Vehicle Assistance Scheme

The Vehicle Assistance Scheme under VEA is closed to new claims and vehicle assistance is now provided by the Motor Vehicle Compensation Scheme under MRCA.

Veterans currently accessing support via the Vehicle Assistance Scheme can continue to do so or may claim under the MRCA (subject to meeting the relevant criteria). 

What is the Vehicle Assistance Scheme (VAS)

Help with a car and car costs if a service-related injury (accepted under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)) has severely reduced your mobility.

The help can be financial assistance towards:

• the replacement of a car; and
• running and maintenance costs for the vehicle provided under the scheme.

Financial assistance amounts

Financial help is an amount paid directly to the supplier for an appropriate replacement vehicle of:

• up to $19,905 towards the cost of a replacement car after two years. This is in addition to the trade-in or market value sale of your current VAS vehicle.

Further financial help may be given towards that car for:

• modifications and driving devices; and
• running and maintenance, such as registration and insurance costs.

The running and maintenance allowance is paid annually and is currently $2,969.20.

How you claim for a vehicle or vehicle modifications under the VAS

1. Complete the Application for Vehicle Assistance Scheme, carefully following instructions for any additional documentation that may need to be attached.
2. Send your application with supporting documents by:
   • email to: offsetting@dva.gov.au; or
   • post to: GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001
3. We may arrange a driver-trained occupational therapist to undertake an assessment. This assessment allows the therapist to identify the most suitable vehicle for your needs. If you already have a driver-trained occupational therapist, please include their details in your claim form. We will advise you if an assessment is required and will assist to arrange this.
4. We will assess your application and let you know of your outcome in writing. If approved, we will explain the next step to you.

How you claim for the running and maintenance cost of a VAS car

1. Each year, complete the running and maintenance section on the Application for Vehicle Assistance Scheme carefully following instructions for any additional documentation that may need to be attached.
2. Send your application with supporting documents by:
   • email to: offsetting@dva.gov.au; or
   • post to: GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001
3. We will assess your application and let you know in writing of the outcome.

Things you should know

• It is not necessary for you to be able to drive. If you have a partner or carer who will regularly drive you in the vehicle, we will consider your application.
• If you get the Recreation Transport Allowance from us or the Mobility Allowance from Centrelink, you cannot receive this help.
• If you could pursue a claim under any other scheme of compensation under any Territory, State, or Commonwealth law, you cannot receive this help.
• You cannot claim for the Running and Maintenance Allowance or for vehicle modifications without having been granted a vehicle under the Scheme.
• Do not sign any contract for a car until we confirm your eligibility. The driver-trained occupational therapist will assist you to find the most suitable vehicle and to obtain quotes for the selected model.