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Not sure which veterans assistance program for seniors applies to you or how it fits with My Aged Care? If you're managing health needs, rising care costs, or uncertainty about DVA eligibility and Veteran Card coverage, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide explains how the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and My Aged Care work together for senior veterans, outlines the support you can access, and sets out simple steps to claim benefits without duplication or delays. Read on to map your options and take the next clear step.
Get expert help with the entire claims process and secure the entitlements you deserve. With zero upfront fees, you only pay for successful claims.
Support for veterans spans multiple government systems. Department of Veterans' Affairs delivers veteran-specific health and support programs, while My Aged Care provides mainstream aged-care services available to eligible older Australians. You can access both as long as services aren't duplicated.
Senior veterans are generally defined as those aged 65 and over who have served in the Australian Defence Force. Over 55% of all DVA clients (more than 181,500 people) were aged 65 and over as of June 2020, representing a significant portion of the veteran community.
You qualify for veterans assistance programs if you meet the following criteria:
War widows and widowers may also access specific programs, depending on their circumstances and their partner's service history.
DVA provides specific services for eligible veterans, while My Aged Care offers government-funded aged care services available to all eligible Australians. Understanding this distinction helps you access both systems without duplication.
DVA services are generally available only to eligible veterans and war widows or widowers who hold a Veteran Card. These include:
My Aged Care services are available to all Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), including veterans. These services include:
You can receive services from both DVA and My Aged Care simultaneously, provided you don't receive the same service from both departments. For example, you might receive domestic help through Veterans' Home Care while accessing community transport through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Veteran Cards provide the foundation for accessing healthcare services under the Veterans Assistance Program for seniors. The type of card you hold determines your coverage level and which services DVA will fund.
Our Gold and White Cards service helps veterans know their eligibility and access these valuable healthcare benefits. The DVA Gold Card offers the most comprehensive healthcare coverage available to veterans.
Gold Card holders can access:
To qualify for a Gold Card, you generally need to reach 60 or more MRCA impairment points through permanent impairment assessments. Learn more about DVA Gold Card entitlements to understand the full scope of benefits available.
The DVA White Card provides coverage for service-related conditions that DVA has accepted as connected to your military service. Unlike the Gold Card, the White Card doesn't cover all healthcare needs.
White Card coverage includes:
Both Gold and White Card holders must follow specific processes to access healthcare services. Exploring these procedures helps you avoid delays and out-of-pocket expenses.
For most services, you'll need:
DVA-funded healthcare services cover a wide range of medical needs, but always verify coverage before proceeding with expensive treatments or procedures.
Financial assistance is a key part of the veterans assistance program for seniors, helping older veterans maintain their standard of living and cover healthcare costs.
The Service Pension provides regular income support to eligible veterans and war widows or widowers who meet age and income requirements.
Current Service Pension rates as of September 2025:
To qualify for Service Pension, you must:
The Service Pension is means-tested, meaning your payment amount depends on your income and assets. Knowing DVA pension eligibility and rates helps you determine what financial support you can access.
Veterans under age pension age may qualify for the Veteran Payment if they have an undetermined mental health condition claim being assessed by DVA.
Rent Assistance provides financial help with rental costs for eligible veterans receiving Service Pension or other DVA income support payments. The amount you receive depends on your living arrangements and the rent you pay.
Housing support for veterans extends beyond rent assistance to include:
These programs recognise that stable, affordable housing directly impacts health outcomes and quality of life for aging veterans.
Permanent impairment compensation provides lump sum payments or ongoing weekly compensation for service-related injuries or conditions that cause lasting impairment. For senior veterans, this compensation can significantly improve financial security and help cover aged care costs.
MRCA permanent impairment compensation includes:
Many senior veterans don't realise they may be entitled to permanent impairment compensation for conditions that developed during service but only became problematic later in life. Common conditions include:
Veterans First Consulting specialises in helping senior veterans identify eligible conditions and navigate the permanent impairment claims process to secure the financial support they've earned through service.
Home care services help senior veterans maintain independence while receiving necessary support in their own homes. DVA home care programs work alongside My Aged Care services to provide comprehensive support.
Veterans' Home Care provides low-level assistance to help eligible veterans and war widows or widowers remain independent at home. This program differs from Home Care Packages and focuses on entry-level support needs.
Services available through Veterans' Home Care include:
To access Veterans' Home Care, you must:
Small co-payments apply to most Veterans' Home Care services, with amounts based on the service type and duration.
According to DVA treatment statistics, 11% of older DVA clients received community nursing services in 2019-20. Community nursing provides clinical healthcare support in your home.
DVA-funded community nursing includes:
You need a referral from your GP, hospital discharge planner, or the VHC Assessment Agency to access community nursing. Services must be clinically necessary and related to your healthcare needs.
DVA can fund home modifications and equipment to help you remain safely at home as you age. These modifications address mobility limitations and reduce injury risks.
Funded modifications may include:
Equipment provision covers items such as:
An occupational therapist will assess your needs and recommend appropriate modifications and equipment. DVA reviews each application individually to confirm the changes comply with health and safety standards, supporting independent living.
When home care no longer meets your needs, residential aged care provides 24-hour support in a facility setting. Knowing how DVA support works in residential care helps you plan for this transition.
Before entering residential aged care, you'll need an assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) in Victoria. Reach out to My Aged Care to arrange this assessment.
The assessment determines:
Once assessed and approved, you can choose from the available aged care facilities. Some facilities specialise in caring for veterans and explore the unique needs of the veteran community.
