Veterans Assistance Program for Seniors: Comprehensive Guide to DVA Support
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.
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Exploring Veterans Assistance Programs for Senior Australians
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.
What Qualifies You as a Senior Veteran
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:
Served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force (permanent or reserve forces)
Received an honourable or other than dishonourable discharge
Meet specific eligibility requirements for individual programs
Hold or are eligible for a DVA Veteran Card (Gold, White, or Orange)
War widows and widowers may also access specific programs, depending on their circumstances and their partner's service history.
The Difference Between DVA and My Aged Care Services
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:
Veterans' Home Care for low-level domestic assistance
Community nursing for clinical healthcare needs
Treatment for service-related conditions
Subsidised medications through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
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:
Home Care Packages for more comprehensive support
Commonwealth Home Support Programme services
Residential aged care facility access
Respite care for carers
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.
Healthcare Support Through DVA Veteran Cards
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.
Gold Card Coverage for Senior Veterans
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:
All clinically necessary medical treatment, regardless of whether it's service-related
General practitioner and specialist consultations
Hospital treatment in public and private facilities
Mental health services and counselling
Dental care and oral surgery
Allied health services, including physiotherapy, psychology, and occupational therapy
Pharmaceuticals through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Medical aids and appliances such as hearing aids, glasses, and mobility equipment
Home nursing and community care services
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.
White Card Benefits and Limitations
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:
Treatment for accepted service-related injuries or illnesses
NLHC-funded mental health treatment for veterans with qualifying service
Cancer treatment (malignant neoplasm) under non-liability healthcare
Pulmonary tuberculosis treatment under non-liability healthcare
General practitioner visits related to accepted conditions
Specialist consultations for service-related conditions
Allied health services, when clinically required for accepted conditions
Subsidised medications for accepted conditions through RPBS
Accessing Medical and Allied Health Services
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:
A referral from your general practitioner
Pre-approval from DVA for specific high-cost treatments
To use DVA-approved providers where possible
To present your Veteran Card at each appointment
DVA-funded healthcare services cover a wide range of medical needs, but always verify coverage before proceeding with expensive treatments or procedures.
Financial Support Programs for Aging Veterans
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.
Service Pension and Income Support
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:
Single veterans: $1,178.70 per fortnight (maximum rate)
Couples: $888.50 per fortnight each (maximum rate)
Additional Pension Supplement included
To qualify for Service Pension, you must:
Be at least the age pension age
Have a qualifying service with the Australian Defence Force
Meet income and assets tests
Be an Australian resident
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 and Housing Support
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:
Defence Service Homes Scheme for home loans
Home Support Loans for maintenance and modifications
Emergency housing assistance through community organisations
Priority access to social housing in some states
These programs recognise that stable, affordable housing directly impacts health outcomes and quality of life for aging veterans.
Compensation Payments and Permanent Impairment Benefits
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:
Lump sum payments based on impairment points awarded
Weekly compensation payments for lifestyle impacts
Special Rate Disability Pension for severely impaired veterans
Eligible Young Persons Payments if you have dependent children
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:
Hearing loss and tinnitus from noise exposure
Back and joint conditions from physical demands
Mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Respiratory conditions from service environments
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 and Independent Living Support
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 Program
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:
Light domestic assistance, such as vacuuming and mopping
Personal care assistance, including showering and dressing
Social support and community participation
Home maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs
Gardening and lawn mowing
Home safety assessments
To access Veterans' Home Care, you must:
Hold a Gold or White Card
Reach out to the VHC Assessment Agency
Complete an assessment to determine your needs
Have your care needs fall within the program's scope
Small co-payments apply to most Veterans' Home Care services, with amounts based on the service type and duration.
Community Nursing Services
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:
Wound care and dressing changes
Medication management and administration
Blood pressure monitoring and health checks
Catheter care
Diabetes management support
Post-hospital discharge support
Palliative care services
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.
Home Modifications and Equipment
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:
Installation of ramps and handrails
Bathroom modifications, such as walk-in showers
Kitchen adjustments for accessibility
Stair lifts or platform lifts
Widened doorways for wheelchair access
Non-slip flooring in high-risk areas
Equipment provision covers items such as:
Mobility aids, including walkers and wheelchairs
Bathroom safety equipment
Pressure care mattresses
Lifting equipment for carers
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.
Residential Aged Care Options for Veterans
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.
