We are working with the rest of the Government to keep you up to date with the latest news and information. We will keep this section updated with new information as it comes in.

You can visit the Department of Health's daily health alert regarding COVID-19.

You can use MyService to update your personal information, submit new claims and track the status of an existing claim. You can do this on your computer and on your phone.

Open Arms is open 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. If you have a counselling session scheduled but are feeling unwell or have concerns about attending it in person, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 and they will reschedule it for you or discuss options for conducting it via telephone or video conferencing. You can visit the Open Arms website at openarms.gov.au.

Latest news

You can read all of the latest news for veterans and the latest news for providers on their dedicated news pages.

Health news

• COVID-19 information for veterans about telehealth
  On 20 July 2020, the Australian Government made changes to telehealth services provided by general practitioners.
• Veteran Access Networks (VAN) online and telephone support
  Veterans and their families can continue to access DVA services online and by telephone throughout COVID-19.
• Information for having phone or video consultation with regular GP
  Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' information and support if you need to see your GP and the safest, most appropriate way to do this is by a phone or video consultation. 
• COVID-19 – actions government has taken to support healthcare
  The Australian and state and territory governments have announced a number of significant measures to bolster the health care system and ensure access to health care for all Australians during the pandemic.
• COVID-19 – veteran mental health service arrangements
  Mental health services delivered by psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners, occupational therapists and social workers will be provided as part of DVA’s new telehealth arrangements, where clinically appropriate. These services can still be covered by non-liability health care arrangements where applicable.
• COVID-19 and the veteran community
  DVA has a Pandemic Business Continuity Plan in place to ensure that critical support and services remain available to the veteran community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are closely monitoring the Government’s response and health advice and will adapt our planning accordingly.
• COVID-19 – calming and coping
  By Dr Stephanie Hodson CSC, National Manager, Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
  Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Education news

• Education schemes
  Students and Australian Apprentice who receive support through DVA’s Education Schemes, including education allowance, may be impacted due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Financial news

If your financial situation has changed, you should update your information as soon as possible. You can update this information by calling us on 1800 555 254.

• Coronavirus Supplement extended to 31 December
  The Australian Government’s support for the Australian community through the coronavirus pandemic continues with the extension of the Coronavirus Supplement to 31 December 2020.
• Deeming rate reductions
  Clients who receive income support payments from DVA will soon benefit from changes to the way financial assets are assessed, thanks to changes to deeming rates.
• DSH Insurance and COVID-19
  During this extraordinary time with COVID-19, DSH Insurance has put in place mechanisms to help protect you and our wider community.
• Economic Support Payments
  The Australian Government has recently announced two economic stimulus packages.
• Coronavirus Supplement
  Certain DVA Education Schemes clients are now eligible to receive the temporary $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement.
• Services at DVA VAN offices
  For the safety of both staff and the veteran community there will be some changes to the provision of face-to-face services at DVA VAN offices.

Providers

• COVID-19 Information for Healthcare Providers
  A temporary change in service delivery to our clients during the current pandemic.
• Department of Health's Hearing Services Program factsheet
  This factsheet contains all of the information you need to know about with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact us

To update your information or to ask specific questions about your situation, you can contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Phone

You can call us between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Telephone: 1800 555 254

International callers: +61 2 6289 1133