WilmotSt,burnie,Tas,7320T:1300135547T:64311333F:64315680e:[email protected]

Veterans’ AffairsInformation Kit

PHOTOS COURTESY AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

This kit is printed, authorised and distributed with the compliments of:

Sid Sidebottom MPFederal MeMber For braddon

Shop 2/32 Wilmot St, burnie, Tas, 7320T: 1300 135 547T: 64311 333F: 6431 5680e: [email protected]

veTerans’ affaIrs inForMaTion kiT

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a Message from the Minister and Federal Member for bruce

Dear North West Veteran,

I am pleased to provide you with an updated Veterans’ Information Kit. While the Kit will not answer all your questions, it will give you a comprehensive guide to payments and services available to veterans and their families.

This issue contains the current rates of pensions and allowances from 1 July 2008 to 19 September 2008.

This Kit contains details of a number of changes to the benefits available to veterans and their families reflecting announcements made by the Government.

If you would like to know more about Labor’s policy and activities in the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio please contact my office for copies of recent speeches and media releases. Information is available either electronically, or by post.

To receive any or all of the above please contact my office on 64 311 333, or 1300 135 547, or alternatively email me atsid.sidebottom.MP!aph.gov.au.

Kind regards,

Sid Sidebottom MPFederal Member for Braddon


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Table of ContentsIntroduction 5

veterans’ affairs network 5

Dva Pensions 6

Compensation Pensions 6Disability Pension 6

General Rate 7Special (T&PI) Rate & Intermediate Rate 7Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) 7Additional Disability Pension for Specific Disabilities 7

Allowances and Other Benefits 7Loss of Earnings Allowance 7Temporary Incapacity Allowance 8Victoria Cross Allowance 8Decoration Allowance 8Attendant Allowance 8Clothing Allowance 8Recreation Transport Allowance 8Vehicle Assistance Scheme 8GST Exemption 8

War Widow(er)s Pension 8

Orphan’s Pension 8

Income support Pensions 9Service Pension 9Pension Bonus Scheme 9

Partner Service Pension 9

Income & Assets Test for Service Pension 9Income Test 10Assets Test 10

Income Support Supplement 10

Payment ready reckoners 11–22Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner – Income Test Tables 11

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner – Assets Test Tables – Couples 13

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner – Assets Test Tables – Singles 15

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner – Income Test Tables 17

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner – Assets Test Tables – Couples 19

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner – Assets Test Tables – Singles 21

additional Benefits 23Concessions 23Telephone Allowance 23Bereavement Payments 23Funeral Benefit 24Family Tax Benefit 24Veterans’ Children Education Scheme 24Long Tan Bursary 24Remote Area Allowance 24Rent Assistance 25Pharmaceutical Allowance 25Utilities Allowance 25Seniors Concession Allowance 25

Income support for veterans not entitled to the service Pension 26

Deeming rates 26

Health Care and support services 26Health Care Arrangements 26

Veterans’ Home Care Program 26

Community Nursing Program 27

Respite Care 27

HomeFront – A Falls and Accident Prevention Program 27

Veteran and Community Grants 27

Building Excellence in Support and Training Grants Program (BEST) 27

entitlement Cards 28Health Care Cards 28

Gold Card – Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions 28

White Card – Repatriation Health Card for Specific Conditions 29

Orange Card – Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card 29


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Medicare Levy 30

Repatriation Transport Scheme 30

Combined Accommodation and Meal Allowance 30Same Day Travel 30Repatriation Comprehensive Care Scheme (RCCS) 30Repatriation Private Patient Scheme (RPPS) 30Allied Health Services 31Chiropractic and Osteopathic Services 31Dental Services 31Dietetic Services 31General Medical Services 31Hearing Tests and Hearing Aids 32Occupational Therapy 32Optometrical Services & Optical Supplies 32Orthoptics 32Palliative Care 32Prosthetic and Orthotic Services 32Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) 33Rehabilitation Appliances Program 33Social Worker Service 33

rehabilitation and Counselling services 33Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 33

Veterans & Veterans Families Counselling Service 34

Veterans’ Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme 34

Housing and Community support 35Defence Services Homes Loan Scheme 35

Defence Services Homes Insurance Scheme 35

Veterans’ Home Maintenance Line 35

Nursing Homes and Hostels 35

Health and Wellbeing 36

Men’s Health Peer Education Program 36

Day Clubs 36

Carer and Volunteer Support 36

Veteran and Community Grants 37

Alcohol Management Project 37

Commemoration and recognition 37Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants 37

Office of australian War Graves 38

australian War Memorial 38Australian War Memorial Foundation 38

Military Compensation 39Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (SRCA) 39

Incapacity Payments 39Medical and Other Treatment 39Household Assistance 39Attendant Care 40Vocational and Lifestyle Rehabilitation 40Death Benefits 40Permanent Impairment 40Other Benefits Payable 40

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) 41

Coverage 41Rehabilitation 41Compensation for Permanent Impairment 41Incapacity Payments 42Special Rate Disability Pension Safety Net Payment (SRDP) 42Treatment Benefits 43Compensation for Death 43Financial Advice 43Household Care 43Attendant Care 43Vehicle Modifications 44Telephone Allowance 44Pharmaceutical Allowance 44Funeral Assistance 44Continuing VEA Benefits 44

Contact Lists 45DVA Business Specific Numbers 45

Veterans’ Affairs Network 47

Veterans & Veterans Families Counselling Service 48

The Office of Australian War Graves 49

National Contacts 50

Websites 51


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introductionThis booklet is a guide for payments and services provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) drawn from DVA Facts Sheets.

DVA Facts Sheets are available on request from any DVA office, or on the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au/factsheets/default.htm.

If you have an interest in a particular subject addressed in this information kit it is strongly advised you regularly check with your nearest DVA office, or on the website for the latest

information. Remember, DVA Facts Sheets are updated on a regular basis.

Wherever possible, reference is made to the relevant DVA Facts Sheet throughout this Information Kit. The reference numbers quoted relate to individual DVA Facts Sheets.

While every care is taken to ensure the information in this kit is up to date and accurate it is recommended that if you have any queries about your entitlements, please contact the DVA.

Veterans’ affairs networkThe Veterans’ Affairs Network (VAN) is a service set up by DVA to promote the independence and wellbeing of members of the veteran community.

VAN Offices:

n Work with veterans and the local community to develop programs and service to meet their needs;

n Answer queries about DVA’s services and veterans’ entitlements;

n Inform clients of the services available in their community;

n Educate service providers about the Department and veterans;

n Work with local service providers to make sure veterans and war widow(er)s have access to appropriate services; and

n Represent and work with other Departmental services to ensure veterans and war widow(er)s receive effective and efficient services, e.g. Health Adviser Assistance, and Day Clubs.

In capital cities VAN operates from existing DVA State Offices, with other offices located in areas where there are large veteran communities.

In those larger regional centres where the veteran population is considerable, but not large enough to sustain a VAN office, DVA has contracted a range of agency sites that provide information and support services to the veteran community on behalf of the Department. These agency sites are located in NSW (Bega, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Taree and Wagga Wagga), VIC (Bendigo and Mildura), QLD (Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma, Thursday Island), and SA (Mt Gambier).

Addresses and telephone numbers are at the end of this booklet.


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dVa Pensions

Compensation PensionsAll amounts of pensions given are current from 1 July 2008.

Disability PensionThe Disability Pension may be paid to a veteran or an ex service person who has an injury or disease related to their service. It is not taxable and is not subject to an income or assets test.

It may be paid in addition to a Service Pension (and Defence Incapacity payments) where it is not included in the means test, and in addition to Centrelink benefits.

Where Centrelink includes disability pensions in the means test for social security benefits such as age pensions and disability support pensions, the deduction made is refunded by the DVA on a fortnightly basis. This payment is known as the Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA).

You may be eligible for a disability pension under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act1986 if you suffer from an injury or disease that is a result of service:

n In the Australian Defence Force (ADF) during a time of conflict before 1 July 2004;

n In the Australian Merchant Navy during World War 2;

n As a United Nations Peacekeeper representing Australia overseas before 1 July 2004;

n In the ADF whilst undertaking hazardous service overseas before 1 July 2004;

n As one of certain civilians who assisted the ADF in wartime before 1 July 2004;

n In the ADF (after completion of a 3 year 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 up to 1 July 2004).

The DVA pays two main types of pensions:

n Compensation Pensions, which include:– DISABILITY PENSIONS: indexed twice

yearly in March & September with reference to Consumer Price Index (CPI) or proportion of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever is greater. (Source: DVA FACTS DP28)

– WAR WIDOW(ER)S PENSIONS: indexed twice yearly in March & September with reference to Consumer Price Index (CPI) or proportion of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever is greater. (Source: DVA FACTS IS159)

n Income support Pensions, which include:– SERVICE PENSIONS: indexed twice

yearly in March & September with reference to Consumer Price Index (CPI) or proportion of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever is greater. (Source: DVA FACTS IS159)

– INCOME SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS: indexed twice yearly in March & September with reference to Consumer Price Index (CPI) or proportion of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever is greater. (Source: DVA FACTS IS159)

These pensions are paid fortnightly.

Veterans may also be eligible for certain additional allowances.

Information on eligibility and how to claim pensions and allowances is available from the nearest DVA Office or VAN Office.

Addresses and telephone contact numbers for DVA Offices are at the end of this booklet. (Source: DVA FACTS IS01 and DP01)


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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 (domicile test applied).

For ADF personnel ineligible for veterans’ benefits, compensation for service caused injuries may be available from the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Group (MRCG) also located in DVA.

For those with service between 1972 and 1994, compensation may be available under both schemes for peacetime service – but one is offset against the other. If offsetting may affect you, before making any decisions, you should get advice from DVA that is specific to your circumstances. You may also wish to obtain financial advice as compensation offsetting in most cases affects a disability pension for life.

For ADF personnel injured after 1 July 2004, compensation is only available under the MRCG. (Further information is available on page 37 of this kit.)

However, as all this entails a very complex interaction of three compensation schemes, advice on making claims should be obtained from DVA, or any ex service organisation with trained advocates. A list DVA contacts appears at the end of this kit.

As well as the disability pension, allowances are payable for specific purposes relating to your war-caused or defence-caused injuries and diseases. (See the Health Care and Services Section).

There are four different types of disability pensions under the Veterans Entitlements Act:

GeneraL raTe The General Rate is paid in increments at the following rates:

100% $344.80 50% $172.40

90% $310.32 40% $137.92

80% $275.84 30% $ 103.44

70% $241.36 20% $ 68.96

60% $206.88 10% $ 34.48

(Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

sPeCIaL (T&PI) raTe anD InTerMeDIaTe raTeSpecial (T&PI) Rate and Intermediate Rate pensions may be paid to veterans whose capacity to earn a living has been seriously affected by war-caused or defence-caused injury or disease.

The fortnightly T&PI rate is $970.50, and the Intermediate Rate is $658.50. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

To receive T&PI rate you must be incapable of working more than 8 hours per week, and for a Intermediate Rate person the limit is 20 hours per week and the loss of earnings must be due to service related incapacity alone.

exTreMe DIsaBLeMenT aDjusTMenT (eDa) EDA may be paid to severely incapacitated veterans aged over 65 years who do not receive the Special or Intermediate Rate.

The current rate is $535.60 per fortnight. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP44)

aDDITIOnaL DIsaBILITy PensIOn fOr sPeCIfIC DIsaBILITIes This pension is paid to veterans with war-caused or defence-caused amputation or blindness, depending on their circumstances.

The adjustment is added to the veteran’s disability pension but the maximum is equal to the Special Rate (T&PI).

Refer to DVA FACTS DP43 for full details.

allowances and Other BenefitsIf you receive a disability pension you may also be entitled to other allowances. If you have any queries about your eligibility for any of these allowances, contact your local DVA office.

LOss Of earnInGs aLLOWanCeThis allowance may be paid if a veteran loses earnings because of being treated for a war-caused or defence-caused injury or disease, or attending appointments to claim a disability pension. The allowance may also be paid to a person who loses earnings because they are helping a veteran to claim for disability pension. (Source: DVA FACTS DP43)


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TeMPOrary InCaPaCITy aLLOWanCe This allowance may be paid to a veteran who is unable to work due to being admitted to a hospital or other institution for treatment for a war-caused or defence-caused injury or disease, and that treatment extends for 28 days or more. (Source: DVA FACTS DP43)

vICTOrIa CrOss aLLOWanCe An allowance of $3,517 per annum payable to holders of the Victoria Cross. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

DeCOraTIOn aLLOWanCe This allowance is paid automatically at the rate of $2.10 per fortnight to Disability Pensioners who were awarded certain decorations for gallantry. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

aTTenDanT aLLOWanCe An attendant allowance may be paid if a veteran needs the assistance of an attendant. It is paid at two levels, according to the type of injury or disease.

The fortnightly amount is currently $132.10 at the low rate and $264.50 at the high rate. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

CLOTHInG aLLOWanCe A clothing allowance may be paid if a veteran’s war-caused or defence caused injury or disease causes exceptional wear and tear or damage to clothing.

The rate payable depends on the extent of injury or disease. The fortnightly amount is currently $5.10 at the Low Rate, $7.60 at the Mid Rate and $11.00 at the High Rate. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

reCreaTIOn TransPOrT aLLOWanCeThis allowance may be paid to help with the costs of transport for recreation purposes where a war-caused injury seriously affects a veteran’s mobility.

The current rates of Recreation Transport Allowance are $70.60 per fortnight (high rate) or $35.10 per fortnight (low rate). (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

veHICLe assIsTanCe sCHeMe This scheme may assist a veteran to purchase and modify a motor vehicle where service or war

caused amputation, injury or disease severely affects the ability to move around.

A running and maintenance allowance is also payable to help defray the cost of registering and insuring the vehicle.

The rate per year for maintenance and running costs is $1,835.60. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

GsT exeMPTIOn An exemption from payment of GST on the purchase of a new motor vehicle, or spare parts, may be available to a veteran on the Special (T&PI) Rate or in the case of serious injury to a leg or both arms.

