Benefits under the VEA

The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) has closed to new claims. If you are already receiving compensation under the VEA, your payments will continue uninterrupted

Under the VEA, compensation is paid as a fortnightly pension. VEA benefits are paid for life and, depending on the level of Disability Compensation Payment, may include access to the Veteran Card – All Conditions for health care treatment. Offsetting provisions apply to VEA Disability Compensation Payments where the same condition is accepted under both the VEA and the DRCA.

Other benefits available under the VEA

Other benefits payable under the VEA, include:

• war widow’s and orphan’s pension, in the event of the veterans’ death where the death is related to service;
• health care treatment cards for specific conditions, or full treatment for all conditions;
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card;
• aids and appliances;
• counselling services;
• educational benefits to children;
• rent assistance;
• income support payments to eligible veterans’ and their dependants.

Am I eligible?

If you submitted a claim before 1 July 2026, you are covered under the VEA for injury, disease or death occurring as a result of the following ADF service:

• peacetime service (after completion of three year qualification period) – from 7 December 1972 to 6 April 1994. Members who enlisted before 2 May 1986 and were still serving after 7 April 1994 are also covered
• all periods of operational service, peacekeeping service and declared hazardous service
• warlike or non-warlike operations in East Timor, Afghanistan or Iraq or in any other similarly declared operation
• warlike or non-warlike operations in East Timor, Afghanistan or Iraq or in any other similarly declared operation up to 01 July 2004.

Any new claims for rehabilitation and compensation will be assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, irrespective of service or time of injury