D1360 Explained: How to Claim Incapacity Payments and Secure DVA Income Support Payments
Filling out the D1360 form can feel overwhelming—but it plays a vital role in helping veterans access income support when an injury or illness affects their ability to work. Lodging this form under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) is the first step toward claiming Incapacity Payments, yet the paperwork can be detailed and time-consuming. That’s where Veterans First Consulting steps in, offering expert support to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Let’s explore how the D1360 works—and how to complete it correctly to secure the support you’ve earned.
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What Is Form D1360 Used For?
Form D1360 is commonly used to claim Incapacity Payments under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. These payments support veterans who:
Are no longer able to work
Are earning less due to a service-related injury or condition
If you’ve left the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and can’t continue in your previous role—or have moved into lower-paid work due to military service—this form helps you request income support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Whether your reduced earnings are short-term or ongoing, Form D1360 provides DVA with the information needed to assess your payment rate.
Although most claims relate to MRCA, the D1360 may also be used to help determine eligibility for benefits under related legislation, such as the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 or the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
There’s no legal requirement to use this specific form—a claim won’t be refused simply because it wasn’t lodged using D1360. However, it remains the most commonly used format for incapacity claims.
Before submitting, DVA must have already accepted the condition affecting your income. If you’re unsure what you may be eligible to receive, the DVA Payout Calculator offers a general estimate—but nothing beats tailored guidance from a professional.
Key Eligibility Criteria to Claim Incapacity Payments
To qualify for Incapacity Payments using Form D1360, you must:
Be a current or former ADF member
Have sustained an injury after 30 June 2004 (under MRCA only)
Have a DVA-accepted service-related condition
Demonstrate reduced earning capacity due to that condition
DVA will review:
Previous and current income levels
Medical evidence linking the injury to your loss of income
Whether the change reflects:
A temporary inability to work, or
A permanent loss of income
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form D1360
It is essential to fill out Form D1360 correctly. Each section affects your payment rate and eligibility.
1. Personal Details
Provide your full name, contact details, DVA file number and service number
Ensure all details match your official DVA records
2. Employment Information
Describe your work before and after your accepted injury
Explain how your ability to work has changed (e.g. reduced hours, job loss, modified role)
3. Medical History
Reference only DVA-accepted conditions
Include current medical certificates showing how the injury affects your earning capacity
4. Current Income
Submit recent payslips or income statements
DVA uses these to assess the difference between pre-and post-injury earnings
5. Banking and Consent
Provide bank details for payments
Authorise DVA to verify the information in your claim
Common Challenges Veterans Face When Lodging This Form
Veterans often encounter problems that delay or undermine their claims. Some of the most common issues include:
Incomplete income information: Forgetting secondary jobs, omitting payslips, or misreporting earnings
Unclear or outdated medical evidence: Failing to clearly show the link between the condition and the current work status
Confusing incapacity and impairment: Form D1360 addresses income loss only. Permanent impairment is assessed separately
Misstating employment status: Reporting casual work as full-time or not noting a role change
Delays in documentation: Slow turnaround on medical reports or appointment scheduling
These issues frequently result in rejected or delayed claims. As highlighted in our DVA Claims Timeframe Guide, incapacity-related submissions often take longer due to the complexity of supporting evidence.
Why Professional Help Matters When Lodging D1360
Submitting Form D1360 is a critical step toward securing income support—but even small mistakes can lead to delays or underpaid claims.
By working with experienced DVA claims specialists, you gain support from professionals who know how to align your medical evidence, income history and employment details with DVA’s requirements. You’ll also receive:
Accurate, stress-free completion of forms and supporting documents
Clear advice on whether a lump sum or periodic payment suits your goals
Full guidance from initial paperwork through to appeals, if needed
Rather than relying on online searches or going alone, engage a trusted team like Veterans First Consulting to handle the process. This will free you up to focus on your recovery and next steps, knowing your claim is in capable hands.
Get Expert Help with Your DVA Claim Today
Submitting Form D1360 is a crucial step toward accessing income support when a service-related injury has reduced your ability to work—but even small mistakes can delay your compensation. With expert help, you can ensure the form is completed accurately, the proper evidence is submitted, and the entire claims process is managed from start to finish. Ready to claim incapacity payments without the paperwork stress? Reach out to Veterans First Consulting today. We’ll handle the D1360 form and full claims process—so you can focus on recovery.
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Veterans First Consulting has secured $300M+ in DVA claims for 4,500+ veterans. Let us handle your new claim or reassessment. With zero upfront fees, you only pay for successful claims.