To claim the exemption a certificate must be obtained from DVA for lodgement with the Australian Taxation Office. (Source: DVA FACTS DP79)

The equivalent is also available for purchase of a motorcycle by way of a grant from DVA.(Source: DVA FACTS DP42)

War Widow(er)s Pension (WWP)This pension is currently $582.40 per fortnight, is not taxable nor subject to an income or assets test. (Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)

The pensioner may also be eligible for an Age Pension or Disability Support Pension from Centrelink, or the Income Support Supplement from DVA. Rent assistance may also be payable in addition to a means-tested pension from either DVA or Centrelink.

To be eligible for a war widow’s pension, the person’s partner, a veteran, must have died as the result of a service caused injury or disability. Where the veteran is on either T&PI or EDA rate of disability pension, WWP is granted automatically to surviving spouse.

Orphans PensionThe rate payable is $80.80 per fortnight where the veteran parent is deceased, and $161.50 where both parents are deceased. It is also paid where the veteran is paid the Special Rate (T&PI) Pension.(Source: DVA FACTS IS30 and DP43)


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service PensionThe Service Pension is similar to the Age Pension paid by Centrelink but is only available to those veterans who have Qualifying Service. It is available 5 years earlier than the Age Pension (contact your local DVA office for further information), or may be payable earlier on grounds of invalidty where the veteran is permanently unable to work or is permanently blind (see DVA Facts Sheet IS02). Income and assets test apply.

A service pension granted on the grounds of invalidity may be tax free until the recipient reaches Centrelink Age Pension age. Contact Centrelink on 13 23 00 or see DVA Facts Sheet IS02 for further details.

THE CURRENT MAxIMUM SERVICE PENSION RATES PER FORTNIGHT ARE:

Single pensioner $546.80

Pensioner couple (each) $456.80

(Source: DVA FACTS IS30)

Pension Bonus scheme The Pension Bonus Scheme is designed to encourage people to stay in the workforce longer by offering a once only, tax free, lump sum bonus to those veterans, partners of veterans, war widows and widowers, who wish to keep working instead of claiming an income support pension.

For eligibility criteria contact the DVA or read DVA Fact Sheet IS07.

Partner service PensionThe partner of a Service Pensioner may also be entitled to receive a Partner Service Pension. To check eligibility forn current partners, or n former partners, orn widows or widowers, andn age and eligibility requirementsplease contact your local DVA office or see DVA Facts Sheet IS45.

Income and assets Tests for service PensionThe amount of Service Pension an eligible veteran is able to receive is subject to two separate tests, an Income Test and an Assets Test.

The test paying the lower rate of pension is the one that is applied.

Pensioners considered blind are not subject to the income and assets tests.

The Income Test and Assets Test ready reckoners on the following pages provide a rough guide as to how much pension may be payable. Always check your eligibility with DVA or Centrelink.

To use the tables correctly you will need to determine the following:n Whether you will be paid the single rate or

the couples rate of pension;n Whether you are considered a homeowner

or a non-homeowner;n Your total assets; andn Your gross fortnightly income (including

your war widow(er)’s pension and deemed income from financial assets).

All amounts shown in the accompanying tables are fortnightly payments and include the pharmaceutical allowance.

The Tables are taken from Ready Reckoner information prepared by DVA. (Source: DVA FACTS IS164 to IS168)

Facts Sheets to assist in calculating the amount of Service Pension you may be eligible for are available from DVA.

Read the Facts Sheets carefully before doing the calculations. If you have any questions contact DVA. (Source: DVA FACTS IS34, IS35 and IS36)

income Support Pensions


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InCOMe TesTThe income test assesses the amount of other income you receive. You can receive up to a certain amount of income per fortnight before the amount of pension is reduced. This is known as the “income test free area”.This is currently $138 per fortnight for single people and $240 per fortnight combined for couples. (Source: DVA FACTS IS34, IS35 and IS36)

asseTs TesTThe assets test assesses the value of a pensioner or couple’s assets, such as real estate, vehicles, boats and caravans. The family home is not counted as an asset, but holiday homes and investment properties are counted. (Source: DVA FACTS IS34, IS35 and IS36)

A single pensioner or pensioner couple may have assets of up to a certain amount before the amount of pension payable is reduced. This is known as the “assets value limit”. These limits are set out in the tables below.

Income support supplement (Iss)ISS provides a regular income in addition to the war widow(er)s pension for Australian war widow(er)s with limited means. This includes wholly dependent partners under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) with limited means. The payment is subject to an income and assets test.

To be eligible for ISS you must be an Australian war widow(er) or a wholly dependant partner under the MRCA and satisfy one of the following criteria:

n be of qualifying age (contact your local DVA office for further information) or

n be permanently blind or permanently incapacitated and unable to work; or

n have dependent children; or

n be the partner of a person receiving an income support pension from DVA or Centrelink.


Payment ready reckonersService & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner Income Test Table (Couples) 11

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner Income Test Table (Singles) 12

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Homeowner Couples) 13

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Non-Homeowner Couples) 14

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Homeowner Singles) 15

Service & Social Security Age Pension Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Non-Homeowner Singles) 16

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner Income Test Table (Couples) 17

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner Income Test Table (Singles) 18

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Homeowner Couples) 19

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Non-Homeowner Couples) 20

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Homeowner Singles) 21

Income Support Supplement Ready Reckoner Assets Test Table (Non-Homeowner Singles) 22


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$240.00 $459.70 $1,015.00 $304.70 $1,790.00 $149.70

$265.00 $454.70 $1,040.00 $299.70 $1,815.00 $144.70

$290.00 $449.70 $1,065.00 $294.70 $1,840.00 $139.70

$315.00 $444.70 $1,090.00 $289.70 $1,865.00 $134.70

$340.00 $439.70 $1,115.00 $284.70 $1,890.00 $129.70

$365.00 $434.70 $1,140.00 $279.70 $1,915.00 $124.70

$390.00 $429.70 $1,165.00 $274.70 $1,940.00 $119.70

$415.00 $424.70 $1,190.00 $269.70 $1,965.00 $114.70

$440.00 $419.70 $1,215.00 $264.70 $1,990.00 $109.70

$465.00 $414.70 $1,240.00 $259.70 $2,015.00 $104.70

$490.00 $409.70 $1,265.00 $254.70 $2,040.00 $99.70

$515.00 $404.70 $1,290.00 $249.70 $2,065.00 $94.70

$540.00 $399.70 $1,315.00 $244.70 $2,090.00 $89.70

$565.00 $394.70 $1,340.00 $239.70 $2,115.00 $84.70

$590.00 $389.70 $1,365.00 $234.70 $2,140.00 $79.70

$615.00 $384.70 $1,390.00 $229.70 $2,165.00 $74.70

$640.00 $379.70 $1,415.00 $224.70 $2,190.00 $69.70

$665.00 $374.70 $1,440.00 $219.70 $2,215.00 $64.70

$690.00 $369.70 $1,465.00 $214.70 $2,240.00 $59.70

$715.00 $364.70 $1,490.00 $209.70 $2,265.00 $54.70

$740.00 $359.70 $1,515.00 $204.70 $2,290.00 $49.70

$765.00 $354.70 $1,540.00 $199.70 $2,315.00 $44.70

$790.00 $349.70 $1,565.00 $194.70 $2,340.00 $39.70

$815.00 $344.70 $1,590.00 $189.70 $2,365.00 $34.70

$840.00 $339.70 $1,615.00 $184.70 $2,390.00 $29.70

$865.00 $334.70 $1,640.00 $179.70 $2,415.00 $24.70

$890.00 $329.70 $1,665.00 $174.70 $2,440.00 $19.70

$915.00 $324.70 $1,690.00 $169.70 $2,465.00 $14.70

$940.00 $319.70 $1,715.00 $164.70 $2,490.00 $9.60

$965.00 $314.70 $1,740.00 $159.70 $2,515.00 $4.60

$990.00 $309.70 $1,765.00 $154.70 $2,538.50 $0.00

servICe anD sOCIaL seCurITy aGe PensIOn reaDy reCKOner

income Test Table (Couples) Pension Pension PensionCombined Rate (each) Combined Rate (each) Combined Rate (each)Income per F/night Income per F/night Income per F/night

Source: DVA FACTS IS165


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$138.00 $552.60 $603.00 $366.60 $1,068.00 $180.60

$153.00 $546.60 $618.00 $360.60 $1,083.00 $174.60

$168.00 $540.60 $633.00 $354.60 $1,098.00 $168.60

$183.00 $534.60 $648.00 $348.60 $1,113.00 $162.60

$198.00 $528.60 $663.00 $342.60 $1,128.00 $156.60

$213.00 $522.60 $678.00 $336.60 $1,143.00 $150.60

$228.00 $516.60 $693.00 $330.60 $1,158.00 $144.60

$243.00 $510.60 $708.00 $324.60 $1,173.00 $138.60

$258.00 $504.60 $723.00 $318.60 $1,188.00 $132.60

$273.00 $498.60 $738.00 $312.60 $1,203.00 $126.60

$288.00 $492.60 $753.00 $306.60 $1,218.00 $120.60

$303.00 $486.60 $768.00 $300.60 $1,233.00 $114.60

$318.00 $480.60 $783.00 $294.60 $1,248.00 $108.60

$333.00 $474.60 $798.00 $288.60 $1,263.00 $102.60

$348.00 $468.60 $813.00 $282.60 $1,278.00 $96.50

$363.00 $462.60 $828.00 $276.60 $1,293.00 $90.50

$378.00 $456.60 $843.00 $270.60 $1,308.00 $84.50

$393.00 $450.60 $858.00 $264.60 $1,323.00 $78.50

$408.00 $444.60 $873.00 $258.60 $1,338.00 $72.50

$423.00 $438.60 $888.00 $252.60 $1,353.00 $66.50

$438.00 $432.60 $903.00 $246.60 $1,368.00 $60.50

$453.00 $426.60 $918.00 $240.60 $1,383.00 $54.50

$468.00 $420.60 $933.00 $234.60 $1,398.00 $48.50

$483.00 $414.60 $948.00 $228.60 $1,413.00 $42.50

$498.00 $408.60 $963.00 $222.60 $1,428.00 $36.50

$513.00 $402.60 $978.00 $216.60 $1,443.00 $30.50

$528.00 $396.60 $993.00 $210.60 $1,458.00 $24.50

$543.00 $390.60 $1,008.00 $204.60 $1,473.00 $18.50

$558.00 $384.60 $1,023.00 $198.60 $1,488.00 $12.50

$573.00 $378.60 $1,038.00 $192.60 $1,503.00 $6.50

$588.00 $372.60 $1,053.00 $186.60 $1,519.50 $0.00

Pension Pension PensionIncome per Rate per Income per Rate per Income per Rate perFortnight Fortnight Fortnight Fortnight Fortnight Fortnight



income Test Table (Singles)


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$243,500 $459.70 $450,053 $304.80 $656,606 $149.90

$250,163 $454.80 $456,716 $299.90 $663,269 $145.00

$256,826 $449.90 $463,379 $295.00 $669,932 $140.20

$263,489 $445.00 $470,042 $289.80 $676,595 $134.90

$270,152 $439.80 $476,705 $284.90 $683,258 $130.00

$276,815 $434.90 $483,368 $280.00 $689,921 $125.20

$283,478 $430.00 $490,031 $274.80 $696,584 $119.90

$290,141 $424.80 $496,694 $269.90 $703,247 $115.00

$296,804 $419.90 $503,357 $265.00 $709,910 $110.20

$303,467 $415.00 $510,020 $259.80 $716,573 $104.90

$310,130 $409.80 $516,683 $254.90 $723,236 $100.00

$316,793 $404.90 $523,346 $250.00 $729,899 $95.20

$323,456 $400.00 $530,009 $244.80 $736,562 $89.90

$330,119 $394.80 $536,672 $239.90 $743,225 $85.00

$336,782 $389.90 $543,335 $235.00 $749,888 $80.20

$343,445 $385.00 $549,998 $230.20 $756,551 $74.90

$350,108 $379.80 $556,661 $224.90 $763,214 $70.00

$356,771 $374.90 $563,324 $220.00 $769,877 $65.20

$363,434 $370.00 $569,987 $215.20 $776,540 $59.90

$370,097 $364.80 $576,650 $209.90 $783,203 $55.00

$376,760 $359.90 $583,313 $205.00 $789,866 $50.20

$383,423 $355.00 $589,976 $200.20 $796,529 $44.90

$390,086 $349.80 $596,639 $194.90 $803,192 $40.00

$396,749 $344.90 $603,302 $190.00 $809,855 $35.20

$403,412 $340.00 $609,965 $185.20 $816,518 $29.90

$410,075 $334.80 $616,628 $179.90 $823,181 $25.00

$416,738 $329.90 $623,291 $175.00 $829,844 $20.20

$423,401 $325.00 $629,954 $170.20 $836,507 $14.90

$430,064 $319.80 $636,617 $164.90 $843,170 $10.00

$436,727 $314.90 $643,280 $160.00 $849,833 $5.10

$443,390 $310.00 $649,943 $155.20 $856,500 $0.00


assets Test Table (Homeowner Couples) Pension Pension PensionCombined Rate (each) Combined Rate (each) Combined Rate (each)Assets per F/night Assets per F/night Assets per F/night



