A number of disability pensions and allowances are payable under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth). These should not be confused with the Disability Support Pension administered by Centrelink.

Disability Pension

The Disability Pension compensates eligible veterans for injuries or diseases which are caused by eligible war or defence services provided prior to 1 July 2004.

A veteran may be eligible, for example, if they suffered an injury or disease from:

For a full list of who is eligible for the Disability Pension, see the Department of Veterans' Affairs Factsheet DP01 - Overview of Disability Pension and Allowances.

Disability Pension - payment rate

The payment rate of the Disability Pension is dependant upon the level of incapacity the veteran has as a result of their illness of disease. There are four categories of disability pension that may be payable. For information on the payment rates, see the Department for Veterans' Affairs Factsheet DP43- Disability Pension Rates and Allowances.

Disability Pension Allowances

The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth) also provides for a number of Disability Pension Allowances, which may be payable separate to, and in addition to, the Disability Pension.

Such allowances are:

The allowances can be paid in specific circumstances, and are paid at different rates.

How to apply for the Disability Pension

To apply for the Disability Pension, the applicant should obtain the required claim from from the Department of Veterans' Affairs by contacting 1800 555 254 or via the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. Supporting documentation will also be required to assess the claim.

How is a Disability Pension claim determined?

A claim for Disability Pension is assessed by the Repatriation Commission, which has the power under sections 180 and 181 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth) to grant pensions and other benefits to veterans. This power is delegated to officers of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, who determine and decide claims for veterans' pensions.

To be approved for a Disability Pension, 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 what factors may cause a particular medical condition, disease or illness. For a Disability Pension 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 the Repatriation Medical Authority, which is an independent statutory body. 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.

Deciding whether a veteran is entitled to the Disability Pension or a Disability Pension Allowance can sometimes be a complex matter requiring detailed study of the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth), so specialist advice should be sought.

More information can be obtained by contacting the Department of Veterans' Affairs on 1800 555 254 or via the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

Can a decision about the Disability Pension be reviewed?

Certain decisions relating to the Disability Pension can be reviewed, see - Review by the Veterans' Review Board.