Australia Veteran Support Payment Schedule 2026: Complete Guide
Australian veteran support payments are paid fortnightly in arrears on a fixed biweekly schedule. In 2026, payments occur on alternating Fridays throughout the year. The March 2026 indexation increase took effect on March 20, with the first full payment at the new rate made on April 16, 2026. From July 1, 2026, the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (VETS) Act reforms transform the claims system, moving all new compensation claims to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) while existing payments continue unchanged.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Agency | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnightly, in arrears |
| Payment Days | Alternating Fridays |
| March 2026 Indexation | 2.2% increase for most pensions, effective March 20, 2026 |
| First Full Indexed Payment | April 16, 2026 |
| Major Reform Date | July 1, 2026 (VETS Act implementation) |
| VEA Status | Closed to new claims from July 1, 2026 |
| Contact Number | 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) |
2026 Payment Schedule
All DVA pensions and allowances are paid fortnightly in arrears on a biweekly schedule . Your payment on each payday covers the preceding 14-day pension period.
2026 Pension Paydays
| Quarter | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| First Quarter | January 8, January 22, February 5, February 19, March 5, March 19 |
| Second Quarter | April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25 |
| Third Quarter | July 9, July 23, August 6, August 20, September 3, September 17 |
| Fourth Quarter | October 1, October 15, October 29, November 12, November 26, December 10, December 24 |
Source: DVA, updated July 2, 2026
How payment timing works: Disability Compensation Payments and war widow(er)’s pensions are paid fortnightly in arrears . An instalment is payable for each day of the pension period. The pension period is the 14 days preceding the payday. Payment is made on the Friday following the end of the pension period.
Payment Upon Death
An important rule change took effect July 1, 2026 for Disability Compensation Payments. Previously, DCP payments stopped at the end of the final full pay period before a veteran’s death. Under the VETS Act reforms, DCP is now calculated up to the actual date of death . This makes DCP consistent with income support and MRCA compensation payments. When DVA is notified of a veteran’s death on or after July 1, 2026, any final DCP instalment will be calculated up to the date of death and paid to the estate .
March 2026 Indexation Increase
On March 20, 2026, most DVA pensions and compensation payments increased due to indexation . The increase helps ensure payments keep up with the cost of living, driven by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The first full payment at the new rate was made on April 16, 2026. You do not need to do anything to receive the increase; it is applied automatically .
Updated Fortnightly Rates (Effective March 20, 2026)
| Payment Type | Old Rate | New Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Pension (Single) | $1,178.70 | $1,200.90 | $22.20 |
| Service Pension (Couple, each) | $888.50 | $905.20 | $16.70 |
| War Widow(er)’s Pension | $1,200.80 | $1,223.40 | $22.60 |
| Income Support Supplement (ceiling) | $357.00 | $363.80 | $6.80 |
| Special Rate (TPI) | $1,860.90 | $1,895.90 | $35.00 |
| Intermediate Rate | $1,233.70 | $1,256.90 | $23.20 |
| Extreme Disablement Adjustment | $1,004.20 | $1,023.10 | $18.90 |
| 100% General Rate | $646.00 | $658.20 | $12.20 |
| Veteran Payment (single) | $1,280.10 | $1,304.50 | $24.40 |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilitySource: DVA, March 2026
Note: These are the maximum rates and include any Energy Supplement payable.
Deeming Rate Changes
From March 20, 2026, deeming rates also changed in line with other Commonwealth departments . Deeming rates are used to calculate income from financial investments like shares and bank accounts, regardless of actual returns. This deemed income counts toward the income test, which determines eligibility for Service Pension, Income Support Supplement, and Veteran Payment.
| Asset Threshold | Old Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Financial assets under $64,200 (single) / $106,200 (couple combined) | 0.75% | 1.25% |
| Balance over threshold | 2.75% | 3.25% |
Source: DVA, March 2026
July 1, 2026: Major System Reform (VETS Act)
On July 1, 2026, Australia’s veteran compensation system underwent the most significant reform in decades. The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (VETS) Act implements a “single ongoing Act” model, consolidating three separate compensation systems under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) .
What Changed on July 1, 2026
The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) are now closed to new claims . All new compensation claims submitted on or after July 1, 2026 are assessed under the MRCA .
