Veterans Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)

Overview of Disability Pensions and Allowances

Overview

This Factsheet provides an overview of disability pensions and allowances available under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).  Disability pension is paid to compensate veterans for injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by war service or certain defence service rendered on behalf of Australia before 1 July 2004.

What is disability pension?

Disability pension is paid to compensate veterans for injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by war service or certain defence service rendered on behalf of Australia before 1 July 2004.  It is a non-taxable pension.

Who is eligible for disability pension?

You may be eligible for a disability pension if you suffer from an injury or disease that is a result of service rendered:

·         in the Australian Defence Force during a time of conflict before 1 July 2004

·         in the Australian Merchant Navy during World War 2

·         as a United Nations Peacekeeper representing Australia overseas before 1 July 2004

·         in the Australian Defence Force whilst undertaking hazardous service overseas before 1 July 2004

·         as one of certain civilians who assisted the Australian Defence Force in wartime before 1 July 2004; or

·         in the Australian Defence Force (after completion of 3 years qualifying

period, unless medically discharged) from 7 December 1972 to 6 April 1994.

(If you enlisted before 22 May 1986 you can also claim for injuries or diseases resulting from service after 6 April 1994 up to 30 June 2004).

 

You may also be entitled to a disability pension if you served with a Commonwealth or allied country and you lived in Australia before you enlisted.

How much is the disability pension?

The amount of disability pension paid depends on the level of incapacity you suffer as a result of your war-caused or defence-caused injuries and diseases.  Generally speaking, the more incapacitated you are, the higher the amount of pension you will receive.

 

There are four �categories� of disability pension payable:

·         General Rate, payable in multiples of 10% up to 100%

·         Extreme Disablement Adjustment (for over 65 years of age only)

·         Intermediate Rate; and

·         Special Rate.

How do I claim disability pension?

You need to lodge a form D2582 �Claim for Disability Pension and/or Application for Increase in Disability Pension�.  Information about where to get a form and how to lodge a claim is contained in the Factsheet DP 18: How to Claim Disability Pensions.

What is a disability pension allowance?

A disability pension allowance is a fortnightly allowance paid to pensioners to provide financial assistance, compensation or reward for valour.

What are the various types of disability pension allowances?

Applications can be made under the VEA in respect of the following allowances:

·         Attendant allowance - may be paid to an eligible veteran to assist with the cost of an attendant to help with such things as feeding, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.  The attendant may be the veteran�s partner.  The allowance is payable where a veteran has certain war or defence-caused amputations, blindness, or injury or disease affecting the brain and spinal cord system, or has a condition similar in effect or severity.

·         Clothing allowance - may be paid to an eligible veteran to help offset the cost of modifications, or wear and tear and damage, to clothing.  The allowance is payable where a veteran has certain war or defence-caused amputations or blindness.  It is also payable where treatment for any war or defence-caused disability causes exceptional wear and tear or damage to clothing.

·          Loss of earnings allowance - compensates an eligible veteran for salary, wages or earnings lost in certain circumstances.  The allowance is payable where a veteran:

-        receives treatment for a war or defence-caused disability

-        has used part or all of employer provided sick leave for a war or defence-caused disability, and now has no benefits to cover an absence for another illness; or

-        attends an appointment arranged by the Department for the investigation of a claim for disability pension.

·         Recreation transport allowance - is paid to an eligible veteran suffering from severe war or defence-caused disabilities that affect mobility, to promote access to recreational activities.  The allowance is payable where a veteran has certain war or defence-caused amputations or blindness, or is handicapped to a similar extent to these disabilities.

·         Temporary incapacity allowance � is paid to an eligible veteran who is employed and has undergone treatment in a hospital or institution for a war or defence-caused disability and has been off work for a continuous period of at least 28 days.  There is no requirement that income is actually lost; and

·         Vehicle Assistance Scheme (including a running and maintenance allowance) - provides financial assistance to an eligible veteran to purchase a new motor vehicle.  Thereafter, assistance may also be provided to purchase a replacement vehicle or make modifications to a vehicle.  The veteran must be able to drive the vehicle or be able to be driven in the vehicle.  A running and maintenance allowance is payable towards the costs of registering and insuring the vehicle. The assistance is payable where a veteran has certain war or defence-caused amputations, complete paraplegia or a condition similar in effect or severity to certain amputations.

How much are these allowances?

The allowances are paid at different rates and details are contained in the Factsheet DP43: Disability Pension and War Widow�s/Widower�s Pension Rates and Allowances.

How do I apply for an allowance?

You need to lodge an application form for the particular allowance.  For more information about each allowance and application form see the following Factsheets:

·         DP 72: Attendant Allowance

·         DP 73: Clothing Allowance

·         DP 75: Loss of Earnings Allowance

·         DP 76: Recreation Transport Allowance

·         DP 77: Temporary Incapacity Allowance

·         DP 78: Vehicle Assistance Scheme

Oral advice

While we make every effort to ensure that you are given accurate information, it is important that you seek written confirmation of oral information or advice before making any major decisions based on that information.

 

We continually strive to improve the level of service you receive and make this request as an added safeguard for you.

 

Other Factsheets

Other Factsheets related to this topic include:

DP 18: How to Claim Disability Pensions

DP 28: General Rate

DP 29: Special and Intermediate Rates

DP 30: Extreme Disablement Adjustment

DP 43: Disability Pension and War Widow�s/Widower�s Pension Rates and Allowances

MRC 01: Overview of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004

MRC 02: Compensation Coverage for Members and Ex-Members of the Australian Defence Force

IS 19: Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA)

More information

All DVA Factsheets are available from DVA offices, and on the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au.

You can phone DVA for the cost of a local call on:
133 254, or 1800 555 254, if you are outside a major city

 

Use a normal landline phone if you can. Mobile phone calls may cost you more

You can send an email to DVA at:  generalenquiries@dva.gov.au

 

You can get more help from any DVA office