A new Aged Care Act will start on 1 November 2025, as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to creating a simpler, fairer and more respectful aged-care system.
The new Act puts older people – including veterans and their families – at the heart of aged care. It strengthens rights, improves the quality and safety of care, and makes it easier to understand and access the support available.
What stays the same
DVA will continue to provide dedicated support and services to eligible veterans and war-widowed partners to help them live independently, safely and comfortably at home or in residential aged care.
You will still be able to contact DVA for assistance and your existing Veteran Card and DVA entitlements remain in place.
What’s changing
From 1 November 2025:
- The new Act introduces a Statement of Rights for everyone receiving government-funded aged-care services, ensuring dignity, choice and respect are built into every level of care.
- New residents entering aged care will see updates to the way costs and government contributions are assessed, to make the system more sustainable and transparent.
- DVA clients will mainly notice updated reporting requirements and adjusted rates under the new Act, rather than major changes to how they receive support.
If you receive a means-tested pension or payment you’ll need to continue updating DVA when your circumstances change so we can ensure your payments and aged-care fees remain accurate and fair.
Who needs to let DVA know about the changes
If you receive any of the following means-tested pensions and payments:
- Service Pension
- Social Security Age Pension
- Income Support Supplement
- Veteran Payment
You’ll need to tell DVA within 14 days about changes to your circumstances, or 28 days if you live overseas or receive remote area allowance.
This includes:
- personal circumstances (relationships)
- residential circumstances
- financial circumstances.
You can tell us about changes to your circumstances by:
- ringing us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
- submit changes via MyService
- writing to us at GPO BOX 9998 BRISBANE QLD 4001
- visiting any of our offices – see DVA location finder
Where to get more information
Learn more about your reporting obligations in the You and Your Pension Booklet.
For DVA-specific aged-care services, visit dva.gov.au/agedcaresupport
For broader information on the new Act, visit the My Aged Care website.
You can also contact My Aged Care by phone 1800 200 422 if you:
- need aged care information
- need basic or complex support at home to live independently
- are thinking about entering residential aged care.
My Aged Care is the Australian Government's service that helps individuals access aged care services, providing information, support, and guidance throughout the aged care system.