Budget 2022-23 outcomes for the veteran community

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA’s) claims processing system is receiving a boost to help reduce the claims backlog so that veterans receive faster decisions and support.

The Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program has received more ongoing funding to help more eligible veterans and also to provide financial support to veterans living with PTSD who have privately sourced a suitably trained psychiatric assistance dog prior to or shortly after the commencement of the Program in September 2019.

To further support the health and wellbeing of our veterans, the Australian Government has provided:

  • An interim increase to fees for domestic assistance and personal care services under the Veterans’ Home Care program to provide more sustainable access to Veterans’ Home Care services, including for veterans in rural and regional areas,
  • An extension of the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment Package for a further two years to 30 June 2024,
  • Funding to maintain incapacity compensation payments for a further year at 100 per cent of pre-injury earnings for veterans undertaking study as part of their DVA-funded Return to Work rehabilitation program,
  • A grant to Invictus Australia to support the Australian team participation at the 2023 Invictus Games and 2022 and 2024 Warrior Games and promote and encourage veteran involvement in adaptive sports across the country,
  • Expanded services in the Family Support Package to more families, allowing them greater choice in how they use the services.

The Budget 2022-23 also sees the Australian Government continue to demonstrate its commitment to acknowledging and commemorating the service and sacrifice of the those who have served our nation, including:

  • A grant to support Legacy Australia to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2023, including a remembrance torch relay from Pozieres in France, to London, and onto Australia to raise awareness of the great work Legacy does supporting veteran families.

This Budget has a significant focus on the health and wellbeing of veterans and families, and the Australian Government continues to prioritise giving back to the veteran community and providing them with the support they need, when they need it.

More information on DVA’s Budget 2022-23 measures is available on the DVA website www.dva.gov.au/Budget2022-23

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