Claims for reservists

Australian Defence Force reservists may be able to receive compensation for medical conditions caused by their service.

In some cases, reservists can also access treatment for mental health conditions without needing to prove a link to their service.

If a reservist dies due to their service, additional compensation may be payable to their estate and dependants. 

Who we cover

All ADF reserve service gives you access to DVA entitlements. This includes both part-time service and full-time service. We sometimes refer to full-time service as ‘continuous full-time service’ (CFTS) when a reserve member is formally appointed to full-time service by Defence.

What entitlements you can get

Reservists get the same range of benefits as permanent force members. However, a different formula is used to work out incapacity payments for reservists. This is because reservists can be full-time or part-time, with income from both civilian and ADF work.

The incapacity payment:

• replaces any income a person loses because their medical condition affects how much they can work
• amounts are based on the difference between your normal earnings (before your injury) and your actual earnings (after you are injured).

You can submit a claim for incapacity payment in MyService.

What if you get sick or injured

You can get compensation and treatment for any medical conditions your reserve service causes. This is also the case if reserve service worsens conditions you already had.

What mental health treatment you can get

DVA provides veterans with access to fully funded treatment of all mental health conditions. This means you do not have to pay for your mental health treatment for as long as it is needed. You do not need to prove that your ADF service caused these conditions. We may cover these costs through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC). 

You may be eligible if your reserve service included any of the following: 

• at least one day of CFTS
• Disaster Relief Service, such as Operation Vic Fire Assist
• Border Protection Service, such as Operation RESOLUTE
• Disaster Relief Assistance, such as Operation COVID-19 ASSIST
• involvement in a serious ADF training accident.

You can read more at Non-Liability Health Care (mental health) for veterans.

Accessing NLHC 

If eligible, you may receive a Veteran White Card. This covers mental health treatment when you leave the ADF.

If you meet the eligibility criteria but do not have a Veteran Card, you can apply for NLHC by submitting a claim through:

• MyService - if eligible, you will have access to a 'Mental health treatment' claim tile on the 'Claims and applications' screen
• completing the application form
• emailing us at NLHC@dva.gov.au.

Getting out-of-pocket treatment expenses back

If you have privately visited a doctor for treatment, we may reimburse you for that cost. Read more at Medical Expenses Privately Incurred (MEPI).

Reimbursement claims can be submitted through Application for Reimbursement of Medical Expenses. This is currently not available in MyService.

What services and support are available for family members

We offer pensions, education schemes and payments to support the eligible family members of veterans. Visit Families and dependants to explore these supports.

If a reservist dies because of their service, the following dependants can get compensation:

• their partner
• dependent children.

These dependants can also get compensation if both of the following apply:

• The reservist’s death was caused by service after 30 June 2004.
• The reservist was eligible for Special Rate Disability Pension or the maximum rate of permanent impairment compensation.

Dependants of a reservist who has died might also be able to get bereavement payments and assistance with funeral costs.

You can also read more at Compensation for dependants under the MRCA.