1�

$368,000 $459.70 $574,553 $304.80 $781,106 $149.90

$374,663 $454.80 $581,216 $299.90 $787,769 $145.00

$381,326 $449.90 $587,879 $295.00 $794,432 $140.20

$387,989 $445.00 $594,542 $289.80 $801,095 $134.90

$394,652 $439.80 $601,205 $284.90 $807,758 $130.00

$401,315 $434.90 $607,868 $280.00 $814,421 $125.20

$407,978 $430.00 $614,531 $274.80 $821,084 $119.90

$414,641 $424.80 $621,194 $269.90 $827,747 $115.00

$421,304 $419.90 $627,857 $265.00 $834,410 $110.20

$427,967 $415.00 $634,520 $259.80 $841,073 $104.90

$434,630 $409.80 $641,183 $254.90 $847,736 $100.00

$441,293 $404.90 $647,846 $250.00 $854,399 $95.20

$447,956 $400.00 $654,509 $244.80 $861,062 $89.90

$454,619 $394.80 $661,172 $239.90 $867,725 $85.00

$461,282 $389.90 $667,835 $235.00 $874,388 $80.20

$467,945 $385.00 $674,498 $230.20 $881,051 $74.90

$474,608 $379.80 $681,161 $224.90 $887,714 $70.00

$481,271 $374.90 $687,824 $220.00 $894,377 $65.20

$487,934 $370.00 $694,487 $215.20 $901,040 $59.90

$494,597 $364.80 $701,150 $209.90 $907,703 $55.00

$501,260 $359.90 $707,813 $205.00 $914,366 $50.20

$507,923 $355.00 $714,476 $200.20 $921,029 $44.90

$514,586 $349.80 $721,139 $194.90 $927,692 $40.00

$521,249 $344.90 $727,802 $190.00 $934,355 $35.20

$527,912 $340.00 $734,465 $185.20 $941,018 $29.90

$534,575 $334.80 $741,128 $179.90 $947,681 $25.00

$541,238 $329.90 $747,791 $175.00 $954,344 $20.20

$547,901 $325.00 $754,454 $170.20 $961,007 $14.90

$554,564 $319.80 $761,117 $164.90 $967,670 $10.00

$561,227 $314.90 $767,780 $160.00 $974,333 $5.10

$567,890 $310.00 $774,443 $155.20 $981,000 $0.00


assets Test Table (non-Homeowner Couples) Pension Pension PensionCombined Rate (each) Combined Rate (each) Combined Rate (each)Assets per F/night Assets per F/night Assets per F/night



1�

$171,750 $552.60 $295,905 $366.60 $420,060 $180.20

$175,755 $546.60 $299,910 $360.60 $424,065 $174.20

$179,760 $540.60 $303,915 $354.60 $428,070 $168.20

$183,765 $534.60 $307,920 $348.60 $432,075 $162.20

$187,770 $528.60 $311,925 $342.60 $436,080 $156.20

$191,775 $522.60 $315,930 $336.60 $440,085 $150.20

$195,780 $516.60 $319,935 $330.60 $444,090 $144.20

$199,785 $510.60 $323,940 $324.60 $448,095 $138.20

$203,790 $504.60 $327,945 $318.60 $452,100 $132.20

$207,795 $498.60 $331,950 $312.60 $456,105 $126.20

$211,800 $492.60 $335,955 $306.60 $460,110 $120.20

$215,805 $486.60 $339,960 $300.60 $464,115 $114.20

$219,810 $480.60 $343,965 $294.60 $468,120 $108.20

$223,815 $474.60 $347,970 $288.60 $472,125 $102.20

$227,820 $468.60 $351,975 $282.60 $476,130 $96.20

$231,825 $462.60 $355,980 $276.60 $480,135 $90.20

$235,830 $456.60 $359,985 $270.60 $484,140 $84.20

$239,835 $450.60 $363,990 $264.60 $488,145 $78.20

$243,840 $444.60 $367,995 $258.60 $492,150 $72.20

$247,845 $438.60 $372,000 $252.20 $496,155 $66.20

$251,850 $432.60 $376,005 $246.20 $500,160 $60.20

$255,855 $426.60 $380,010 $240.20 $504,165 $54.20

$259,860 $420.60 $384,015 $234.20 $508,170 $48.20

$263,865 $414.60 $388,020 $228.20 $512,175 $42.20

$267,870 $408.60 $392,025 $222.20 $516,180 $36.20

$271,875 $402.60 $396,030 $216.20 $520,185 $30.20

$275,880 $396.60 $400,035 $210.20 $524,190 $24.20

$279,885 $390.60 $404,040 $204.20 $528,195 $18.20

$283,890 $384.60 $408,045 $198.20 $532,200 $12.20

$287,895 $378.60 $412,050 $192.20 $536,205 $6.20

$291,900 $372.60 $416,055 $186.20 $540,250 $0.00


assets Test Table (Homeowner Singles) Pension Pension PensionTotal Rate per Total Rate per Total Rate perAssets Fortnight Assets Fortnight Assets Fortnight



1�

$296,250 $552.60 $420,405 $366.60 $544,560 $180.20

$300,255 $546.60 $424,410 $360.60 $548,565 $174.20

$304,260 $540.60 $428,415 $354.60 $552,570 $168.20

$308,265 $534.60 $432,420 $348.60 $556,575 $162.20

$312,270 $528.60 $436,425 $342.60 $560,580 $156.20

$316,275 $522.60 $440,430 $336.60 $564,585 $150.20

$320,280 $516.60 $444,435 $330.60 $568,590 $144.20

$324,285 $510.60 $448,440 $324.60 $572,595 $138.20

$328,290 $504.60 $452,445 $318.60 $576,600 $132.20

$332,295 $498.60 $456,450 $312.60 $580,605 $126.20

$336,300 $492.60 $460,455 $306.60 $584,610 $120.20

$340,305 $486.60 $464,460 $300.60 $588,615 $114.20

$344,310 $480.60 $468,465 $294.60 $592,620 $108.20

$348,315 $474.60 $472,470 $288.60 $596,625 $102.20

$352,320 $468.60 $476,475 $282.60 $600,630 $96.20

$356,325 $462.60 $480,480 $276.60 $604,635 $90.20

$360,330 $456.60 $484,485 $270.60 $608,640 $84.20

$364,335 $450.60 $488,490 $264.60 $612,645 $78.20

$368,340 $444.60 $492,495 $258.60 $616,650 $72.20

$372,345 $438.60 $496,500 $252.20 $620,655 $66.20

$376,350 $432.60 $500,505 $246.20 $624,660 $60.20

$380,355 $426.60 $504,510 $240.20 $628,665 $54.20

$384,360 $420.60 $508,515 $234.20 $632,670 $48.20

$388,365 $414.60 $512,520 $228.20 $636,675 $42.20

$392,370 $408.60 $516,525 $222.20 $640,680 $36.20

$396,375 $402.60 $520,530 $216.20 $644,685 $30.20

$400,380 $396.60 $524,535 $210.20 $648,690 $24.20

$404,385 $390.60 $528,540 $204.20 $652,695 $18.20

$408,390 $384.60 $532,545 $198.20 $656,700 $12.20

$412,395 $378.60 $536,550 $192.20 $660,705 $6.20

$416,400 $372.60 $540,555 $186.20 $664,750 $0.00


assets Test Table (non-Homeowner Singles) Pension Pension PensionTotal Rate per Total Rate per Total Rate perAssets Fortnight Assets Fortnight Assets Fortnight



1�

$1,708.00 $163.20 $1,983.90 $108.00 $2,259.80 $52.80

$1,716.90 $161.40 $1,992.80 $106.20 $2,268.70 $51.00

$1,725.80 $159.60 $2,001.70 $104.40 $2,277.60 $49.20

$1,734.70 $157.80 $2,010.60 $102.60 $2,286.50 $47.40

$1,743.60 $156.00 $2,019.50 $100.80 $2,295.40 $45.70

$1,752.50 $154.30 $2,028.40 $99.10 $2,304.30 $43.90

$1,761.40 $152.50 $2,037.30 $97.30 $2,313.20 $42.10

$1,770.30 $150.70 $2,046.20 $95.50 $2,322.10 $40.30

$1,779.20 $148.90 $2,055.10 $93.70 $2,331.00 $38.50

$1,788.10 $147.10 $2,064.00 $91.90 $2,339.90 $36.80

$1,797.00 $145.40 $2,072.90 $90.20 $2,348.80 $35.00

$1,805.90 $143.60 $2,081.80 $88.40 $2,357.70 $33.20

$1,814.80 $141.80 $2,090.70 $86.60 $2,366.60 $31.40

$1,823.70 $140.00 $2,099.60 $84.80 $2,375.50 $29.60

$1,832.60 $138.20 $2,108.50 $83.00 $2,384.40 $27.90

$1,841.50 $136.50 $2,117.40 $81.30 $2,393.30 $26.10

$1,850.40 $134.70 $2,126.30 $79.50 $2,402.20 $24.30

$1,859.30 $132.90 $2,135.20 $77.70 $2,411.10 $22.50

$1,868.20 $131.10 $2,144.10 $75.90 $2,420.00 $20.70

$1,877.10 $129.30 $2,153.00 $74.10 $2,428.90 $19.00

$1,886.00 $127.60 $2,161.90 $72.40 $2,437.80 $17.20

$1,894.90 $125.80 $2,170.80 $70.60 $2,446.70 $15.40

$1,903.80 $124.00 $2,179.70 $68.80 $2,455.60 $13.60

$1,912.70 $122.20 $2,188.60 $67.00 $2,464.50 $11.80

$1,921.60 $120.40 $2,197.50 $65.20 $2,473.40 $10.10

$1,930.50 $118.70 $2,206.40 $63.50 $2,482.30 $8.30

$1,939.40 $116.90 $2,215.30 $61.70 $2,491.20 $6.50

$1,948.30 $115.10 $2,224.20 $59.90 $2,500.10 $4.70

$1,957.20 $113.30 $2,233.10 $58.10 $2,509.00 $2.90

$1,966.10 $111.50 $2,242.00 $56.30 $2,517.90 $1.20

$1,975.00 $109.70 $2,250.90 $54.60 $2,524.00 $0.00

InCOMe suPPOrT suPPLeMenT reaDy reCKOner

income Test Table (Couples)(The income figures below include your War Widow’s or Widower’s pension)

Pension Pension PensionCombined Rate per Combined Rate per Combined Rate perIncome Fortnight Income Fortnight Income Fortnight



1�

$1,097.00 $163.20 $1,233.40 $108.60 $1,369.80 $54.00

$1,101.40 $161.40 $1,237.80 $106.80 $1,374.20 $52.30

$1,105.80 $159.60 $1,242.20 $105.10 $1,378.60 $50.50

$1,110.20 $157.90 $1,246.60 $103.30 $1,383.00 $48.70

$1,114.60 $156.10 $1,251.00 $101.50 $1,387.40 $47.00

$1,119.00 $154.40 $1,255.40 $99.80 $1,391.80 $45.20

$1,123.40 $152.60 $1,259.80 $98.00 $1,396.20 $43.50

$1,127.80 $150.80 $1,264.20 $96.30 $1,400.60 $41.70

$1,132.20 $149.10 $1,268.60 $94.50 $1,405.00 $39.90

$1,136.60 $147.30 $1,273.00 $92.70 $1,409.40 $38.20

$1,141.00 $145.60 $1,277.40 $91.00 $1,413.80 $36.40

$1,145.40 $143.80 $1,281.80 $89.20 $1,418.20 $34.70

$1,149.80 $142.00 $1,286.20 $87.50 $1,422.60 $32.90

$1,154.20 $140.30 $1,290.60 $85.70 $1,427.00 $31.10

$1,158.60 $138.50 $1,295.00 $83.90 $1,431.40 $29.40

$1,163.00 $136.70 $1,299.40 $82.20 $1,435.80 $27.60

$1,167.40 $135.00 $1,303.80 $80.40 $1,440.20 $25.90

$1,171.80 $133.20 $1,308.20 $78.70 $1,444.60 $24.10

$1,176.20 $131.50 $1,312.60 $76.90 $1,449.00 $22.30

$1,180.60 $129.70 $1,317.00 $75.10 $1,453.40 $20.60

$1,185.00 $127.90 $1,321.40 $73.40 $1,457.80 $18.80

$1,189.40 $126.20 $1,325.80 $71.60 $1,462.20 $17.10

$1,193.80 $124.40 $1,330.20 $69.90 $1,466.60 $15.30

$1,198.20 $122.70 $1,334.60 $68.10 $1,471.00 $13.50

$1,202.60 $120.90 $1,339.00 $66.30 $1,475.40 $11.80

$1,207.00 $119.10 $1,343.40 $64.60 $1,479.80 $10.00

$1,211.40 $117.40 $1,347.80 $62.80 $1,484.20 $8.30

$1,215.80 $115.60 $1,352.20 $61.10 $1,488.60 $6.50

$1,220.20 $113.90 $1,356.60 $59.30 $1,493.00 $4.70

$1,224.60 $112.10 $1,361.00 $57.50 $1,497.40 $3.00

$1,229.00 $110.30 $1,365.40 $55.80 $1,505.00 $0.00


income Test Table (Singles)(The income figures below include your War Widow’s or Widower’s pension)

Pension Pension PensionCombined Rate per Combined Rate per Combined Rate perIncome Fortnight Income Fortnight Income Fortnight



1�

$635,000 $163.20 $708,470 $108.40 $781,940 $53.30

$637,370 $161.70 $710,840 $106.50 $784,310 $51.40

$639,740 $159.80 $713,210 $104.70 $786,680 $49.50

$642,110 $157.90 $715,580 $102.80 $789,050 $47.70

$644,480 $156.40 $717,950 $101.30 $791,420 $46.20

$646,850 $154.50 $720,320 $99.40 $793,790 $44.30

$649,220 $152.70 $722,690 $97.50 $796,160 $42.40

$651,590 $150.80 $725,060 $95.70 $798,530 $40.50

$653,960 $149.30 $727,430 $94.20 $800,900 $39.00

$656,330 $147.40 $729,800 $92.30 $803,270 $37.20

$658,700 $145.50 $732,170 $90.40 $805,640 $35.30

$661,070 $143.70 $734,540 $88.50 $808,010 $33.40

$663,440 $142.20 $736,910 $87.00 $810,380 $31.90

$665,810 $140.30 $739,280 $85.20 $812,750 $30.00

$668,180 $138.40 $741,650 $83.30 $815,120 $28.20

$670,550 $136.50 $744,020 $81.40 $817,490 $26.70

$672,920 $135.00 $746,390 $79.90 $819,860 $24.80

$675,290 $133.20 $748,760 $78.00 $822,230 $22.90

$677,660 $131.30 $751,130 $76.20 $824,600 $21.00

$680,030 $129.40 $753,500 $74.30 $826,970 $19.50

$682,400 $127.90 $755,870 $72.80 $829,340 $17.70

$684,770 $126.00 $758,240 $70.90 $831,710 $15.80

$687,140 $124.20 $760,610 $69.00 $834,080 $13.90

$689,510 $122.30 $762,980 $67.50 $836,450 $12.40

$691,880 $120.80 $765,350 $65.70 $838,820 $10.50

$694,250 $118.90 $767,720 $63.80 $841,190 $8.60

$696,620 $117.00 $770,090 $61.90 $843,560 $6.80

$698,990 $115.50 $772,460 $60.40 $845,930 $5.30

$701,360 $113.70 $774,830 $58.50 $848,300 $3.40

$703,730 $111.80 $777,200 $56.70 $850,670 $1.50

$706,100 $109.90 $779,570 $54.80 $853,000 $0.00


assets Test Table (Homeowner Couples) ISS Pension ISS Pension ISS PensionCombined Rate per Combined Rate per Combined Rate perAssets Fortnight Assets Fortnight Assets Fortnight