Key changes include:
Existing payments continue unchanged — veterans already receiving payments do not need to reapply or take any action
Incapacity compensation transitions — DRCA veterans already receiving incapacity payments automatically transition to more generous MRCA incapacity payments from July 1, 2026
Presumptive conditions continue — existing presumptive conditions under DRCA are carried across to MRCA
Definition of service injury expands — injuries occurring while “on duty” are accepted regardless of whether caused by service
Tobacco use claims allowed — claims for conditions relating to tobacco use prior to January 1, 1998 may be accepted as service-related
Clothing allowance closed — the VEA is closed to new claims for Clothing Allowance
VCES combined with MRCAETS — the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) was combined with the MRCA Education and Training Scheme
What This Means for You
If you already receive DVA payments: Nothing changes. Your payments continue at the same rate with regular indexation. You do not need to take any action .
If you are filing a new claim: All new claims submitted on or after July 1, 2026 are assessed under the MRCA, which generally provides more generous benefits .
If you have a pending claim: Claims received before July 1, 2026 are determined under the tri-Act system (VEA, DRCA, MRCA) .
If you have an accepted condition: You do not need to re-establish liability or recontest existing entitlements .
Current Payment Rates (July-September 2026)
The following rates are effective from July 1, 2026 to September 19, 2026 . These rates include Energy Supplement.
Disability Compensation Payment Rates (Fortnightly)
| Rate Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Special Rate (TPI) and Temporary Special Rate | $1,895.90 |
| Intermediate Rate | $1,256.90 |
| Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) | $1,023.10 |
| General Rate | |
| 100% | $658.20 |
| 90% | $593.15 |
| 80% | $528.10 |
| 70% | $463.05 |
| 60% | $398.00 |
| 50% | $332.95 |
| 40% | $267.90 |
| 30% | $202.85 |
| 20% | $137.80 |
| 10% | $72.75 |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
Additional Disability Compensation Payment
Additional payments are available for specific severe disabilities for veterans receiving less than the special rate. The total payment cannot exceed the special rate amount .
| Disability | Additional Amount |
|---|---|
| Two arms amputated | $870.90 |
| Two legs and one arm amputated | $870.90 |
| Two legs amputated above knee | $870.90 |
| One arm and one leg amputated | $870.90 |
| One leg amputated above, one below knee | $285.20 |
| Two legs amputated below knee | $192.80 |
| One arm amputated above elbow | $82.60 |
| One leg amputated above knee | $82.60 |
| Blinded in one eye | $63.80 |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
War Widow(er)’s Pension and Orphan’s Pension
| Payment Type | Fortnightly Amount |
|---|---|
| War Widow(er)’s Pension | $1,223.40 |
| Single Orphan’s Pension | $130.70 |
| Double Orphan’s Pension | $261.10 |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
Recreation Transport Allowance
| Rate | Amount |
|---|---|
| High Rate | $114.20 |
| Low Rate | $56.70 |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
Types of Veteran Support Payments
Service Pension
What it is: The Service Pension is an income support payment for veterans and their eligible partners who meet age and income/asset tests. It is similar to the Age Pension but paid through DVA.
Who qualifies: Veterans with qualifying service, usually meaning operational service. The pension can be accessed from age 60 for veterans with qualifying service, compared to Age Pension eligibility at 67 .
Why it matters: Service Pension is available earlier than Age Pension (60 vs 67) for veterans with qualifying service. It uses the same means tests as Age Pension but can provide earlier access to income support .
Disability Compensation Payment (DCP)
What it is: DCP — formerly called the Disability Pension — is compensation for injury or illness caused or contributed to by military service . It is paid at varying rates depending on the degree of impairment.
Who qualifies: Veterans with accepted service-related conditions. The VEA is closed to new claims for DCP from July 1, 2026; new claims are now assessed under MRCA .
Why it matters: DCP is tax-free and exempt from both the income and assets tests of the Service Pension and Age Pension . This means a veteran receiving DCP plus a Service Pension or Age Pension has the DCP entirely on top — it does not reduce the means-tested payment.
War Widow(er)’s Pension
What it is: A payment to the surviving partner of a veteran whose death was related to service, or who was receiving certain DVA pensions at the time of death .
Who qualifies: Surviving partners of eligible veterans.
Why it matters: This pension is paid at a fixed rate and does not vary with the recipient’s income or assets. The fixed rate is $1,223.40 per fortnight as of July 1, 2026 .
Income Support Supplement (ISS)
What it is: An additional means-tested payment available on top of the War Widow(er)’s Pension for surviving partners with limited income and assets .
Who qualifies: War widow(er)’s pension recipients who meet income and asset tests.
Why it matters: The ISS is calculated using a means test framework similar to the Age Pension. The maximum rate is $363.80 per fortnight .