Residential aged care costs include several fee types, with your contribution based on your income and assets. The Department of Health and Aged Care's aged care fee structure applies to all residents, including veterans.
Fee types include:
DVA provides additional support for eligible veterans in residential care. If you receive a DVA disability pension and have qualifying service, DVA may contribute towards your fees. Australian ex-prisoners of war and Victoria Cross recipients receive additional support, with DVA covering the basic daily fee and income-tested care fee.
DVA continues to support veterans living in residential aged care facilities through ongoing healthcare services and financial assistance. Your Veteran Card remains active, allowing you to access covered healthcare services.
Support available in residential care includes:
Aged care providers receive a veterans' supplement from the government when caring for veterans with service-related mental health conditions. This supplement helps providers deliver appropriate care without additional cost to you.
Mental health support matters at every stage of life, with specialised services available through the veterans assistance program for seniors.
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling provides free, confidential mental health support to all veterans and their families, regardless of when or where you served. This service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Open Arms offers:
You can access Open Arms services without a referral and without needing to prove your condition is service-related. Reach out at any time to speak with a counsellor or arrange an appointment.
All veterans can access mental health treatment for conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders under DVA's non-liability health care provisions. This means you don't need to prove your mental health condition is related to service to receive treatment.
Mental health services covered include:
For Gold Card holders, all mental health treatment is covered regardless of whether it's service-related. White Card holders can access mental health treatment under non-liability health care provisions without needing prior acceptance of a mental health condition claim.
Family members and carers of veterans can also access support services, recognising that the veteran's service affects their entire family. Open Arms extends its services to partners, children, and other family members whose military service has been impacted.
Carer support includes:
These services acknowledge the important role carers play in supporting aging veterans and the need to maintain carer wellbeing.
Knowing the assessment and application process helps you access veterans assistance programs more efficiently and avoid common delays.
The Aged Care Assessment Team or Aged Care Assessment Services in Victoria conduct assessments to determine your eligibility for government-funded aged care services. The assessment process involves:
The assessor will ask about your physical health, mental health, medication management, mobility, and daily living activities. Be honest about the challenges you face, so you receive appropriate support recommendations.
The VHC Assessment Agency conducts assessments for Veterans' Home Care services. Each state and territory has its own VHC Assessment Agency.
To begin the process:
The assessment focuses on entry-level support needs. If your needs exceed what Veterans' Home Care can provide, the assessor may recommend you also apply for a Home Care Package through My Aged Care.
Many senior veterans experience frustrating delays when accessing assistance programs. Knowing common issues helps you avoid these pitfalls.
Typical delays include:
To avoid delays:
Veterans First Consulting helps senior veterans and their families manage these processes efficiently, reducing delays and ensuring applications are completed correctly the first time.
Managing the veterans assistance program for seniors becomes significantly easier with expert guidance from specialists who understand both your needs and the DVA system.
Many senior veterans don't realise the full extent of benefits they're entitled to receive. We help you identify all potential entitlements based on your service history, current health conditions, and personal circumstances.
Our comprehensive review examines:
This thorough approach helps you access the support you’ve earned through your service to Australia.
Our Permanent Impairment Claims service specialises in helping veterans secure compensation that can significantly improve their financial position as they age. This compensation can help cover aged care costs, home modifications, or simply provide financial security.
We handle the entire claims process:
Our expertise helps present your claim in the strongest possible way, maximising your impairment points and compensation payment.
The DVA system can feel overwhelming, particularly when dealing with health issues and aging-related challenges. We provide clear, honest guidance throughout every step, explaining what to expect and what actions you need to take.
Our support includes:
We work exclusively for you, not for DVA. Our only interest is helping you secure every entitlement you've earned through your service.
You shouldn't have to wrangle the system to get the care and support you've earned. If you're 65+ and unsure which benefits apply, we'll map your options and prepare the supporting evidence. Ready to check your DVA entitlements? Contact Veterans First Consulting. We'll assess your claim pathway and handle the paperwork.
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Common DVA FAQs
Have other questions?
Contact us so we can help.
Yes. Reservists may be eligible if they have qualifying service or an accepted service-related condition. It depends on the specific benefit.
Yes. Family members can assist with applications and assessments. You can also nominate a person to act on your behalf when dealing with DVA or My Aged Care. This helps you get the support you need, even if managing these processes yourself becomes difficult.
No. While many aged care services target people 65 and over, various DVA programs are available regardless of age. Veteran Card benefits, compensation payments, and mental health support are available to eligible veterans of any age.
We operate on a success-based fee structure for compensation claims. You only pay if we successfully secure your entitlements. We charge no upfront fees, ensuring our service is accessible to all veterans. Reach out to us to discuss your specific situation and our fee structure.
After your initial contact with the VHC Assessment Agency, assessments typically occur within weeks; start dates depend on local provider availability. Once approved, services can often commence quickly, though this depends on provider availability in your area.
Financial hardship provisions exist for veterans who can't afford aged care fees. DVA may provide additional support if you meet specific criteria. We can help you understand your options and apply for available assistance.
No. Your DVA entitlements continue when you access My Aged Care services or enter residential aged care. Your Veteran Card remains valid, and you can still access covered healthcare services.
DVA services are specifically for eligible veterans and war widows or widowers who hold a Veteran Card. My Aged Care services are available to all Australians aged 65 and over. You can access both simultaneously if you don't receive duplicate services.
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