�0

$759,500 $163.20 $832,970 $108.40 $906,440 $53.30

$761,870 $161.70 $835,340 $106.50 $908,810 $51.40

$764,240 $159.80 $837,710 $104.70 $911,180 $49.50

$766,610 $157.90 $840,080 $102.80 $913,550 $47.70

$768,980 $156.40 $842,450 $101.30 $915,920 $46.20

$771,350 $154.50 $844,820 $99.40 $918,290 $44.30

$773,720 $152.70 $847,190 $97.50 $920,660 $42.40

$776,090 $150.80 $849,560 $95.70 $923,030 $40.50

$778,460 $149.30 $851,930 $94.20 $925,400 $39.00

$780,830 $147.40 $854,300 $92.30 $927,770 $37.20

$783,200 $145.50 $856,670 $90.40 $930,140 $35.30

$785,570 $143.70 $859,040 $88.50 $932,510 $33.40

$787,940 $142.20 $861,410 $87.00 $934,880 $31.90

$790,310 $140.30 $863,780 $85.20 $937,250 $30.00

$792,680 $138.40 $866,150 $83.30 $939,620 $28.20

$795,050 $136.50 $868,520 $81.40 $941,990 $26.70

$797,420 $135.00 $870,890 $79.90 $944,360 $24.80

$799,790 $133.20 $873,260 $78.00 $946,730 $22.90

$802,160 $131.30 $875,630 $76.20 $949,100 $21.00

$804,530 $129.40 $878,000 $74.30 $951,470 $19.50

$806,900 $127.90 $880,370 $72.80 $953,840 $17.70

$809,270 $126.00 $882,740 $70.90 $956,210 $15.80

$811,640 $124.20 $885,110 $69.00 $958,580 $13.90

$814,010 $122.30 $887,480 $67.50 $960,950 $12.40

$816,380 $120.80 $889,850 $65.70 $963,320 $10.50

$818,750 $118.90 $892,220 $63.80 $965,690 $8.60

$821,120 $117.00 $894,590 $61.90 $968,060 $6.80

$823,490 $115.50 $896,960 $60.40 $970,430 $5.30

$825,860 $113.70 $899,330 $58.50 $972,800 $3.40

$828,230 $111.80 $901,700 $56.70 $975,170 $1.50

$830,600 $109.90 $904,070 $54.80 $977,500 $0.00


assets Test Table (non-Homeowner Couples) ISS Pension ISS Pension ISS PensionCombined Rate per Combined Rate per Combined Rate perAssets Fortnight Assets Fortnight Assets Fortnight



�1

$427,500 $163.20 $464,235 $108.40 $500,970 $53.30

$428,685 $161.70 $465,420 $106.50 $502,155 $51.40

$429,870 $159.80 $466,605 $104.70 $503,340 $49.50

$431,055 $157.90 $467,790 $102.80 $504,525 $47.70

$432,240 $156.40 $468,975 $101.30 $505,710 $46.20

$433,425 $154.50 $470,160 $99.40 $506,895 $44.30

$434,610 $152.70 $471,345 $97.50 $508,080 $42.40

$435,795 $150.80 $472,530 $95.70 $509,265 $40.50

$436,980 $149.30 $473,715 $94.20 $510,450 $39.00

$438,165 $147.40 $474,900 $92.30 $511,635 $37.20

$439,350 $145.50 $476,085 $90.40 $512,820 $35.30

$440,535 $143.70 $477,270 $88.50 $514,005 $33.40

$441,720 $142.20 $478,455 $87.00 $515,190 $31.90

$442,905 $140.30 $479,640 $85.20 $516,375 $30.00

$444,090 $138.40 $480,825 $83.30 $517,560 $28.20

$445,275 $136.50 $482,010 $81.40 $518,745 $26.70

$446,460 $135.00 $483,195 $79.90 $519,930 $24.80

$447,645 $133.20 $484,380 $78.00 $521,115 $22.90

$448,830 $131.30 $485,565 $76.20 $522,300 $21.00

$450,015 $129.40 $486,750 $74.30 $523,485 $19.50

$451,200 $127.90 $487,935 $72.80 $524,670 $17.70

$452,385 $126.00 $489,120 $70.90 $525,855 $15.80

$453,570 $124.20 $490,305 $69.00 $527,040 $13.90

$454,755 $122.30 $491,490 $67.50 $528,225 $12.40

$455,940 $120.80 $492,675 $65.70 $529,410 $10.50

$457,125 $118.90 $493,860 $63.80 $530,595 $8.60

$458,310 $117.00 $495,045 $61.90 $531,780 $6.80

$459,495 $115.50 $496,230 $60.40 $532,965 $5.30

$460,680 $113.70 $497,415 $58.50 $534,150 $3.40

$461,865 $111.80 $498,600 $56.70 $535,335 $1.50

$463,050 $109.90 $499,785 $54.80 $536,500 $0.00


assets Test Table (Homeowner Singles) ISS Pension ISS Pension ISS PensionTotal Rate per Total Rate per Total Rate perAssets Fortnight Assets Fortnight Assets Fortnight



��

$552,000 $163.20 $588,735 $108.40 $625,470 $53.30

$553,185 $161.70 $589,920 $106.50 $626,655 $51.40

$554,370 $159.80 $591,105 $104.70 $627,840 $49.50

$555,555 $157.90 $592,290 $102.80 $629,025 $47.70

$556,740 $156.40 $593,475 $101.30 $630,210 $46.20

$557,925 $154.50 $594,660 $99.40 $631,395 $44.30

$559,110 $152.70 $595,845 $97.50 $632,580 $42.40

$560,295 $150.80 $597,030 $95.70 $633,765 $40.50

$561,480 $149.30 $598,215 $94.20 $634,950 $39.00

$562,665 $147.40 $599,400 $92.30 $636,135 $37.20

$563,850 $145.50 $600,585 $90.40 $637,320 $35.30

$565,035 $143.70 $601,770 $88.50 $638,505 $33.40

$566,220 $142.20 $602,955 $87.00 $639,690 $31.90

$567,405 $140.30 $604,140 $85.20 $640,875 $30.00

$568,590 $138.40 $605,325 $83.30 $642,060 $28.20

$569,775 $136.50 $606,510 $81.40 $643,245 $26.70

$570,960 $135.00 $607,695 $79.90 $644,430 $24.80

$572,145 $133.20 $608,880 $78.00 $645,615 $22.90

$573,330 $131.30 $610,065 $76.20 $646,800 $21.00

$574,515 $129.40 $611,250 $74.30 $647,985 $19.50

$575,700 $127.90 $612,435 $72.80 $649,170 $17.70

$576,885 $126.00 $613,620 $70.90 $650,355 $15.80

$578,070 $124.20 $614,805 $69.00 $651,540 $13.90

$579,255 $122.30 $615,990 $67.50 $652,725 $12.40

$580,440 $120.80 $617,175 $65.70 $653,910 $10.50

$581,625 $118.90 $618,360 $63.80 $655,095 $8.60

$582,810 $117.00 $619,545 $61.90 $656,280 $6.80

$583,995 $115.50 $620,730 $60.40 $657,465 $5.30

$585,180 $113.70 $621,915 $58.50 $658,650 $3.40

$586,365 $111.80 $623,100 $56.70 $659,835 $1.50

$587,550 $109.90 $624,285 $54.80 $661,000 $0.00


assets Test Table (non-Homeowner Singles) ISS Pension ISS Pension ISS PensionTotal Rate per Total Rate per Total Rate perAssets Fortnight Assets Fortnight Assets Fortnight



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All Service Pensioners and Income Support Supplement recipients are eligible for a number of additional benefits, including pharmaceutical benefits, hearing aids, telephone allowance, certain postal services and travel concessions.

COnCessIOns A Pensioner Concession Card, issued at the beginning of each year, must be produced to receive these benefits.

Concessions may also be available for utility charges such as water and electricity supply and on local council rates. Details of these concessions are available from the appropriate State Government or Local Government authorities. The Commonwealth has no role in these concessions and considerable variation occurs between states.

TeLePHOne aLLOWanCe (Ta) Telephone allowance is paid to assist with the payment of telephone and internet accounts.It is paid under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) to eligible DVA pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders and can also be paid to eligible persons under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). The telephone allowance is not taxable and is not income or assets tested.

There are four rates of telephone allowance:n Base rate ($ 22.00)n Half the base rate ($11.00)n Telephone & Internet base rate ($33.00)n Half the Telephone & Internet Internet base

rate ($16.50).The rate of telephone allowance depends on the entitlement of you and your partner and whether each of you meets the telephone allowance eligibility criteria.To be eligible for the internet rate of telephone allowance you must:n be eligible for and in receipt of telephone

allowance; andn have a subscription to a home internet

service that is in your name,n your partner’s name, or joint names.


BereaveMenT PayMenTsThe bereavement payment is a payment to assist with the costs that may follow the death of a person and to help a surviving partner adjust their finances given that the pension of the deceased person will stop.It is a non taxable payment made after the death of a person who receives certain payments from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).The bereavement payment may be paid as a combination of a lump sum amount and the pension instalments paid after the person’s death. Disability pension bereavement payments are always paid as a lump sum.The individual amounts paid as either a lump sum, pension instalments or combination of the two will vary and depend on when we are told about the death. The overall amount will be the same, regardless of how it is paid.

Who can receive a bereavement payment?If the pensioner was singleThe payment is usually made to the deceased person’s estate if the pensioner was single, separated, or widowed when they died, and they were receiving:n service pension; orn social security age pension; orn Defence Force Income Support Allowance

(DFISA); orn income support supplement.If the pensioner was a member of a coupleThe payment is usually made to the surviving partner if the partners were:n living together; orn separated because of medical reasons or if

either of them was in respite care at the time of death and the pensioner was receiving:n service pension; orn social security age pension; orn Defence Force Income Support Allowance

(DFISA); orn income support supplement or

n disability pension.For further information contact DVA on 133254.(Source: DVA FACTS BR02)

additional benefits


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funeraL BenefIT A one-off payment of up to $2,000 towards the cost of the funeral is available following the death of an eligible veteran. (Source: DVA FACTS BR01)

Some dependants of veterans may also be entitled to payment of a funeral benefit.(Source: DVA FACTS BR01)

faMILy Tax BenefITFamily Tax Benefit may be paid to income support pensioners in respect of dependent children.

Veterans’ Affairs income support pensioners receive the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A irrespective of their income.

Application for and enquiries about payment of this benefit should be made to the Family Assistance Office, which is located in all Medicare offices, Centrelink Offices and ATO access & enquiry sites. Their web address is www.familyassist.gov.au (Source: DVA FACTS IS30)

veTerans’ CHILDren eDuCaTIOn sCHeMe This scheme provides financial assistance and student support services to help eligible children of veterans who have died as a result of war-caused injury or disease, or of veterans who have a war-caused injury or disease which has left them severely incapacitated.

To be eligible students must be under 25 years and in fulltime study.

Allowances are payable depending on the age and domestic situation of the student.

Payments per year are as follows:

Primary school students

$214.10 (per year)

Secondary and tertiary students

Living Living away from Homeless at Home Home Students

Under 16 $ 44.00 $332.56 $355.40

16–17 $194.50 $355.40 $355.40

18 & Over $233.90 $355.40 $355.40

(Source: DVA FACTS DP44 and IS30)

LOnG Tan BursaryThe Long Tan Bursary provides funding to help Australian Vietnam veterans’ children meet the costs of tertiary study and to obtain qualifications and skills to pursue their chosen career. The bursary is open to children in needy circumstances, such as financial, health and other family and personal circumstances, where these could prevent them undertaking tertiary education.

The bursary is open to students who are either planning to enrol or are already enrolled in tertiary education in Australia, in an approved course of one or more academic year’s duration, including vocational courses.

Applications for the bursary open annually on 18 August and close 31 October for the following academic year. Fifty bursaries are available across Australia. Each bursary has a total value of up to $9,000 taken over three years.

The scheme is administered by the Australian Veteran’s Children Assistance Trust on behalf of the Department.

For further information contact:The Trust, phone: 1800 620 361 DVA website: www.dva.gov.au

reMOTe area aLLOWanCe Remote area allowance is a fortnightly, non-taxable payment made to Income support pensioners to help offset the higher than normal costs, such as transport and communication, incurred while living in remote areas of Australia.

The current rates are

Singles rate $18.20

Couples rate (each) $15.60

Each child $ 7.30



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uTILITIes aLLOWanCe

Utilities allowance is paid to eligible DVA income support recipients to assist with the payment of energy, rates, water and sewerage expenses. As of March 20, 2008 the Utilities Allowance has increased from $107.20 per year to $500 per year for eligible single pensioners. For each member of a pensioner couple, the allowance increased from $53.60 per year to $250 per year.

The Utilities allowance is paid quarterly.(Source: DVA FACTS IS16)

senIOrs COnCessIOn aLLOWanCe

This allowance is paid quarterly to those holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) or Gold Card holders not otherwise eligible for the Utililities Allowance.

The current annual rate is $500 for singles and couples (each when both are CSHC holders). (Source: DVA FACTS IS30)

note: Other allowances such as carers’ allowances and grandparent allowances may also be available to veterans’ families, but information should be sought from Centrelink.Veterans who are not entitled to a Service Pension may be entitled to income support benefits, such as the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension from Centrelink.

renT assIsTanCe

Rent assistance is a non taxable allowance paid to income support pensioners to help meet the cost of private rented accommodation. It is subject to minimum rent thresholds.