Entering Residential Care as a Veteran
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:
Your eligibility for government-funded aged care
The level of care you require
Which services best suit your needs
Your priority for placement
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.
Explore Costs and Contributions
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:
Basic daily fee (everyone pays this)
Means-tested care fee (based on your income and assets)
Accommodation payment (based on your means assessment)
Additional service fees (optional extras you choose)
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 Support in Aged Care Facilities
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:
Continued coverage for Veteran Card services
Treatment for service-related conditions
Mental health support and counselling
Access to DVA-funded medical specialists
Community nursing services when required
Medical aids and appliances
Subsidised medications through RPBS
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 and Wellbeing Support for Senior Veterans
Mental health support matters at every stage of life, with specialised services available through the veterans assistance program for seniors.
Open Arms Counselling Services
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:
Individual counselling and psychotherapy
Group programs addressing specific issues
Family and relationship counselling
Mental health assessments
Crisis intervention and support
Lifestyle and wellbeing programs
Peer support initiatives
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.
Mental Health Treatment Access
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:
Psychiatric assessments and treatment
Clinical psychology sessions
Counselling and psychotherapy
Group therapy programs
Medication for mental health conditions
Inpatient psychiatric treatment when required
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.
Support for Family Members and Carers
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:
Respite care to give carers a break
Counselling specifically for carers
Education about caring for veterans
Practical support and advice
Connection to community support services
These services acknowledge the important role carers play in supporting aging veterans and the need to maintain carer wellbeing.
Mastering the Assessment and Application Process
Knowing the assessment and application process helps you access veterans assistance programs more efficiently and avoid common delays.
ACAT and ACAS Assessments
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:
A comprehensive home visit by an assessor
Discussion of your current health and care needs
Review of your support network and living situation
Evaluation of your ability to manage daily tasks
Recommendations for appropriate services
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.
VHC Assessment Agency Process
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:
Reach out to discuss your needs
Schedule a home assessment visit
Meet with an assessor who will evaluate your requirements
Receive a care plan outlining approved services
Choose your preferred service provider
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.
Common Delays and How to Avoid Them
Many senior veterans experience frustrating delays when accessing assistance programs. Knowing common issues helps you avoid these pitfalls.
Typical delays include:
Incomplete application forms or missing documentation
Lack of medical evidence supporting your needs
Confusion about which service to apply for first
Delays in obtaining medical reports from treating practitioners
Not following up on outstanding information requests
Applying for services you're not yet eligible for
To avoid delays:
Gather all required documentation before starting applications
Obtain medical reports and assessments promptly
Respond quickly to DVA or My Aged Care requests for information
Keep copies of all correspondence and submissions
Follow up regularly on outstanding applications
Seek expert help when managing complex processes
Veterans First Consulting helps senior veterans and their families manage these processes efficiently, reducing delays and ensuring applications are completed correctly the first time.
How Veterans First Consulting Helps Senior Veterans
Managing the veterans assistance program for seniors becomes significantly easier with expert guidance from specialists who understand both your needs and the DVA system.
Maximising Your DVA Entitlements
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:
Eligible service-related conditions you may not have claimed
Potential permanent impairment points from multiple conditions
Financial support programs you qualify for but haven't accessed
Healthcare services available through your Veteran Card
Housing assistance and home modification options
Income support payments and concessions
This thorough approach helps you access the support you’ve earned through your service to Australia.
Permanent Impairment Claims for Financial Support
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:
Identifying all eligible service-related conditions
Gathering comprehensive medical evidence
Connecting you with appropriate medical specialists
Completing complex DVA forms accurately
Submitting claims with all required documentation
Following up with DVA throughout the assessment process
Addressing any issues or additional information requests
Our expertise helps present your claim in the strongest possible way, maximising your impairment points and compensation payment.
Expert Guidance Through Complex Processes
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:
Plain English explanations of complex DVA processes
Realistic timelines and expectations for claim processing
Strategic advice on when and how to apply for benefits
Coordination with medical providers and specialists
Communication with DVA on your behalf
Problem-solving when issues or delays arise
We work exclusively for you, not for DVA. Our only interest is helping you secure every entitlement you've earned through your service.
FAQs: Veterans Assistance Programs
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Yes. Reservists may be eligible if they have qualifying service or an accepted service-related condition. It depends on the specific benefit.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
Securing the Support You've Earned
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.
Simplify Your DVA Claim: Get the Compensation You Deserve
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