Support Loan (whether or not you have used the loan even if you paid it out) or if you have an entitlement under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, then you will also be entitled to the benefits of the Home Building and Contents insurance provided by the Defence Service Homes Insurance.
Benefits include competitively priced premiums, broad insurance cover, no general excess on claims. Contents insurance discounts for those aged over 50, where security systems exist plus loyalty and no claim discounts.
Insurance is available for holiday and investment/rental homes, as well as your own home.
For more information about home and contents insurance, please telephone your local Defence Service Homes Insurance office on 1300 552 662 for the cost of a local call.
| Fact Sheet: HAC02 |
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| Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme (PDF version) |
| Defence Service Homes Insurance Schemee (HTML version) |
Other services
There are a range of other services available to pensioners.
Direct Deductions from your pension
You can request the transfer of money directly from your fortnightly DVA payments to pay certain bills. This service is known as direct deduction. It is completely voluntary and is provided at no cost to you.
This service is currently available to:
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - for tax deductions; and
- Housing SA (State government housing authority in South Australia) and the Queensland Department of Housing* - for housing payments.
*DVA is currently discussing the introduction of the direct deduction facility with the other States and Territories Housing Authorities.
The deduction amount you specify is transferred from your DVA pensions or allowances, and forwarded directly to your nominated payee. The balance of your DVA payment is paid to your usual bank account.
For more information on how to request a deduction from your payment, contact your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: PAT03 |
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| Direct deductions from your pension (PDF version) |
| Direct deductions from your pension (HTML version) |
Veterans' Home Care
If you have a Gold or White Card you can be assessed for VHC services. If you are a Commonwealth or allied veteran and you have a White card you can be assessed for respite care through VHC where it relates to your accepted disability.
The VHC program provides a range of home care services, such as domestic assistance, personal care, limited home and garden maintenance and respite care, for eligible veterans and war widows. A VHC assessment agency will assess the need for services and arrange for the services to be provided. A small co-payment may be required. The VHC assessment agency may also provide referrals to other government programs and community agencies that are best placed to meet specific needs.
For more information contact your nearest DVA office. For an assessment, phone 1300 550 450 to be connected to your local VHC assessment agency.
| Fact Sheet: HCS01 |
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| About Veterans' Home Care (PDF version) |
| About Veterans' Home Care (HTML version) |
Community Nursing
Community nursing services are available to eligible veterans and war widows to meet an assessed clinical and/or personal care need upon referral from an authorised referral source, such as:
- Local Medical Officer (DVA registered general practitioner);
- other general practitioner who is treating veterans under DVA arrangements;
- treating doctor in hospital;
- hospital discharge planner; or
- Veterans' Home Care assessment agency.
Services are provided in the home by DVA contracted community nursing organisations. Community nursing helps restore or maintain the optimal level of health and independence of the individual, and helps to avoid premature and/or inappropriate admittance to hospital or residential care.
For more information contact your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: HSV16 |
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| Community Nursing Services (PDF version) |
| Community Nursing Services (HTML version) |
Veterans’ Affairs Network (VAN)
VAN offices have been established to provide personalised information and assistance to the veteran community. There is a VAN office in each State and Territory office of DVA as well as a number of regional offices.
VAN staff can:
- advise you on pension issues and help you complete forms;
- advise you on a range of health and lifestyle issues;
- help you to get the best from services and benefits offered either by DVA or by other government or community organisations; and
- help you find local health and community programs and use them to your advantage.
For more information about the location and phone numbers of VAN offices, contact your nearest DVA office.
| Fact Sheet: DVA 07 |
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| Who to contact (PDF version) |
| Who to contact (HTML version) |
Can we come to you?
We regularly undertake visits to suburban and regional areas of Australia to keep you informed about the benefits we provide and other issues. We are available for private interviews, provided appointments are made beforehand.
These visits are usually held in the local R&SL sub-branch or local community centres, and are well publicised in the local press, on local radio and television, and through the ex-service organisations themselves.
If you need assistance or information and are not able to come to us, we can arrange to visit you in your home.
