All travel for treatment taken from 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
What’s changing from 1 July 2026?
For veterans who currently have eligibility under the MRCA or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA):
- The 50km minimum distance requirement will no longer apply for travel by private vehicle, meaning a kilometre allowance can be claimed for all trips taken from 1 July 2026, regardless of the distance.
For veterans who currently have eligibility under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA):
- The prescribed VEA allowances will be replaced with access to a reimbursement of ‘reasonable’ travel costs, which is higher than the current prescribed amount.
- The kilometre rate for travelling by private vehicle will increase to $0.68 from 1 July 2026.
- Access to travel using the Booked Car with Driver (BCWD) service will continue for eligible Veteran Card holders after 1 July 2026.
How do I claim travel for treatment expenses?
Online lodgement via a MyService account offers the simplest and quickest approach to claiming travel.
If you need assistance, you can authorise a trusted friend or family member to help you or visit a VAN office or a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub for face-to-face guidance.
You can also submit your claim using a paper D800 form.
When claiming for meals or private vehicle travel receipts are not required.
For all other travel expenses you must submit a copy of your receipts, either by uploading to your MyService account during lodgement of the claim, or as a hard copy attached to your paper claim.
Receipts must be provided to enable DVA to validate your claim and correctly reimburse your reasonably incurred expenses.
Claims for trips taken before 1 July 2026
All claims for trips taken before 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the Act that applied at the time and date of travel (the MRCA, DRCA or VEA).
This will apply even if the claim is lodged after 1 July 2026.
Only claims for trips taken from 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the improved MRCA as the single ongoing Act.
For more information, including the BCWD access criteria, visit Travel for treatment | Department of Veterans' Affairs