BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is monitoring the emerging situation of fuel price increases and potential impacts on veterans eligible for travel for treatment covered by their Veteran Card.
For veterans who typically use their private vehicle for travel, there are alternatives to accessing treatment which may mitigate concerns regarding increasing fuel costs. These includes full reimbursement of taxi, rideshare, community transport and public transport fares. Full reimbursement is not capped and is inclusive of fares that may increase as a result of increased fuel prices.
Veterans who travel using DVA’s Booked Car with Driver service, which is a door-to-door service for veterans who are older or more vulnerable, continue to travel with no out-of-pocket expenses. To book this service eligible Veteran Card holders can:
- book online using MyService (preferred)
- for detailed steps on how to book transport online, refer to the How to book transport in MyService | Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or
- call 1800 550 455.
Private vehicle allowances are set by legislation. Any change to increase the per kilometre rate is outside of the legislation and would require a coordinated decision of government.
The DVA website has been updated with information on alternative travel options – https://www.dva.gov.au/what-we-help-with/health-support/travel-for-treatment
Information courtesy of DVA