Financial Information
Income Support Service Delivery staff can provide information on how your particular financial circumstances, or future financial decisions might affect your income support pension. You can contact Income Support staff by telephoning 1300 550 452 or 1800 550 452 (regional Australia) or contact your nearest DVA office.
Centrelink runs a Financial Information Service (FIS), which is free to DVA pensioners. These seminars are advertised through the following link: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/fis.htm There are two ways to make a booking to attend a FIS seminar:
- Telephone 13 6357 from 8.00am to 5.00pm; or
- Email fis.seminar.bookings@centrelink.gov.au and include the title, date and location of the seminar.
National Information Centre on Retirement Investments
The National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI)
is a government funded community organisation which provides free, confidential
information on investments and financial planning issues to investors,
especially retirees and pre-retirees. NICRI can help you plan for your
financial future. They produce a range of free leaflets on retirement
planning, financial planning and investments available.
To contact NICRI, call 1800 020 110 (toll free) or write to NICRI, PO Box 893, Woden ACT 2606.
Ex-Service Organisations
Ex-service organisations have pensions officers and welfare officers. Some may be employed but most work for veterans and their dependants on an honorary basis. Many have been trained in pensions and welfare matters under the Training and Information Program (TIP). TIP is conducted as a joint venture between ex-service organisations and DVA.
These officers can provide you with independent information about pension entitlements and other benefits available to you. In most cases, you do not need to be a member of their organisation to obtain their assistance. If you wish, they can also represent you in your dealings with DVA, for example, assist you with the lodgement of claims and appeals or completion of forms.
Urgent repairs to your home
The Veterans' Home Maintenance Line is available to all veterans and war widows. It is a telephone advice and referral service to assist with property maintenance, home inspection services and property emergencies. Advice is free but the caller must pay for work undertaken by tradespeople, including call-out fees. The service will link the caller to reputable tradespeople. The number is 1800 80 1945. Property maintenance and home inspection services are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Emergency property advice is available, 7 days-a-week 24 hours a day.
Help in your home
HomeFront is a falls and accident prevention program aimed at assisting veterans and war widows to maintain independent living in their own homes. Under the program, all DVA Gold and White Card holders are eligible for a free annual home assessment to identify fall hazards in and around the home. Following this assessment, DVA will make a financial contribution towards the cost of recommended aids and minor home modifications that will reduce the risk of falls and accidents. HomeFront also provides veterans and war widows with information about a range of Departmental and community services to assist them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. To request a HomeFront assessment, telephone 1800 80 1945.
| Fact Sheet: HAC 04 |
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| HomeFront - A Falls and Accidents Prevention program (PDF version) |
| HomeFront - A Falls and Accidents Prevention program (HTML version) |
Services in rural and remote areas
Members of the veteran community who live in rural and remote areas of Australia have access to DVA information and services through some Centrelink offices and other agents. The Centrelink and other agency offices are located in Bega, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Taree and Wagga Wagga in NSW; Welshpool in Victoria; Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma and Thursday Island in QLD; Maitland, Minlaton, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte and Yorketown in SA; Augusta, Beverly, Corrigan, Gingin, Greenbushes, Harvey, Jurien Bay, Kojonup, Kununurra, Meekatharra, Merredin, Moora, Narrogin and Wagin in WA and Beaconsfield, Bridgewater, Burnie, Campbell Town, Currie, Deloraine, Devonport, Flinders Island, George Town, Glenorchy, Huonville, King Island, Launceston, Longford, New Norfolk, Oatlands, Queenstown, Rosny Park, Scottsdale, Sheffield, Smithton, Sorell, St Helens, Triabunna, Ulverstone and Wynyard in Tasmania.
For further information on the location of these and other venues contact your nearest DVA office.
The QLD and NSW Governments have an Agents Program (QGAP and NGAP) which brings Commonwealth Government services, including DVA's, to rural areas. A Country Information Service (ACIS) also extends our services to rural areas. Check your local White Pages for more information about these services.