The Service Pension is an (income and assets tested) income support pension, similar to the Age Pension or the Disability Support Pension paid by Centrelink. Note that a person cannot receive both the Service Pension and the Age Pension (or any other social security benefit, other than child-related payments).

Eligibility

The Service Pension may be paid to:

An eligible veteran includes:

Working out what kind of service qualifies a person for the Service Pension can be complex. If in doubt, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website or call 1800 838 372.

Rate of payment

The rates of payment for the Service Pension is the same as for the Age Pension.

The Service Pension can be paid at a single rate or couples rate, depending on the circumstances.

The amount a person receives on the Service Pension will depend upon their income and assets. Whether a person is single or a member of a couple will also be relevant for calculating the Pension rate.

For more information about the rates of payment and the income and assets tests, see the Department's ready reckoners.

Eligible partners and eligible former partners

A partner (whether married or de facto) of a veteran who is receiving or is eligible to receive a Service Pension may be entitled to the Service Pension Partner.

Specific eligibility criteria apply. For more information, see the Department of Veterans' Affairs webpage Service Pension for partners.

A person may also be eligible to receive a Service Pension Partner after they have separated from a veteran who is receiving or is eligible to receive a Service Pension. This type of Service Pension Partner is usually payable up to a maximum period of 12 months from the date of separation, and other qualifying criteria apply.

How to claim the Service Pension

The Department of Veterans' Affairs recommends that applicants wishing to claim the Service Pension set up a MyService account. MyService is the online platform for veterans and veteran families to carry out most of their Departmental business online. Learn more by visiting the Department of Veterans' Affairs MyService webpage or by calling the Department on 1800 838 372.

How to seek a review

A person unhappy with a decision relating to the Service Pension may be able to seek a review. Such a review is conducted by a Department Review Officer in the first instance. A request for a review should be made online via MyService or in writing within 3 months of receipt of the letter advising of the reviewable decision.

For a list of decisions that are reviewable, see the Department of Veterans' Affairs webpage Request a review for income support decisions.

The Review Officer will either affirm (not change) or set aside (cancel) the decision under review. The Review Officer's decision may itself be appealed in the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Legal advice should be sought before commencing any appeal in the ART, as costs may apply and there may be strict timeframes in which to lodge an appeal.

Other Service Pension allowances

A person receiving the Service Pension may also be entitled to:

For information about available supplements and allowances, see the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.