For income support pensioners with a dependent child, under the age of 16, their rent assistance is paid by the Family Assistance Office as part of Family Tax Benefit(Source: DVA FACTS GS13)

Maximum amount payable

Singles rate, no children $107.20

Couples rate, no children (combined) $101.00

Single rate, with 1 or 2 children $125.86

Couples rate with 1 or 2 children(combined) $125.86

Singles rate, with 3 or more children $142.38

Couples rate, with 3 or more children (combined) $142.38

Rent thresholds

Singles rate, no children $ 95.40

Couples rate, no children (combined) $155.20

Single rate, with children $125.44

Couples rate with children (combined) $185.64


PHarMaCeuTICaL aLLOWanCe

All pensioners who are prescribed medicine are required to pay a patient contribution for each prescription item received. The pharmaceutical allowance is a non taxable component of the service or age pension to help with the cost of these patient contributions.

The current fortnightly rates are

Singles rate $ 5.80

Couples rate (each) $ 2.90

(Source: DVA FACTS IS21 and IS30)


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Deeming is the method DVA uses to calculate income from your financial assets. Deeming assumes that any money you have invested in financial assets is earning a particular amount of income regardless of the actual return. (Source: DVA FACTS IS89)

deeming rates The current deeming rates are

Singles Couples

Low 4% interest 4% interest up to the up to the threshold of threshold of $41,000 $68,200

High 6% interest 6% interest for the for the remaining remaining balance balance


DVA provides or funds a range of health, housing and other support services for veterans.

Health Care arrangementsLocal Medical Officers (LMOs) are authorised to arrange a wide range of services including hospital care and treatment by specialists, community nurses, and allied health professionals.

veterans’ Home Care ProgramThe VHC is designed to help veterans and war widow(er)s remain in their own homes for longer.

The program includes a range of support services provided through DVA including:

Health Care and Support Servicesn Domestic assistance (DVA FACTS HCS06);

n Personal care (DVA FACTS HCS08);

n Home and garden maintenance (limited to 15 hours per year) (DVA FACTS HCS07);

n In home respite;

n Residential respite; and,

n Emergency respite care (DVA FACTS HSV06).

With the exception of respite care, eligible veterans and war widow(er)s may be asked to pay a co-payment for services received.

Assessment for services may be arranged by calling the Home Care line on 1300 550 450. Calls to this number can only be connected if from a land-line telephone.

Veterans in this situation who receive a Disability Pension and are eligible for an Age Pension and have the option of receiving their Age Pension from DVA.

Age Pensions paid by DVA are subject to the same income and assets tests that apply to other social security pensions.

Where a pensioner is otherwise entitled to a social security income support benefit but that payment is reduced or not payable because of Disability Pension paid by DVA, the Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) is paid. Payment is made by DVA not Centrelink.

income Support for Veterans not entitled to a Service Pension


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A summary of Veterans’ Home Care programs is available on DVA Facts Sheet. (DVA FACTS HCS01)

Veterans not eligible to receive Home Care services under the DVA Veterans’ Home Care program may be eligible for similar services provided under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV04)

Community nursing Program The Community Nursing Program provides eligible veterans access to community nursing services to meet their assessed clinical and/or personal care needs. The aim or the community nursing Program is to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital or residential facilities by providing community nursing care in the veterans home.

respite CareRespite care is designed to provide relief for a carer who has responsibility for the ongoing care, attention and support of a veteran who is in ill health or incapacitated. It provides an alternative form of care and enables the carer to have a break.

Respite care may be provided in a government accredited residential aged care facility, such as a hostel or nursing home, or at home.

Respite care through DVA is only available following assessment by the regional Veterans’ Home Care Agency.

In any one year, DVA will pay for 196 hours of in-home or residential care, or a combination of both. Seven hours in-home respite is equivalent to 1 day in a residential respite facility.

Contact DVA for further information.(Source: DVA FACTS HSV06)

Homefront – a falls and accidents Prevention ProgramThis program provides eligible veterans and war widows with a free annual assessment of their home to eliminate hazards that could cause injury.

The program also provides information on community programs to assist them to remain

in their own homes as long as possible.

All DVA Gold and White Card holders are eligible for the program.

Assessments can be arranged by telephoning 1800 80 1945. (Source: DVA FACTS HAC04)

veteran & Community GrantsVeteran & Community (V&C) Grants provide seeding funds for projects that support a healthy, quality lifestyle for members of the veteran community and assist them to remain living independently in their own homes. Grants also fund initiatives that reduce social isolation, support carers and improve access to community care services.

Grants assist projects that will become sustainable and financially viable or for one-off projects that have an ongoing health benefit for the veteran community. Funding is not provided for recurrent or ongoing financial assistance.

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that can demonstrate a contribution to the welfare of members of the veteran community are eligible to apply for grants.

There are three funding rounds each year and applications must be lodged with the relevant state location of DVA.

For further information, the application form and guidelines, contact DVA:

n Phone: 133 254 (metro)

n 1800 555 254 (country)

n Website: www.dva.gov.au

Building excellence in support and Training Grants ProgramThe Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program provides funding to ex-service organisations (ESOs) for pensions, compensation and welfare work to assist veterans, their dependants and past and present members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.


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Health Care CardsThere are three Repatriation treatment entitlement cards:

n Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions (Gold Card);

n Repatriation Health Card – For Specific Conditions (White Card); and

n Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card (RPBC) – For Commonwealth and Allied servicemen and women with qualifying service (Orange Card).

Gold Card – repatriation Health Card – for all ConditionsThis card is issued to veterans who:

n are ex-prisoners of war;

n are mariners who served between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945 and are ex-prisoners of war;

n receive a 100% disability pension;

n receive a 50% disability pension plus any Service pension;

n receive a disability pension with additional amounts for blindness in one eye, or service-related amputation;

n receive an age or invalidity service pension and have an impairment from one or more service injuries or diseases that constitutes at least 30 impairment points under the

entitlement CardsMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

n receive an age or invalidity service pension and satisfy the treatment income and asset reduction limit;

n receive an age or invalidity service pension and are permanently blind in both eyes;

n received a disability pension for pulmonary tuberculosis before 2 November 1978;

n served in World War I;

n are ex-servicewomen who served in World War 2 between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945, with qualifying service from that conflict;

n are veterans from Australia’s defence force or mariners from Australia’s merchant navy who served in World War II, with qualifying service from that conflict and are aged 70 years or more;

n are veterans who served after World War II, aged 70 years or over with qualifying service;

n are veterans who served with a Commonwealth or allied force during World War II, living in Australia prior to enlistment;

n are mariners who served on a Commonwealth or allied ship during World War II, if they or dependants resided in Australia for at least 12 months prior to service;

BEST aims to promote access to a range of welfare services and to improve the quality of pension and compensation claims.

Funding is available for:

n employment of advocates, pensions officers and welfare practitioners and support staff by ESOs;

n computer software and hardware; and

n consumables and ongoing running costs.

ESOs that meet the funding guidelines are eligible to apply for grants.

There is one funding round each year and applications for funding for the following financial year must be lodged from 15 January to 28 February in the relevant state location of DVA.

For further information, the application form and guidelines, contact DVA:

n Phone: 133 254 (metro)

n 1800 555 254 (country)

n DVA Website: www.dva.gov.au


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n are former members of the ADF, cadets, or reservists who have been asessed at an impairment rating of 60 or above, or satisfy the criteria for Special Rate Disability Pension under MRCA;

Certain dependants of veterans are also eligible for a Gold Card if they are:

n war widow(er)s in receipt of that pension;

n dependant children of a war-caused deceased veteran, under 16, or between 16 and 25 undergoing full-time study;

n children of a deceased veteran whose death was not war-caused and who had operational service, and are not cared for by remaining parent;

n the partner or eligible young person who was wholly dependant on a deceased veteran, and entitled to compensation for the death under MRCA;

n the invalid child of a war-caused deceased veteran, or a widowed mother or stepmother who was dependant on an unmarried, war-caused deceased veteran, who had treatment entitlements before 6 June 1985 (No new treatment eligibility grants for this category have been possible since 18 October 1985).

A Gold Card holder is entitled to health care for all conditions, whether service related or not.

Travel assistance is also available for the treatment of all conditions.

Gold Card holders are entitled to pharmaceuticals under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). The Government’s pensioner co-payment of $5 applies for each prescription item supplied.

The annual safety net limit of 58 prescriptions or $290.00 still remains. On reaching the safety net, further prescriptions are free for the rest of that calendar year.

In 2009 the safety net threshold for concessional patients will increase to 60 prescriptions.

Eligible veterans will continue to benefit from concessional rates on prescription medicines

and the payment of the DVA pharmaceutical allowance.(Source: DVA FACTS HSV60 and IS30)

White Card – repatriation Health Card for specific ConditionsThis card is issued to Australian veterans or mariners with:n Accepted war/service-caused injury or

disease;n Malignant neoplasia*; orn Pulmonary tuberculosis*; orn Post traumatic stress disorder*;n Anxiety and/or depression*; andn Ex-service personnel who are eligible

to receive treatment for their accepted conditions under agreements between the Australian Government and Governments of New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

* Whether war-caused or not

White Card holders are eligible to receive treatment of their specific conditions from registered medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, dental and allied health care providers with whom DVA have arrangements.

Travel assistance may also be available to and from the nearest health care facilities where the veteran is receiving treatment. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV61)

Orange Card – repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits CardThis card is issued to Commonwealth and allied veterans and mariners who:

nhave qualifying service from World War I or II; and

nare aged 70 or over; and

nhave been resident in Australia for 10 years or more.

This card enables the holder to access the range of pharmaceutical items available under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) at a concessional rate.


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When the annual safety net level is reached there are no further co-payment charges for RPBS-listed items for that calendar year.

The Orange Card also entitles the holder to receive a fortnightly Pharmaceutical Allowance to help offset the cost of prescriptions. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV69)

Medicare LevyGold Card holders do not have to pay a Medicare levy and their dependants may be exempt from paying the levy themselves if they are holders of a Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, or if their taxable income is below the levy threshold. (Source: DVA FACTS PAT12)

repatriation Transport schemeThe Repatriation Transport Scheme provides assistance with travelling expenses relating to: visits to health care services for treatment; disability claims and invalidity income support claims. Veterans may also claim travelling expenses for an attendant if they are medically required.

Gold Cardholders are eligible for assistance towards travelling expenses for the treatment of all health conditions. White Card holders are eligible when the condition being treated is an accepted disability (as per their White Card eligibility).

Reimbursement of travelling expenses is based on the cost of a veteran (war widow/er) attending the closest practical health care provider.

Veterans generally arrange their own transport and then seeks reimbursement of expenses from DVA by completing a ‘Claim for Travelling Expenses’ (D800) form and submitting it within 12 months of the first claim date on the form. However, in certain circumstances, DVA may arrange transport for the veteran (war widow/er). (Source: DVA FACTS HSV02, HSV124, HSV125)

Where the veteran’s health care provider certifies that it is medically essential that a veteran travel by taxi or hire car, the department may provide a Booked Car with Driver (BCWD)

service for travel to specific treatment locations.

Eligible veterans who are aged 80 years and over, or legally blind or suffering from dementia, are not required to meet the medical conditions criteria and may travel using BCWD services to all DVA approved treatment locations.

Combined accommodation andMeal allowanceDVA may reimburse costs for an overnight stay incommercial, private or subsidised accommodation. The allowances payable as at 1 July 2008 are as follows:

Capital cities: $139.70 p/n

Other than capital cities: $117.60 p/n

Sharing with authorised attendant: $191.10 p/n

Private accommodation: $36.70

Subsidised accommodation: $73.50

(Source: DVA FACTS HSV122)

same Day TravelWhere an overnight stay is not required ameal allowance of $11.70 is payable where theone way distance travelled is between 50km and 200km. If the one way distance exceeds 200km an allowance of $23.60 is payable.

repatriation Comprehensive Care scheme (rCCs)Under the Repatriation Comprehensive Care Scheme (RCCS) Local Medical Officers (LMOs) play a greater role in managing the health care of veterans and war widows(er)s who are chronically ill or have complex conditions.

This includes assistance to veterans experiencing problems with their regular medication. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV80)

repatriation Private Patient scheme (rPPs)The RPPS provides for the hospital care of eligible veterans, war widows and widowers. The aim is to use public hospitals, former


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repatriation hospitals, selected private hospitals and day surgery facilities whenever possible. These private hospitals, known as Veteran Partnering (VP) hospitals and day surgery facilities have been selected through competitive tendering processes.

In addition, the RPPS also provides a ‘safety net’ of contracted private non–VP hospitals and non-contracted day surgery facilities. This ensures timely treatment for the veteran community when public hospitals, former repatriation hospitals, VP hospitals or contracted day surgery facilities can not meet your treatment needs within a reasonable time.

allied Health servicesA range of Allied Health Services are available to eligible veterans.

With the exception of dental services and optometric services and supplies, these services are available on referral from a Local Medical Officer (LMO) or specialist to Gold Card holders for all treatment and to White Card holders for accepted disabilities only.

Cardholders will be referred to their nearest contracted service provider. This may be the local hospital, private practitioner or former Repatriation General Hospital.

Card holders may require an LMO referral to see an ophthalmologist, but may see a DVA contracted optometrist without the need for prior approvals.

For further information see the following DVA Fact Sheets:

n Chiropractic and Osteopathy – HSV13 & HSV14

n Community Nursing – HSV16

n Dental – HSV17

n Optical Services and Supplies – HSV18

n Physiotherapy – HSV19

n Podiatry and Footwear – HSV20

n Dietetic – HSV21

n Hearing Services – HSV22

n Occupational Therapy – HSV23

n Oxygen – HSV24

n Psychology – HSV25

n Social Work Services – HSV26

n Speech Pathology – HSV27

n Crisis Assistance Program – HSV28

Chiropractic and Osteopathic servicesGold Card holders are eligible for these services.

White Card holders are eligible only if the condition being treated relates to an accepted disability. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV13, HSV14)

Dental servicesAll Gold Card holders are eligible for a full range of dental treatment. In some cases an annual limit applies to certain high cost dental items including gold inlays, crowns and bridgework.

White Cardholders are eligible for dental treatment only for their accepted war caused disabilities.

Veterans may attend a dentist directly without a referral, however, prior approval for treatment is required for White Card holders. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV17)

Dietetic servicesDieticians provide information and assistance on diet-related conditions.

Gold Card holders are eligible for dietetic services, upon referral, to meet a clinical need.

