Personal Law: Veterans - Guides
Veterans
7. Service Pensions
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 27 Aug 2015
- The service pension is one of the two main pensions offered to eligible veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
- The service pension provides a reliable source of income for veterans with limited means. Veterans may be eligible due to age or disability and it may also be paid to eligible partners, widows, widowers and orphans. It is paid fortnightly.
- The service pension is available to eligible veterans from a younger age than the Centrelink age pension. A veteran can receive the service pension at any age before they reach eligibility for the age pension.
- If you wish to claim the service pension you should contact the DVA for further information. Detailed information regarding the service pension including all of the eligibility criteria can also be found on the DVA’s website or sought from a lawyer.
- To claim the service pension you must:
- complete the relevant forms after you have obtained them from your nearest DVA office or from the DVA’s website at http://www.dva.gov.au/dvaforms;
- provide sufficient proof of identity; and
- provide your tax file number (TFN).
- There are a range of supplements and allowances which you may be able to access in addition to the service pension. These include:
- the pension supplement which assists with the cost of prescriptions, rates, phone and internet, water, sewerage and energy;
- rent assistance for veterans who live in private rental accommodation and pay rent greater than the threshold amount; and
- the remote area allowance for veterans living in isolated areas of Australia.
- Upon submitting your claim the DVA will determine your eligibility and calculate the applicable pension amount with regard to your income and assets. You will then receive a letter to notify you of:
- the pension amount that you will receive;
- your obligations as a service pensioner such as to keep the DVA informed of changes; and
- whether or not you are entitled to a repatriation health card.
- A pensioner concession card will also be issued entitling you to various government benefits and concessions. If you are eligible for a repatriation health card it will be mailed to you a few weeks later.
- You can apply for a review of the decision by a DVA staff member if your claim for a service pension is not approved or you wish to challenge the rate you have been awarded.
- If you choose to have your application reviewed you must make the application promptly. It must be made in writing no more than 30 days after you receive notification of DVA’s decision.
- A lawyer can assist you in mounting a strong case as to why the decision should be reviewed. They can also handle any paperwork and ensure that the application is submitted within the 30 day period.
- If you disagree with the DVA's reviewed decision you still have a second avenue of review. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) has the power to review decisions made by the DVA in regards to the service pension.
- Your application must be in writing and lodged no more than 60 days after receiving notification of the DVA's review decision.
- Lodging a review with the AAT can be a more complex matter than the initial DVA review. Our free Find a Lawyer directory may help you get in touch with an experienced veterans lawyer near you. They will be able to assist you with preparing your AAT appeal.
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