A number of disability compensation payments and allowances are payable under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth). These should not be confused with the Disability Support Pension administered by Centrelink.

Disability Compensation Payment

The Disability Compensation Payment compensates eligible veterans for injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by eligible war or defence services provided prior to 1 July 2004.

A veteran may be eligible, for example, if they suffered an injury or disease from:

For a full list of who is eligible for the Disability Compensation Payment, see the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

Disability Compensation Payment - payment rate

The payment rate of the Disability Compensation Payment depends on the level of incapacity the veteran has as a result of their illness of disease. There are 4 categories of Disability Compensation Payment that may be payable. For information on the payment rates, see the Department for Veterans' Affairs Rates for the Disability Compensation Payment and War Widow(er)s Pension webpage.

Disability Compensation Payment Allowances

The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth) also provides for a number of Disability Compensation Payment Allowances, which may be payable separate to, and in addition to, the Disability Compensation Payment.

Such allowances are:

The allowances can be paid in specific circumstances, and are paid at different rates.

How to apply for the Disability Compensation Payment

To apply for the Disability Compensation Payment, the applicant should obtain the required claim form from the Department of Veterans' Affairs by calling 1800 838 372 or via the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. Supporting documentation will also be required to assess the claim.

How is a Disability Compensation Payment claim determined?

A claim for Disability Compensation Payment is assessed by the Repatriation Commission, which has the power under sections 180 and 181 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth) to grant pensions and other benefits to veterans. This power is delegated to officers of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, who determine and decide claims for veterans' payments.

To be approved for a Disability Compensation Payment, a veteran's illness or disease must be accepted as being war-caused or defence-caused. This will be assessed using any relevant information which may include medical reports, service history, and employment history reports.

The claim must also satisfy the relevant Statement of Principles. These are legislative instruments that outline what factors may cause a particular medical condition, disease or illness. For a Disability Compensation Payment claim to be approved, at least one Statement of Principles factor must be related to eligible war-service or defence-service. Statements of Principles are determined by the Repatriation Medical Authority, which is an independent statutory body. For more information and to view the Statements of Principles, visit the Repatriation Medical Authority website.

During the claim assessment process, a veteran may be assessed by a general practitioner or specialist to assist with the determination of the claim.

Deciding whether a veteran is entitled to the Disability Compensation Payment or a Disability Compensation Payment Allowance can sometimes be a complex matter requiring detailed study of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth), so specialist advice should be sought.

More information can be obtained by contacting the Department of Veterans' Affairs on 1800 838 372 or via the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

Can a decision about the Disability Compensation Payment be reviewed?

Certain decisions relating to the Disability Compensation Payment can be reviewed - see Review by the Veterans' Review Board.