defence services
DVA Benefits & Concessions
Do you know what DVA Benefits or Concessions you are eligible for?
Understanding Your DVA Entitlements
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides a wide range of financial support, healthcare services and practical assistance to eligible veterans and their families.
These benefits are designed to support you across all areas of life, from income and compensation, through to healthcare, concessions and day-to-day living support.
Understanding how these benefits work together is key to making informed financial decisions and ensuring you receive your full entitlements.
DVA Concession Cards
DVA concession cards provide access to reduced costs and subsidies across essential services, including utilities, council rates, transport and prescriptions.
The DVA Gold Card offers the highest level of support, covering:
- Treatment for all medical conditions
- Access to subsidised medications under the PBS
- A wide range of medical, allied health and dental services
These cards form the foundation of ongoing support for many veterans.
DVA Energy Bill Relief
Eligible Gold Card holders may receive government-supported energy rebates to help reduce electricity costs.
- Rebates are generally applied automatically to energy bills
- Only one rebate per household applies
- The amount varies depending on location
This support is part of a broader government initiative to help reduce cost of living pressures for eligible households. [legislation.gov.au]
Partner Service Pension
If you’re the partner, widow or widower of a veteran, you may be entitled to financial support through the DVA Partner Service Pension. This income support payment is designed to assist eligible family members of veterans and can provide ongoing financial assistance depending on your circumstances.
Eligibility is based on several factors, including your relationship to the veteran, your age, residency status, and your household income and assets.
Who May Be Eligible?
You may be eligible for the DVA Partner Service Pension if you are:
- The current or former partner of a veteran with qualifying service who is eligible for or receiving a DVA Service Pension.
- The widow or widower of an eligible veteran.
While many applicants need to be at least 60 years of age, there are important exceptions. Eligibility may be available regardless of age if you have dependent children or if your veteran partner receives certain DVA disability compensation payments, including the Special Rate Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Disability Compensation Payment under the VEA or the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) under the MRCA.
In some circumstances, eligibility may begin from age 50, including where the veteran receives an Above General Rate (AGR) Disability Compensation Payment, has been assessed with 80 or more impairment points, or has been determined eligible for the Additional Disablement Amount (ADA) under the MRCA.
Applicants must also meet DVA residency requirements and satisfy the income and assets test, which determines both eligibility and the rate of pension payable.
Understanding Your Entitlements
The eligibility rules for the DVA Partner Service Pension can be complex, particularly where different pieces of veterans’ legislation apply. Many people are unaware they may qualify or incorrectly assume they are ineligible based solely on their age or financial circumstances.
At Apex Financial Services Group, we help veterans and their families understand the financial support available through DVA and how these entitlements fit into their broader financial plan.
If you’d like to understand whether you may be eligible for the DVA Partner Service Pension or other DVA benefits, our experienced advisers are here to help.
DVA Orphan’s Pension
The DVA Orphan’s Pension provides financial support to eligible dependent children of veterans who have passed away as a result of eligible war or Defence service.
Eligibility can depend on the child’s age, their dependency on the veteran, the veteran’s service history and the circumstances surrounding their death.
Who May Be Eligible?
Under the existing Veterans’ Entitlements Act (VEA) arrangements, an eligible child may generally qualify if they are:
- Under 16 years of age; or
- Under 25 and undertaking full-time study, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
The Orphan’s Pension can apply to natural or adopted children, as well as children who were wholly or substantially dependent on the veteran.
There are two rates of Orphan’s Pension:
- Single Orphan Pension: where one parent has passed away.
- Double Orphan Pension: where both parents have passed away and the relevant eligibility requirements are met.
Is the Orphan’s Pension Automatically Granted?
In some circumstances, the DVA Orphan’s Pension may be granted automatically.
This can apply where the deceased veteran was, for example:
- An ex-prisoner of war
- Receiving the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA)
- Receiving a Special Rate Disability Compensation Payment (TPI)
- Receiving the Intermediate Rate
- Receiving the Temporary Special Rate
- Receiving certain Additional Disability Compensation Payments.
These automatic grant arrangements continue following the changes introduced on 1 July 2026. In other circumstances, a claim may be required.
What Other Support May Be Available?
The Orphan’s Pension is only one form of support that may be available to eligible children of deceased veterans.
Depending on their circumstances, children may also have access to:
- A DVA Veteran Card: All Conditions (Gold Card)
- Education and training assistance through MRCAETS
- Dependant compensation under the MRCA
- Other financial support following the death of a veteran.
The changes introduced from 1 July 2026 mean that new dependant compensation claims are generally assessed under the MRCA, while existing VEA Orphan’s Pensions continue under grandfathering arrangements.
Bereavement Payments & Funeral Benefits
When a veteran passes away, DVA may provide bereavement payments and funeral assistance to help ease the financial burden on their family or estate.
Bereavement Payments
Bereavement payments are designed to provide short-term financial support following the death of an eligible veteran.
If the veteran was receiving an income support pension, their surviving partner may generally be eligible for a lump-sum bereavement payment equivalent to the veteran’s pension for up to 98 days following their death. In many cases, this payment is made automatically once DVA has been notified of the death.
Where the veteran was single, a bereavement payment may instead be made to their estate in certain circumstances. This can include veterans who were receiving payments such as the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) or Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA).
Funeral Benefits
DVA may also provide financial assistance towards the costs of a veteran’s funeral.
Where a veteran’s death is accepted as service-related, or where they met certain eligibility requirements based on their level of service-related impairment, DVA may contribute towards expenses such as:
- Funeral service costs
- Burial or cremation expenses
- Transportation of the veteran’s remains
Other eligible veterans, including former prisoners of war and veterans receiving certain disability compensation payments, may also qualify for a one-off contribution towards funeral expenses, even where their death was not service-related.
What Should You Do?
Some bereavement payments may be made automatically, while certain funeral benefits require an application.
It is important to notify DVA as soon as possible following a veteran’s death so that their circumstances can be assessed and any available entitlements can be considered.
Speak with a DVA Specialist Today
DVA benefits and concessions can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand what you’re actually entitled to and how it all fits into your broader financial picture.
FAQs: DVA Benefits
What is included in DVA benefits?
DVA benefits may include compensation payments, healthcare access, concession cards, and additional support such as vehicle modifications and energy rebates.
Do I automatically receive all benefits I’m eligible for?
Not always. Some entitlements are applied automatically, while others require a claim or assessment based on your circumstances.
Can multiple benefits apply at the same time?
Yes. Many veterans receive a combination of payments and support services, depending on eligibility.
How do I know if I’m missing something?
Because the system covers multiple laws and programs, it’s common for veterans to be unaware of all available support.