White Card holders are eligible when the condition being treated is an accepted disability. Referral from an LMO and prior approval from the Department is required. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV21)

General Medical servicesThe Local Medical Officer Scheme (LMO) provides entitled members of the veteran community with access to general medical care. There are over 13,000 general practitioners participating in the scheme.

Gold Card holders are eligible for all general medical services.


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White Card holders are eligible when the condition being treated is an accepted disability.

An LMO is the initial contact point for people in need of health care and may refer the person for further care to a specialist or an allied health professional. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV80)

Hearing Tests and Hearing aidsHearing tests and hearing aids are available through the Office of Hearing Services (OHS) under the Hearing Services Program.

Veterans are eligible if they hold a Gold Card, a White Card issued for a disability that involves hearing loss, a Pensioner Concession Card, or a Health Care Card issued by Centrelink with the payment type SA (Sickness Allowance).

Adult dependants of these card holders are also eligible.

The maintenance of hearing aids involves an annual fee. DVA will pay this fee on behalf of Gold Card and eligible White Card holders only.

Eligible veterans should complete an Application for Hearing Services form and send it to the OHS after endorsement by a doctor or specialist. OHS will send eligible veterans a voucher, which can be taken to any audiologist or audiometrist accredited by OHS.

For further information ring OHS on 1800 500 726 or your local State Office.(Source: DVA FACTS HSV22)

Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy helps a person regain physical, psychological, social and vocational abilities, which have been disrupted because of accident or illness.

Gold Card holders are eligible.


Referral by a LMO and prior approval from the Department is required to access these services. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV23)

Optometrical services and Optical suppliesDVA’s Optometrical Scheme provides vision tests and the provision of glasses, and no referral from an LMO is required when visiting an optometrist who is a member of the DVA’s Scheme.



For specialist eye treatment by an ophthalmologist, referral from a LMO or optometrist is required. Where the optometrist or ophthalmologist prescribes spectacles, contact lenses or low vision aids, an authorised optical dispenser may supply these. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV18)

OrthopticsOrthoptics is the practice of correcting defective vision, usually by exercises to strengthen weak eye muscles.



Referral from a LMO or specialist is required. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV18)

Palliative CarePalliative care services provide support and care for people who have a terminal condition. The DVA provides access to a range of doctors, clinics, services, drug therapies, aids and appliances, social workers, carer support services and counsellors.

For more information refer to the DVA publication: Carers Booklet – Assistance to the Veteran Community.

Prosthetic and Orthotic servicesarTIfICIaL LIMBs anD aPPLIanCesEntitled veterans and Repatriation Health Card holders receive prosthetic and orthotic services, at no cost, through DVA’s Rehabilitation


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Appliances Program (RAP). Contact your DVA State Office for more information. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV107)

repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme (rPBs)The RPBS provides a wide range of medicines and dressings for the treatment of Gold Card holders, or of White Card holders for their accepted disabilities, and Orange Cardholders, (Commonwealth and Allied).

Under the Scheme, a patient contribution charge of $5 per item is paid up to the safety net of 58 prescriptions ($290).

After the safety net limit is reached, pharmaceuticals are free of charge for the rest of the calendar year. Although some particular brands of products may attract premiums. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV92)

rehabilitation appliances ProgramThe Program provides appliances to manage clinical conditions, and treatment aids for home requirements. Medical grade footwear is also provided under this program.

Items that are considered to be standard household equipment or part of normal

domestic requirements are not provided under the program.

Contact your LMO for more information. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV107)

social Worker serviceSocial workers provide advice and counselling to people about personal and social problems following illness, social or financial change and can include:

n arranging suitable accommodation;

n home help services;

n delivering meals;

n home visits, where appropriate; and,

n counselling groups for patients and their families.


White Card holders are eligible when the condition being treated is an accepted disability (as per White Card eligibility).

Referral from one of the following and prior approval from the Department is required to access these services: an LMO, a GP, a medical specialist, a treating doctor in hospital, a hospital discharge planner, another social worker or the VVCS.

rehabilitation and Counselling ServicesPost Traumatic stress Disorder (PTsD)Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is caused by traumatic events, such as war, which threaten the health, safety or life of an individual. The Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, located at the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, is accredited with establishing and monitoring PTSD programs in each State.

DVA will pay for related psychology services for Gold Card holders upon referral to meet a clinical need. White Card holders are also

eligible when the condition being treated is an accepted disability (as per White Card eligibility) and DVA has accepted responsibility for treatment of these conditons.

On completion of treatment programs, the continuing needs of veterans and families are assessed by a discharge planning team, including the PTSD program staff and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS). Veterans are referred for care in their local community and, if necessary, linked with VVCS counsellors.


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PTSD programs have been approved in all State capital cities.

Further information about the status of PTSD treatment programs in your area can be obtained from the Senior Medical Adviser in your DVA State Office or from the local VVCS. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV25, VVCS FACTS VCS03 and VVCS FACTS VCS06)

veterans and veterans families Counselling serviceThe Veterans & Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling for veterans of all conflicts and their families. Their professional counsellors can help people with:

n personal crises;

n life-style and adjustment problems;

n marital, family and other relationship problems;

n social, employment and financial difficulties;

n alcohol and other drug problems;

n emotional problems (eg anxiety, depression, anger and guilt); and,

n other mental health problems or disorders (eg PTSD).

VVCS Centres provide the following services:

n individual counselling;

n relationship counselling;

n family therapy;

n group counselling;

n support for family and carers;

n telephone counselling during business hours;

n after hours telephone crisis counselling;

n counselling in rural areas;

n self-help and lifestyle management programs;

n community education and development;

n volunteer training for veterans;

n vocational and recreational rehabilitation; and

n referral to specialist medical, psychiatric and psychological services.

Addresses and telephone numbers are listed at the end of this booklet.

For a full list of services provided by VVCS refer to DVA FACTS DVA16.

veterans’ vocational rehabilitation schemeThe Veterans’ Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme (VVRS) focuses on helping veterans and serving members of the ADF who:

n want to return to paid work;

n feel at risk of losing their job

n are finding it increasingly difficult to keep working and hold their jobs or the hours they are working; or

n are leaving the ADF with eligible service and feel that they need special assistance to move into civilian employment.

The VVRS provides the following services:

n advice and support for veterans whose jobs are at risk;

n advice on job seeking;

n assistance with updating skills and retraining;

n a professional vocational assessment to determine opportunities; and

n assistance with finding work.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary and there are no penalties for failure or inability to complete a program. For those participants in the scheme who are on DVA pensions, the rates of pension will be subject to adjustment.

For further information please contact your VVCS or VAN office. (Source: DVA FACTS HSV108)


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Defence service Homes Loan schemeThe Defence Service Homes (DSH) Scheme provides subsidised housing loans to veterans with warlike or operational service. Loans are also available as an employment benefit to some personnel who served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) after December 1972.

Persons who first enlisted in the ADF on or after 15 May 1985 are generally covered by a separate Defence Homeowner Scheme provided by the Defence Housing Australia.

Under the DSH Scheme, the maximum amount an eligible person can borrow for their first loan is $25,000 but the actual amount can vary depending on factors such as the ability to meet instalment payments and other commitments.

Two or more eligible persons may pool their entitlements on the one property.

DSH loans are only available through the Westpac Banking Corporation and are subsidised by the DVA.

Interest is capped at 6.85% per annum. The rate is variable at a rate of 1.5% per annum below the average market rate, whilst that rate remains below 8.35% per annum.

Fees and charges apply and loans are subject to lending criteria.

Further information may be obtained from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1300 434 627. (Source: DVA FACTS HAC01)

Defence service Homes Insurance schemeBuilding insurance is available to eligible veterans irrespective of whether they have a current DSH loan. It is also available to those who have homes funded through the Defence Homeowner Scheme.

DSH home contents insurance is underwritten

Housing and Community Supportby QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited and offers a comprehensive package to veterans, service personnel and associated groups.

Information about DSH insurance is available at your local office on 1300 552 662 or at www.dsh.gov.au (Source: DVA FACTS HAC02)

veterans’ Home Maintenance LineThe Veterans’ Home Maintenance Line (VHML) is a telephone advice and referral service. It assists with property maintenance, home inspection services and property emergencies. The matters could range from changing a fuse to installing a new bathroom. For large or small jobs, the Helpline can give advice on how to proceed and suggest the right service to meet the need.

The Helpline advice is free but you must pay for work undertaken by tradespeople, including call-out fees.

The Helpline will, wherever possible, link you to government-subsidised services.

The Helpline telephone number is 1800 80 1945.(Source: DVA FACTS HAC03)

nursing Homes and HostelsVeterans and war widow(er)s assessed as requiring residential care may be required to pay accommodation payments or daily care fees. An aged care assets assessment is required if government assistance is being sought.

Veterans, war widows and widowersn requiring nursing home or hostel accommodation should contact the Department of Health and Ageing’s hotline on free call number 1800 500 853. More information can be found at www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

Alternatively contact your nearest DVA office or visit the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au.


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Health and WellbeingThe Department has adopted a holistic approach to the health and well-being of the veteran community by promoting programs that aim to enhance mental and physical health, and help maintain independence.

Chronic disease management and prevention programs include those addressing healthy eating (such as basic skills cooking classes) and healthy activity (such as group exercise classes). Members of the veteran community are able to participate in community based programs that provide the opportunity to develop new skills in these areas, and socialise with other participants.

DVA also recognises that chronic diseases (such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes) can affect members of the veteran community. There are programs and support services available to the veteran community that can assist in the self-management of these existing health conditions and help to improve quality of life.

A number of health publications have also been developed by the Department to provide relevant and accurate information to the veteran community. These publications address topics such as physical exercise, prostate conditions and dementia.

Information about these programs (that are either implemented directly by DVA or in partnership with community-based organisations) and publications can be found on the DVA website (follow the Health link) or by contacting your DVA State office on 133 254.

Men’s Health Peer education The Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) program trains volunteers to provide health information to their veteran peers to assist them in making lifestyle choices around their health. Once trained by DVA, volunteers are covered for personal accident, general liability and professional indemnity insurance while performing their role within the MHPE program. There are currently more than 300 trained volunteer facilitators operating nationally.

A quarterly magazine is distributed to volunteers and ex-service organisations with articles on topical issues relating to men’s health and updates on what is happening with the program. Copies can be obtained by visiting the website on http://www.dva.gov.au/health/menshealth/index.htm

Day Clubs Day Clubs are administered and operated by ex-service organisations with some assistance from DVA. The Clubs are open to all older people, not only veterans, and enhance the quality of life of the aged, the isolated and people with disabilities by promoting social contact through activities such as games, sports, fitness, information sessions and arts and crafts. The Clubs are sponsored by ESOs and run by volunteers from both the veteran and wider community who are assisted by DVA with training and advice.

For information, contact your local DVA office or www.dva.gov.au/health/day_Clubs/index.htm

Carer and volunteer support DVA contracts community support advisers in most states to assist carers of veterans and veterans who are carers by providing information about support programs offered by DVA and other agencies. This could include information about home support services, respite care, carer support groups, community nursing, advocacy and day Clubs or other resources such as newsletters, videos and books.

Further information is available from the nearest DVA office by phoning 133 254.

Support programs available through the Department of Health and Ageing and HACC include:

n Carer Respite Centres – national freecall 1800 059 059;

n Carer Resource Centres – national freecall 1800 242 636; and

n Commonwealth Carelink Centres – national freecall 1800 052 222.


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saluting Their service Commemorative GrantsModest grants of up to $3,000 are available under Saluting Their Service for projects such as the preservation and display of wartime memorabilia, commemoration of significant wartime anniversaries and unit reunions, school initiatives and publishing unit histories where none exists. Up to $4,000 is available to enable communities to refurbish or update existing memorials, construct new war memorials and repair vandalised memorials and upgrade security measures.

Commemoration and recognition

Community, ex-service organisations, local government authorities and other bodies such as museums and schools may apply for grants. Applications are considered by the Commemorations Grants Advisory Committee which makes recommendations to the Minister.

For further information, the application form and guidelines, contact DVA:n Phone: 133 254 (metro)n 1800 555 254 (country)n Website: www.dva.gov.au

veteran and Community Grants Veteran & Community Grants provide seed funding for projects that support a healthy, quality lifestyle for members of the veteran community and assist them to remain living independently in their own homes. Grants also fund initiatives that reduce social isolation, support carers and improve access to community care services.

They are available to ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that can demonstrate a contribution to the welfare of members of the veteran community. Funding applications are considered three times each year.

Further information about Veteran & Community Grants can be obtained from DVA or www.dva.gov.au/health/grants.

alcohol Management ProjectThe Alcohol Management Project was developed as a response to the Vietnam Veterans Health Study and DVA’s Mental Health Strategy. It aims to create opportunities to reduce alcohol related harm in the veteran community by increasing awareness of alcohol related issues and strengthening services for veterans with alcohol related problems.

The health promotion component of the project is The Right Mix – Your Health and Alcohol and

has something for anyone interested in a healthy lifestyle. There is simple information about standard drinks, alcohol and medication, sleep and health conditions. You can find out how to start making changes if you want to, or where to go for help if you are concerned about your drinking.

For more information on The Right Mix, or to order materials, phone 133 254 or visit www.therightmix.gov.au

at ease DVA has a website dedicated to maximising mental health. Targeting veterans, their partners, carers, sons and daughters, and current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, www.at-ease.dva.gov.au enables the user to find:

n Information on common mental health conditions, as well as information that takes into account the uniqueness of the veteran experience;

n Services that are available to help cope with a mental illness;

n DVA mental health news and event information; and

n Links to other mental health resources.

Visit www.at-ease.dva.gov.au to find out more.


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The Office has the following functions:

n Provides and maintains the official commemorations of Australian veterans who have died in war or conflict and of eligible veterans who have died after a war or conflict from causes related to their service in that war or conflict. Refer to Fact Sheets WG02: Eligibility for Official Commemoration and WG03: Types of Official Commemorations.

n Provides permission, on behalf of the Department of Defence, to use the Service emblem on the graves of all veterans.

n Provides a historical research service in respect of those who have died in war or conflict.

n Provides and maintains official Australian memorials overseas; and

office of australian War Graves (oaWG)n Publishes and maintains the internet nominal

rolls of participants of various conflicts Refer to Fact Sheet WG04: Nominal Rolls.

