Severe Impairment Payments: Extra Compensation for Veterans With Dependants
As a veteran with dependants, you may be entitled to extra, tax-free DVA compensation when your impairment reaches 80 points or more under MRCA, and you have eligible young persons who rely on you. Our team identifies every eligible young person and manages the process so you can secure the full support you're entitled to, without stress or delays.
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Why Choose Veterans First Consulting?
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Extra Compensation for Veterans with Dependants
Many veterans don’t realise they can access this or assume their dependants don’t qualify, even though reaching 80+ impairment points under MRCA may entitle them to a lump sum for each eligible young person. We review your DVA decisions and family situation so every eligible dependant is recognised and you receive everything you’re entitled to.
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We Simplify the Severe Impairment Payments Process
The rules around section 80 are complex and easy to misinterpret, especially on top of existing DVA claims. Trying to manage this alone can lead to missing information, delays and underpayments. We handle the heavy lifting—reviewing your DVA file, applying the section 80 rules and preparing the paperwork—so you can focus on your health and family while we deal with the forms and legislation.
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Trusted Advocates for Veterans and Their Families
We've supported over 7,000 veterans and helped secure more than $800M in DVA compensation across permanent impairment and related claims. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly and manage your claim with care, and with zero upfront fees, you only pay if we achieve a successful outcome.
“Having been in your position, using unreliable advocacy, I know how hopeless and alone you feel. Let us support and guide you through the legislation. We work for you.”
How It Works
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1. Do You Qualify? Check Your Eligibility
Not sure if you're entitled to a Severe Impairment Payment? Our experts review your case and assess whether your dependants qualify you for additional compensation under MRCA. We handle the details so you don’t have to navigate complex DVA regulations alone.
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2. We Handle Your Application
Filling out DVA paperwork can be overwhelming, and mistakes can cause delays. Our team gathers the necessary documents, prepares your claim correctly, and submits it on your behalf. We ensure everything is in order so your dependants receive their compensation without unnecessary hold-ups.
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3. Secure the Financial Support You Deserve
Once approved, your Severe Impairment Payment is processed, increasing your DVA compensation to support your family better. If any issues or additional steps are required, we stay by your side, ensuring you receive the full benefits you're entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An Eligible Young Persons Payment is an additional lump sum that may be paid on top of your DVA permanent impairment compensation once you reach the severe impairment threshold and have eligible young dependants. It increases your overall compensation rather than replacing what you already receive, helping you better support your family. To see how this extra amount can fit into your broader DVA package, learn more in our DVA 80 Points Child Payment guide.
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A dependant is usually your child, stepchild, adopted child or another young person who is financially reliant on you. In most cases, they must be under 16, or aged 16–25 and in full-time education and not working full-time on their own account at the relevant date. If your situation involves shared care, blended families or apprenticeships, we look at the details to clarify who may qualify. You can find out more about these dependency rules in our DVA Child Payment article.
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In some cases, back-paid compensation may be available if your impairment later reaches 80 points or more and you had eligible young dependants at the relevant date used by DVA. This usually involves reviewing when your points increased, when claims were lodged and whether your dependants met the criteria at that time. To understand how changes in your impairment rating can affect what you’re owed, learn more in our DVA Permanent Impairment Rates overview.
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To get started, it helps to have your DVA decision letters, details of your accepted conditions, your current impairment rating, and key information about each dependant—such as their ages, schooling, work status and how you support them financially. Having these details ready lets us quickly check whether you may qualify for an additional payment and what evidence will be needed. To make this easier, you can find a simple checklist in our How to Make a DVA Claim guide.
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This payment forms part of your DVA compensation package and is generally tax-free, but your overall mix of lump sums, ongoing payments and other benefits can still affect how some income-tested pensions and supplements are calculated. The impact is highly individual, which is why we encourage you to seek tailored financial advice before making big decisions. For a clearer picture of how different amounts and rates interact, learn more in our DVA Payout Figures guide.
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Yes. This payment is designed to sit alongside other DVA benefits such as incapacity payments, treatment cards and existing permanent impairment compensation, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. The key is to make sure your entitlements work together rather than against each other, so nothing is missed or unintentionally affected. If you’d like to see how this fits into the broader range of entitlements, find out more in our What Can I Claim From the DVA?
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You don’t need to wait until everything is “perfect” before reaching out—getting advice early can help you plan your permanent impairment and dependant-related claims so they work together. Whether you’re lodging a new claim, considering a reassessment or suspect you’ve been underpaid in the past, we can review where you’re up to and suggest practical next steps. To understand when to act and how different types of support fit together, find out more in our Access DVA Support, Compensation and Benefits guide.
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If DVA refuses the additional payment or you believe the amount is too low, you may be able to ask for an internal review or lodge a formal appeal within strict time limits. This can involve providing additional evidence, clarifying your dependants’ situation or asking an independent body to review the decision again. For a clearer explanation of your review options and how the appeals process works, learn more in our DVA Appeals Guide.
Hear From Over 500+ 5-Star Google Reviews
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![Annabelle R taking a photo with a DSLR camera]()
Can’t thank Veterans First Consulting enough for all the support and connecting all the dots for me. They took a lot of the burden off me from start to finish, processed everything timely and explained every process that needed to happen (and I had a lot of questions..). I have recommended their service to every close friend of mine who have acquired service related injuries and they too have been very impressed with the service. Thanks for all you do.
★★★★★
Annabelle Reidy
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Veterans First Consulting did an amazing job, and I am very happy with the result. They always kept me informed of how my claim progressed and they were highly organised. I have recommended them to other friends who have had similar injuries and time in service as myself and my own siblings who both serve, I highly recommend them, particularly if you DVA claim has stalled in the past, they get it back on track for you.
★★★★★
Mark Smith
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Highly recommend Veterans First Consulting for anyone going through the DVA process. They make the deliberately convoluted process so easy and are there to assist you every step of the way. Their expert knowledge and handlings gets you the results that you deserve without the stress. Thank you.
★★★★★
Claire Elizabeth
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I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the team at Veterans First for the incredible support you’ve provided throughout my claims process. Not only have the team achieved a life-changing result for me, but also for my wife and our two young boys. You turned what I initially viewed as a daunting challenge into a smooth and manageable journey. I am truly grateful for all your hard work and dedication in representing me this year. I cannot recommend your services highly enough to other veterans seeking assistance.
★★★★★
Benjamin Heron
Start Your Eligible Young Persons Payment Claim
Don’t navigate the DVA claims process alone—our experts ensure you receive the financial support you deserve.
We’ve already helped over 7,000 veterans secure their rightful entitlements, with over $800M paid out in Permanent Impairment claims.
With zero upfront fees, you only pay for successful claims.
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