From 1 July 2026, veterans' compensation and rehabilitation will be managed by one scheme under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (Cth). The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (Cth) closed to new claims on 30 June 2026. Applications already on foot will continue under the previous scheme. Payments in effect prior to 1 July 2026 are not affected.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs has produced a helpful information booklet explaining the key changes which can be accessed via the Department's website.

Available support

The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (Cth) establishes a scheme to fund treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force. To learn who is and is not eligible for support, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

Some support is available without having to lodge a formal claim. Visit the Department's website for information about fully funded mental health support and free treatment for cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Some support is available while awaiting the outcome of a claim, including income support for those unable to work due to their mental health, and payment for treatment for a specified condition.

If a claim for support is accepted (on the basis that an injury or condition is related to service), the Department will conduct a needs assessment to determine the level of support and payments needed.

An applicant may be eligible for:

Those with accepted service-related injury may also be eligible for a range of rehabilitation supports, special types of Veteran Cards, household services (such as cleaning, shopping, laundry, and gardening), and attendant care (such as bathing, dressing, and feeding).

In some circumstances, compensation may be available to dependent family members of injured veterans.

Approval process

To be approved for compensation, a veteran's illness or disease must be accepted as being war-caused or defence-caused. This will be assessed using any relevant information which may include medical reports, service history, and employment history reports.

The claim must also satisfy the relevant Statement of Principles. These are legislative instruments that outline the factors that connect a particular medical condition, disease or illness with service. For a claim to be approved, at least one Statement of Principles factor must be related to eligible war service or defence service. Statements of Principles are determined by an independent statutory body known as the Repatriation Medical Authority. For more information and to view the Statements of Principles, visit the Repatriation Medical Authority website.

During the claim assessment process, a veteran may be assessed by a general practitioner or specialist to assist with the determination of the claim.

For more information about the claims process, visit the Department's website or call 1800 838 372.

Some decisions relating to claims under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (Cth) can be reviewed - see Review by the Veterans' Review Board.