OAWG also works with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in relation to the care and maintenance of Australian war graves overseas.

OAWG produces a number of publications and these are listed in Fact Sheet WG01: What Does the Office of Australian War Graves Do? or can be downloaded from the Department’s website www.dva.gov.au/oawg.

For further information or assistance, telephone (02) 6289 6510, fax (02) 6289 4861 or e-mail [email protected].

The Australian War Memorial maintains and develops the national memorial to Australians who have served Australia in war. It also develops and maintains a national collection of historical material and exhibits.

The Memorial’s Hall of Memory contains the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier symbolising all Australians who have died in war.

The Memorial is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every day (from 9am during ACT/NSW school holidays and public holidays) and is located on Anzac Parade, Campbell, Canberra ACT.

The Memorial’s Research Centre is open to the public from 10am to 4.50pm Monday to Friday and from 1pm to 4.50pm on Saturdays. The Research Centre is located at the rear of the main Memorial building.

australian War MemorialThe Memorial’s Treloar Technology Centre located at Callan Street, Mitchell, ACT houses large items of military technology in open access storage, and is open by appointment only.

For further information contact the Memorial on (02) 6243 4211.

australian War Memorial foundationThe Australian War Memorial Foundation raises funds for the Memorial.

The Foundation is a private company charged with providing the Memorial with the essential resources that will allow generations of Australians the opportunity to understand the Australian experience of war, and the effect of that experience on our nation.

Donations to the Australian War Memorial Foundation are tax deductible.


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In addition to the provisions of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act, there are two other pieces of legislation.

The first is the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. The scheme under this Act is based on the scheme managed by COMCARE for employees of the Commonwealth. Its provisions precede legislation commencing in 1930. Some people are still covered by those provisions which were not replaced until 1986.

The second is the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) which came into effect on 1 July 2004. It replaced the SRCA and the VEA for all injuries occurring after that date.

Injuries before 1 July 2004 remain covered by the old legislation.

All Acts are administered by the DVA.

Following is a brief description of both the SRCA and MRCA. However readers are advised that the provisions of these Acts are complex, particularly where they may interact with the VEA. Veterans, or their dependents, seeking information about these Acts are strongly advised to contact DVA.

safety, rehabilitation and Compensation act (srCa) The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, related to service prior to 1 July 2004, provides Australian Defence Force members and former members with workers’ compensation and rehabilitation benefits.

For incidents that happen on or after 1 July 2004 members, former members and their dependants are covered by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.

SRCA benefits are available to members and former members of the ADF including reservists, cadets and officers and instructors of cadets.

The range of benefits which can be provided under the SRCA include:

Military Compensationn incapacity for work payments;n medical and other treatment costs;n household assistance;n attendant care services;n vocational and lifestyle rehabilitation;n death benefits;n lump sum payments for permanent

impairment; andn aids, appliances and alterations to home,

workplace or car.

InCaPaCITy PayMenTsIncapacity payments include:

n 100% of normal weekly earnings for the first 45 weeks (the 45 weeks includes any time off due to injury during service);

n Subsequently, 75% of normal weekly earnings after 45 weeks; and

n When returning to work after 45 weeks, a top up to between 80% and 100% of normal weekly earnings before your injury or illness, depending on the number of hours you are able to work. (Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

Any superannuation payment you receive may affect your entitlements.

MeDICaL anD OTHer TreaTMenTThere is generally no entitlement to medical and other treatment for full-time serving members because the ADF meets these expenses as a condition of service.

All reasonable medical, hospital, pharmaceutical and other treatment costs related to an accepted condition are met for former members of the ADF.

This is done either by direct billing by the health provider, or by reimbursement to the former member.

HOuseHOLD assIsTanCeAssistance with household duties may be provided if the claimant is unable to carry out these duties due to their accepted condition.

There may be entitlement to help with cooking, house cleaning, gardening, laundry or other household services to a weekly maximum of $365.03. (Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

aTTenDanT CareIf, because of the accepted condition, attendant care is needed for personal care such as bathing, dressing, administering medications, or other similar assistance, the MCRG may pay for such care up to a weekly maximum of $365.03. (Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

vOCaTIOnaL anD LIfesTyLe reHaBILITaTIOnIf, as a result of an accepted condition, help is needed with skills assessment, retraining and job search, the DVA may assist you to return to the workforce. Special conditions apply.

DVA can also provide modifications to an injured member’s home, car and workplace as well as other activities designed to restore an injured person’s lifestyle as close as possible to its pre-injury level.

DeaTH BenefITs (as at �0 september �00�)Dependants may be entitled to:n Lump sum death benefit of $263,184.20

(comprising $219,023.62 under the SRCA and $44,160.58 under the Defence Act 1903);

n A further lump sum of $65,796.06 for each dependant child is also payable under the Defence Act 1903;

n A weekly payment under the SRCA of $72.98 may also be provided for dependent children under 16, or who are full-time students under 25. This benefit is in addition to any superannuation benefits payable.

(Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

Funeral expenses up to $9,297.00 may also be payable. (Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

PerManenT IMPaIrMenTA lump sum payment can be made to compensate a member for the impairment effects of a permanent injury.

Generally, where impairment is medically assessed to be less than 10 per cent, no

lump sum compensation is payable. If a member or former member suffered permanent impairment between 1 December 1988 and 30 June 2004, inclusive, there may be an entitlement of up to $200,771.68 under the SRCA. Different rates apply for injuries prior to that date.

Where an accepted condition results in a severe injury” (i.e. 80% or more permanent whole person impairment) an additional $62,412.52 is payable under the Defence Act 1903, together with an additional amount of $65,796.06 for each dependant child. (Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

It is important to note that these payments are not settlements of a claim and may be payable in addition to ongoing entitlements to compensation in respect of vocational or other rehabilitation, medical and other treatment and incapacity for work. There are offsetting provisions for pensions paid under the VEA for death or disability. (Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

OTHer BenefITs PayaBLeDepending on the nature and extent of the compensable condition, financial assistance may be available for:

n repair or replacement of any aid or appliance which is reasonably required; and

n financial advice of an amount up to $1315.99 for a member who suffers a severe injury or for the family of a deceased member.

(Source: DVA FACTS MCS06)

Children of those who suffer “severe injuries”, or of those who die in compensable circumstances, have access to the counselling services of the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme.

The rates of benefits paid under the SRCA outlined above are subject to indexation from 1 July each year.


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Military rehabilitation and Compensation act (MrCa)Under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, the scheme provides treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for those who suffer an injury or contract a disease as a result of their service on or after 1 July 2004.

The legislation also provides compensation to dependants of those who die as a result of their service or who have been severely injured as a result of their service on or after 1 July 2004.

For injury, disease or death due to ADF service on or after 1 July 2004, the MRCA replaces military compensation arrangements derived from the:

n Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986,

n Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988;

n Military Compensation Act 1994; and

n The Defence Act 1903 determination enhancements to the SRCA for ADF members.

Entitlements under these Acts existing before 1 July 2004 are not affected.

The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) administers the MRCA through DVA.

COveraGeMRCA covers the following members of the ADF on or after 1 July 2004:

n all members of the permanent Defence Force;

n all members of the Reserve Force;

n cadets, officers and instructors of cadets; and

n other people declared in writing by the Minister for Defence to be members of the ADF.

ADF members and former members with injuries or conditions arising from service prior to 1 July 2004 are generally not covered by the MRCA for those injuries or conditions, and will continue to be covered under the VEA or the SRCA.

The only exceptions to this are where the person:

n suffers an injury or disease which is due to service or aggravated by service both before and after 1 July 2004 — in which case the injury or disease as well as the aggravation are covered under the MRCA; or

n has a condition accepted under the VEA or SRCA as well as a condition accepted under the MRCA — in these cases, the combined conditions will be assessed under the MRCA with the new MRCA payment being the difference between the VEA or SRCA payment and the benefit assessed under the MRCA for the combined conditions; or

n has a condition accepted under the VEA which is aggravated by service on or after 1 July 2004.

note: In these cases there is a choice of applying for an increase in disability pension under the VEA or making a claim under the MRCA for the aggravation. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC01)

reHaBILITaTIOnRehabilitation is the primary focus of the MRCA, providing support to help injured and ill members and former members achieve recovery and return to service or other work where possible. This includes a requirement for the Service Chief to appoint a case manager for each ADF member being discharged on medical grounds to provide advice and assistance during the transition to civilian life.

Rehabilitation of serving members is the responsibility of the member’s Service Chief.

Rehabilitation of members identified for medical discharge, former members, part-time reservists and cadets is the responsibility of the MRCC. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC05)

COMPensaTIOn fOr PerManenT IMPaIrMenTPermanent impairment payments are tax-free compensation for the permanent medical impairment, pain and suffering and lifestyle


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restrictions, which are a result of injuries or diseases, accepted as service-related under the MRCA.

The amount of permanent impairment compensation payable depends on the level of permanent impairment and whether the injury or disease is related to warlike or non-warlike service, or peacetime service.

Those eligible for maximum permanent impairment compensation receive the same amount regardless of the service which caused the impairment.

Permanent impairment payments can be paid as a lump sum, as periodic payments or as a combination of these.

The amount of compensation is calculated on the degree of impairment and the lifestyle effects of the accepted condition using Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation (GARP M).

The maximum permanent impairment payment at 80 impairment points is $267.83 per week and the maximum lump sum is $350,964.43. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC04)

Where a member is eligible for maximum permanent impairment compensation, a further lump sum payment of $68,949.20 is available for each child dependent on the member at the time compensation is awarded. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC04)

InCaPaCITy PayMenTsIncapacity payments are made to current and former ADF members for inability to work or reduced capacity to work because of injury or disease connected with MRCA service.

MRCA incapacity payments are similar to SRCA incapacity payments but have the following improved features:n the weekly earnings calculation for

discharged members has been boosted by a loading of $123.85 per week;

(Source: DVA FACTS MRC04)

n incapacity payments do not include a deduction for the notional superannuation contribution, representing an increase of

some 5 per cent;n reservists whose injury or illness arises from

a period of continuous full-time service can have their incapacity payments based on either their civilian earnings or their ADF earnings, whichever is higher; and


n cadets, officers and instructors of cadets will have their incapacity payments worked out on a case-by-case basis as their income can vary widely. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC31)

Consistent with the SRCA, where an ADF member is in receipt of a superannuation payment, their incapacity payments will be affected by the Commonwealth-funded component of any superannuation which accrued whilst they served in the ADF.

sPeCIaL raTe DIsaBILITy PensIOn safeTy neT PayMenT (srDP)The SRDP provides an alternative form of ongoing compensation for people whose capacity for work has been severely curtailed because of conditions due to ADF service.

A former member will be offered the choice of receiving taxable incapacity payments up to age 65 or a tax-free SRDP for life if they:n have an injury or disease assessed at 50 or

more impairment points which is likely to continue indefinitely;

n are in receipt of incapacity payments; andn are assessed as:

- unable to undertake paid work for more than 10-hours a week; and

- unlikely to be assisted by rehabilitation to undertake paid work for more than 10-hours a week.

The SRDP is the same as the special rate disability pension payable under the VEA but is offset by the value of any permanent impairment payment received, and the remaining amount will be affected by the Commonwealth-funded component of superannuation. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC21)


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TreaTMenT BenefITsTreatment for serving permanent force members and reservists on continuous full-time service is, in most cases, the responsibility of the Department of Defence.

For discharged members, cadets, part-time reservists and declared members treatment may be provided through:

n payment of reasonable costs for short-term treatment of accepted conditions; or

n provision of the Repatriation Health Card – For Specific Conditions (White Card) providing free care for members needing ongoing treatment for conditions accepted as service-related; or

n provision of the Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions (Gold Card) for members whose permanent impairment from accepted conditions is assessed at 60 or more points, or those eligible for the SRDP safety net payment, providing free care for all conditions regardless of whether they are service-related.


COMPensaTIOn fOr DeaTHCompensation may be provided if:

n liability for the deceased member’s death has been accepted; or

n the deceased member satisfies the criteria for receiving SRDP during some period of his or her life; or

n the deceased member was entitled to maximum permanent impairment compensation for accepted conditions immediately before his or her death (i.e. assessed at or above 80 points).

Compensation for widowed partners includes payments equivalent to the VEA war widow’s pension for life or its age-based lump sum equivalent. An additional age-based lump sum of up to $114,915.33 is available if the death is related to service. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC14)

Eligible widowed partners will also receive:

n Gold Card treatment benefits;

n telephone allowance;

n pharmaceutical allowance; andn bereavement payments representing a

continuation of the member’s permanent impairment payments, incapacity payments or the SRDP for 12 weeks after death.

Death benefits for each dependent child include a maximum tax-free payment of $68,949.20, plus (if wholly or mainly dependent) $75.84 per week, education assistance and Gold Card treatment benefits. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC04)

A maximum of $218,339.14 is available for distribution amongst other family members where they were wholly or partly dependent on the deceased member, with a maximum of $68,949.20 for each eligible person. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC15 and MRC16)

fInanCIaL aDvICeReimbursement for the cost of financial advice up to $1378.98 is available for:n those who have a permanent impairment

from accepted injuries or disease assessed at or above 50 impairment points and are making the choice between receiving their permanent impairment compensation as a lump sum, periodic payments or a combination;

n widowed partners who are making a decision between lump sum and periodic payment of death benefit; and

n those who are making the choice between incapacity payments and the SRDP.

