BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
More veterans will be able to apply for compensation for Household Services when a simpler veterans’ entitlement system begins on 1 July this year.
From 1 July 2026, all new claims submitted for compensation and rehabilitation will be assessed under an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
This will see veterans with service-related conditions accepted only under the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) become eligible to apply for Household Services and/or Attendant Care compensation under the MRCA for the first time.
There will be no interruption to approved services for veterans already receiving Household Services and/or Attendant Care compensation under the MRCA or Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA).
From 1 July, MRCA and DRCA veterans with conditions accepted under the VEA will be able to ask for a reassessment of their needs so the impact of their VEA accepted conditions can be considered.
DRCA veterans who are approved for services up to the maximum weekly statutory limit, and whose needs have not changed, can contact DVA after 1 July to discuss transition to the higher MRCA rate.
Applications for Household Services or Attendant Care compensation received prior to 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the existing arrangements.
Compensation for Household Services and Attendant Care can only be approved for activities the veteran can no longer do because of their accepted service-related conditions.
In-home care and support for War Widow(er)s, Gold Card holders and TPI veterans
Although compensation for Household Services and Attendant Care is only available to eligible veterans for accepted service-related conditions, the Veterans’ Home Care program (VHC) is available to eligible Gold and White Card holders, including War Widow(er)s.
The VHC program provides in-home care and support services to assist eligible DVA clients to maintain their independence to live at home, including domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, and home and garden maintenance.
The VHC program is unaffected by the upcoming legislative changes commencing on 1 July 2026 and will continue to stay open for all eligible Gold and White Veteran Card holders, including War Widow(er)s.
The current rules around dual access to compensation for Household Services and/or Attendant Care and support through the Veterans Home Care Program continue to apply.
For more information, visit the Household Services, Attendant Care and Veterans’ Home Care page on the DVA website
Information courtesy of DVA