New payment supports older veterans
The Additional Disablement Amount (ADA) is a new benefit that came into effect on 1 July 2026.
The ADA is similar to the Extreme Disablement Adjustment benefit under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). It provides support for veterans over age pension age with a high degree of impairment due to injuries or illness caused by their service now that the VEA has closed to new compensation claims.
Veterans who are granted the ADA may receive a Veteran Gold Card and a periodic payment, offset against other permanent impairment compensation or Commonwealth-funded superannuation. This includes any MRCA permanent impairment payments, lump sum compensation paid under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and Disability Compensation Payment paid under the VEA.
Partners of veterans who were eligible for the ADA at the time of their death and who meet the MRCA criteria of “Wholly Dependent Partner” are entitled to compensation and a Veteran Gold Card. The children of deceased ADA veterans also receive an eligible young person payment (if applicable) and access to the MRCA education scheme – as well as a Veteran Gold Card.
To find out more, visit the DVA website.