(Source: DVA FACTS MRC19, MRC20 and MRC21)

HOuseHOLD CareAssistance of up to $379.22 per week is available for the cost of household care services required because of accepted conditions. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC11)

aTTenDanT CareAssistance of up to $379.22 per week is available for the cost of attendant care services required because of accepted conditions. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC12)


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veHICLe MODIfICaTIOnsThe Motor Vehicle Compensation Scheme provides for vehicle modifications to be made where these are necessary because of accepted conditions. A vehicle or vehicle replacement is available in limited circumstances. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC10)

TeLePHOne aLLOWanCeTelephone allowance of $22.00 per quarter is payable to members and former members who meet the criteria for the SRDP, or are assessed as having a permanent impairment at or above 80 points, and wholly dependent partners eligible for compensation for a deceased member’s death. An additional amount of $11.00 per quarter is payable if you have a subscription to a home internet service. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC13)

PHarMaCeuTICaL aLLOWanCeA payment of $2.90 per week is made to White and Gold Card-holders.

note: Pharmaceutical allowance is not payable under the MRCA if pharmaceutical allowance is already being paid under the VEA or the Social Security Act 1991. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC23)

funeraL assIsTanCeCompensation of up to $9,297.00 is available for the cost of the funeral of a deceased member where:

n liability for the deceased member’s death has been accepted; or

n the deceased member satisfied the criteria for receiving SRDP during some period of their life; or

n the deceased member was entitled to maximum permanent impairment compensation for accepted conditions immediately before their death (i.e. assessed at or above 80 points).

note: The ADF currently bears the cost of a military funeral of ADF members who die in-service. If the cost is borne by the ADF no funeral assistance is paid. (Source: DVA FACTS MRC17)

COnTInuInG vea BenefITsThe following benefits continue under the VEA, subject to the VEA rules for service after 1 July 2004:n service pension and associated allowances

for members with qualifying (warlike) service and their partners;

n income support supplement and associated allowances for partners of deceased members who are eligible for death benefits under the MRCA and meet the VEA income support supplement eligibility criteria;

n Gold Cards for:- members with qualifying (warlike) service at

age 70;- members receiving service pension who

meet the treatment eligibility income and asset limits;

- members receiving service pension and are blind in both eyes; and

- members receiving service pension whose permanent impairment is assessed at or above 30 points.

n White Cards for members with warlike or non-warlike service for treatment of non-service related post traumatic stress disorder, malignant neoplasia and pulmonary tuberculosis;

n Victoria Cross Allowance;n Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and

telephone allowance if members meet the qualifying criteria; and

n funeral benefits for certain non-service related deaths.


More information about the MRCA can be found by:n contacting the DVA infoline on

1300 550 461 (within Australia);n visiting the Internet site www.mrcs.gov.au;n e-mailing [email protected] orn visiting a DVA office.


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service name number Where available Description

General Inquiries 133 254 Intrastate, General Inquiries to anywhere in Australia Switchboard

General Inquiries 1800 555 254 Intrastate, General Inquiries to non-metro only Switchboard

National Interstate Dial Back 1300 13 1945 Anywhere in Australia, General Inquiries to IVR choice Switchboard

Veteran’ Affairs Network (VAN) 1300 55 1918 Anywhere in Australia Delivers call to the local VAN Office, and if unattended or busy, allows option to leave voicemail or to speak to State Office

Veterans Home Care (non DVA) 1300 550 450 Anywhere in Australia Non DVA – Delivers call to appropriate VHC assessor

Compensation 1300 550 451 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Income Support 1300 550 452 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Treatment Card Inquiries 1300 550 453 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Transport Claims - metro 1300 550 454 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Transport Claims - non-metro 1800 550 454 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Transport Bookings - metro 1300 550 455 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Transport Bookings - non-metro 1800 550 455 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Health Medical - metro 1300 550 456 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Health Medical - non metro 1800 550 456 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Health Non-Medical - metro 1300 550 457 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Health Non-Medical - non-metro 1800 550 457 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Rehabilitation Appliances 1300 550 458 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/IntrastateProgram (RAP)

Commemorations - metro 1300 550 459 Anywhere in Australia Inquiries to Switchboard

Commemorations - non-metro 1800 550 459 Anywhere in Australia Inquiries to Switchboard

Bereavement 1300 550 463 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

MCRG 1300 550 461 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific Regional routing based on MCRG office regions

Contact lists

Dva Business specific numbers1800 555 254 connects non-metropolitan callers to their nearest DVA state office.

1300 13 1945 connects interstate callers to any DVA state office using voice prompts.

1300 55 1918 connects callers to their nearest VAN office.

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Contact Lists – Dva Business specific numbers (continued)service name number Where available Description

Veteran & Community Grants 1800 555 254 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Community Nursing 1300 550 466 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Veterans’ Review Board 1300 550 460 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate Non-metro only

Trusts & Companies 1800 550 462 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/National Office

Health Care Plans 1300 301 610 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

DVA Feedback 1300 555 785 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate Feedback on DVA service

VVCS National 1800 011 046 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Prescriber Information 1800 500 869 Anywhere in Australia Prescriber Feedback line Melbourne State Office

Korean/Gulf War Veterans Study 1800 502 302 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/National Office

VAPAC 1800 552 580 Anywhere in Australia Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceuticals Advisory Centre/Qld State Office

DSH Insurance 1300 552 662 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/Intrastate

Exceptional Case Unit 1800 636 428 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific/National Office

DSH Subsidy 1800 722 000 Anywhere in Australia Business Specific Victoria State Office

Saluting Their Service 1800 555 254 Anywhere in Australia Inquiries to SwitchboardCommemorative Grants

Building Excellence in Support 1800 555 254 Anywhere in Australia Inquiries to Switchboard and Training


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state City address Phone facsimile

aCT Canberra 10 Moore Street (02) 6225 4600 (02) 6257 1818

nsW Sydney 1st Floor Tower B, Centennial Plaza (02) 9213 7900 (02) 9213 7400 280 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills

Gosford Suite 1, 250 Mann Street (02) 4323 4945 (02) 4323 4952

Lismore Office 6, Level 1, Conway Court (02) 6622 4481 (02) 6622 4486 Cnr Molesworth & Conway Streets

Newcastle Ground Floor, 6 Auckland Street (02) 4926 2733 (02) 4929 6215

Parramatta Shop 3, The Octagon Centre (02) 9893 9892 (02) 9893 9940 99 Phillip Street

Tweed Heads Shop 45, Centro Tweed (07) 5536 2933 (07) 5536 9235 Cnr Wharf & Bay Streets

Wollongong Level 4, Corporate Square (02) 4298 9992 (02) 4226 0194 43 Burrelli Street

vIC Melbourne 300 La Trobe Street 133 254 (03) 9284 6120

Bairnsdale 49 McCulloch Street (03) 5153 1120 (03) 5152 1443

Ballarat 12 Dawson Street South (03) 5331 3844 (03) 5333 5199

Frankston Suite 2, Level 1, 54-58 Wells Street (03) 9783 7312 (03) 9783 2655

Geelong 200 Malop Street (03) 5221 8963 (03) 5221 8081

Morwell 10 George Street (03) 5133 0177 (03) 5133 0180

Warrnambool 1/rear 76 Henna Street (03) 5562 9900 (03) 5562 2825

Wodonga 81 Hume Street (02) 6056 4321 (02) 6056 4325

QLD Brisbane Bank of QLD Centre 133 254 (07) 3223 8479 259 Queen Street

Gold Coast Level 5, 12 Short Street, Southport (07) 5630 0203 (07) 5571 1292

Sunshine Coast 129 Horton Parade, Maroochydore (07) 5479 5112 (07) 5479 5443

Toowoomba 99 Russell Street (07) 4638 1555 (07) 4638 1599

Townsville 150 Walker Street (07) 4722 3333 (07) 4722 3300

sa Adelaide Veterans Information Centre Blackburn House, 199 Grenfell Street (08) 8290 0568 (08) 8290 0530

nT Darwin Ground Floor, Civic Centre (08) 8935 1444 (08) 8945 0384 2 Chung Wah Terrace 1300 551 918

Wa Perth AMP Building, 140 St Georges Terrace (08) 9366 8444 (08) 9366 8375 Cnr William Street

Tas Hobart Montpelier Building, 21 Kirksway Place (03) 6221 6666 (03) 6221 6602 Battery Point

Launceston Retirement Service Centre (03) 6331 3364 (03) 6334 2573 54 Cameron Street, Launceston

Veterans’ affairs network


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state City address Phone �� hr contact veterans Line

naTIOnaL OffICe 13 Keltie Street, Woden 2606 (02) 6289 6168 PO Box 21, Woden 2606

aCT Canberra 6-8 Campion Street, Deakin 2600 (02) 9761 5000 1800 011 046 PO Box 302, Eeakin West 2600

nsW Sydney Ground Floor, 88 Phillip Street (02) 9761 5029 1800 011 046 Parramatta 2150 PO Box 3755, Parramatta 2124

Lismore Office 6, Level 1, Conway Court (02) 6622 4479 1800 011 046 (Entrance: Molesworth Street) Lismore 2480 PO Box 579, Lismore 2480

Newcastle 1/8 Auckland Street, Newcastle 2300 (02) 4915 0420 1800 011 046

vIC Melbourne Level 4, 440 Elizabeth Street (03) 8640 8700 1800 011 046 Melbourne 3000 PO Box 12631, Melbourne 8001

Albury/Wodonga 81 Hume Street, Wodonga 3690 (02) 6056 1341 1800 011 046 PO Box 601, Wodonga 3689

QLD Brisbane 15 Astor Terrace (07) 3303 9433 1800 011 046 Spring Hill 4000 PO Box 166, Spring Hill 4004

Maroochydore 129 Horton Parade, Maroochydore 4558 (07) 5479 3992 1800 011 046 PO Box 1797, Sunshine Plaza Maroochydore 4558

South Port Regent Plaza, 12 Short Street (07) 5630 0204 1800 011 046 Southport 4215 PO Box 3224, Southport 4215

Townsville Nathan Business Centre (07) 4723 9155 1800 011 046 340 Ross River Road, Cranbrook 4817 PO Box 891, Thuringowa Central 4817

sa Adelaide 99 Frome Street, Adelaide 5000 (08) 7422 4500 1800 011 046

nT Darwin Ground Floor, Century Plaza (08) 8927 9411 1800 011 046 2 Chung Wah Terrace, Palmerston 0830 PO Box 3374, Palmerston 0831

Wa Perth 7 Kintail Road, Applecross 6153 (08) 6461 7800 1800 011 046 PO Box 1337, Canning Bridge 6153

Tas Hobart 2 Castray Esplanade (03) 6231 0488 1800 011 046 Battery Point 7004

Launceston 29 Elphin Road, Launceston 7250 (03) 6331 7500 1800 011 046

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service


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state City address Phone facsimile

aCT Canberra 1st Floor, Lovett Tower (02) 6289 6510 (02) 6289 486 13 Keltie Street, Woden 2606 1800 026 185 PO Box 21, Woden 2606

nsW Sydney Sydney War Cemetery & Garden of (02) 9746 5565 (02) 9763 1060 Remembrance, Memorial Avenue, Rookwood 2135 PO Box 83, Strathfield 2135

vIC Melbourne Springvale War Cemetery & Garden of (03) 9547 1991 (03) 9547 5032 Remembrance Princes Highway, Springvale 3171 PO Box 186, Springvale 3171

QLD Brisbane Queensland Garden of Remembrance (07) 3862 8604 (07) 3862 8609 Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery Graham Road, Bridgeman Downs 4035 PO Box 23, Kedron 4031

nTH QLD Townsville Townsville War Cemetery (07) 4721 1664 (07) 4721 2593 Evans Street, Belgian Gardens 4810 PO Box 72, Belgian Gardens 4810

sa Adelaide Centennial Park Cemetery & Garden of (08) 8277 3993 (08) 8374 3543 Remembrance 760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena 5042 PO Box 410, Melrose Park 5039

nT Darwin Adelaide River War Cemetery (08) 8976 7053 (08) 8976 7043 Memorial Drive Adelaide River 0846

Wa Perth Perth War Cemetery & Garden of (08) 9386 3807 (08) 9386 2257 Remembrance Smyth Road , Nedlands 6009 PO Box 3, Nedlands 6009

Tas Hobart Cornelian Bay Cemetery & Garden of (03) 6228 2124 (03) 6228 6632 Remembrance Queens Walk, Hobart 7001 PO Box 385, Moonah 7009

Launceston Carr Villa War Cemetery & (03) 6343 0175 (03) 6343 0653 Launceston Garden of Remembrance Quarantine Road, Kings Meadows 7240 PO Box 78, Kings Meadows 7249

The office of australian War Graves


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Office address Phone facsimile

Dva national Office Lovett Tower, 13 Keltie Street (02) 6289 1111 Woden 2606 PO Box 21, Woden 2606

Office of australian 1st Floor, Lovett Tower (02) 6289 6510 (02) 6289 4861War Graves 13 Keltie Street, Woden 2606 PO Box 21, Woden 2606

veterans’ review Board Level 2, Building B Freecall: Centennial Plaza 1300 550 460 280 Elizabeth Street Tollfree: Surry Hills 2000 1800 550 460 GPO Box 1631, Sydney 2001

australian War Memorial Treloar Crescent (02) 6243 4211 (02) 6243 4325 (top of Anzac Parade) Campbell 2612 GPO Box 345, Canberra 2601

Defence service DSH National Processing Centre Freecall: (03) 9284 6800Home Loans GPO Box 1987R, Melbourne 3001 1300 434 627

Defence service TollfreeHome Insurance 1300 552 662

Defence service awards Navy Medals Section 1800 808 073(replacement) pre 1�� (includes Merchant Mariners Service)

Air Force Medals Section 1800 623 306

Army Medals Section 1800 065 073

Defence service awards ADF Medals Section 1800 111 321(replacement) post 1��

national Contacts


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site address

veterans’ affairs Portfolio Department of Veterans’ Affairs http://www.dva.gov.au

Australian War Memorial http://www.awm.gov.au

veterans agencies – Canada – Veterans’ Affairs http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/Other Countries

Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) http://www.cwgc.org/

New Zealand Government http://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/

UK – Service Personnel and Veterans Agency http://www.veterans-uk.info/

USA – Veterans Affairs http://www.va.gov/

australian Links – Administrative Appeals Tribunal http://www.aat.gov.auGovernment and Legal

Australian Commonwealth Government http://www.australia.gov.au Entry Point

Australian Department of Defence http://www.defence.gov.au/

Centrelink http://www.centrelink.gov.au

Department of Finance and http://www.finance.gov.au Deregulation

Department of Health and Ageing http://www.health.gov.au

Department of Families, Housing, http://www.facs.gov.au Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Australasian Legal Information Institute http://www.austlii.edu.au

SCALEplus – the legal information http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ retrieval system (owned by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department)

Websites

WilmotSt,burnie,Tas,7320T:1300135547T:64311333F:64315680e:[email protected]

Documents

Transcript of WilmotSt,burnie,Tas,7320T:1300135547T:64311333F:64315680e:[email protected]