Veteran Payment
What it is: A transitional payment for veterans who are not yet eligible for Service Pension but need income support .
Who qualifies: Veterans who are unable to work due to service-related conditions but do not meet Service Pension age or qualifying service criteria.
Why it matters: The maximum rate for a single veteran is $1,304.50 per fortnight as of March 20, 2026 .
How Indexation Works
DVA pensions are indexed twice yearly, in March and September . Indexation is determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI), or Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE). For March 2026, the indexation was driven by CPI .
You do not need to apply for indexation. Any increases from indexation are paid automatically .
The Disability Compensation Payment is classified as non-taxable government pension or benefit . It is not counted as income for the income test under the VEA and the Social Security Act .
Income and Asset Limits (2026)
The following limits affect eligibility for Service Pension and Income Support Supplement:
Income Limits for Service Pension
| Applicant Type | Limit Before Pension Reduces |
|---|---|
| Singles | $226.00 per fortnight |
| Couples (combined) | $396.00 per fortnight |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
Asset Limits for Service Pension
| Applicant Type | Homeowner | Non-Homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | $333,000 | $600,000 |
| Couples (combined) | $499,000 | $766,000 |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
Income Limits for Income Support Supplement (ISS)
| Applicant Type | Limit Before ISS Reduces |
|---|---|
| Singles | $1,872.00 per fortnight |
| Couples (combined) | $2,519.20 per fortnight |
Source: DVA, effective July 1, 2026
How to Apply for DVA Support
The application process depends on when you are applying.
For New Claims (July 1, 2026 onwards)
All new compensation claims are now assessed under the MRCA . Contact DVA at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit dva.gov.au to start your claim.
For Existing Payment Recipients
You do not need to do anything . Your existing payments continue automatically. The transition to the single Act model does not require veterans to reapply or re-establish entitlements .
For Pending Claims
Claims received before July 1, 2026 will be determined under the tri-Act system . The version of a Statement of Principle (SoP) most beneficial to your circumstances will be applied .
Average Processing Times
For claims received within the last 12 months (as of early 2025), the average time to process an Initial Liability claim was 102 days . DVA continues to implement improvements to reduce waiting times.
Common Questions
When will I receive my DVA payment in 2026?
DVA payments are made fortnightly in arrears on alternating Fridays. The full 2026 schedule is provided above. Payments are made on the next pension payday after the end of the 14-day pension period .
Did DVA payments increase in 2026?
Yes. On March 20, 2026, most DVA pensions and compensation payments increased by approximately 2.2%, driven by CPI indexation. The first full payment at the new rate was made on April 16, 2026 .
What changes happened on July 1, 2026 for veterans?
The VETS Act reforms took effect. The VEA and DRCA are now closed to new claims; all new claims are assessed under MRCA. Existing payments continue unchanged. DRCA incapacity payments automatically transition to more generous MRCA payments .
Do I need to reapply for my benefits after July 1, 2026?
No. If you are already receiving DVA payments, your payments continue automatically. You do not need to take any action .
What is the difference between Disability Compensation Payment and Service Pension?
Disability Compensation Payment is compensation for service-related injury or illness. It is tax-free and exempt from income and asset tests. Service Pension is income support for veterans with qualifying service who meet means tests .
How are DVA payments taxed?
Disability Compensation Payment is classified as a non-taxable government pension or benefit . Service Pension is taxable income, though it may be eligible for tax offsets.
What is the Special Rate (TPI) pension?
The Special Rate pension, commonly known as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) pension, is the highest rate of Disability Compensation Payment. It is paid to veterans unable to work due to service-related conditions. The rate is $1,895.90 per fortnight .
Can I receive DVA payments and Age Pension at the same time?
No, the two payments are mutually exclusive. A veteran on Service Pension stays on Service Pension; they do not receive Age Pension on top. However, Disability Compensation Payment is available in addition to Service Pension .
How do I contact DVA?
Call DVA at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). You can also visit dva.gov.au for information and online services.
What health cards are available for veterans?
DVA issues Gold Cards (comprehensive care), White Cards (treatment for accepted conditions), and Orange Cards (pharmaceutical benefits only). The Gold Card provides the most comprehensive coverage .
Key Takeaways
DVA payments are paid fortnightly in arrears on alternating Fridays throughout 2026 .
March 2026 indexation increased most pensions by approximately 2.2%, effective March 20 .
The VETS Act took effect July 1, 2026, moving all new compensation claims to MRCA .
Existing payments continue unchanged — no reapplication is required .
Disability Compensation Payment is tax-free and exempt from income and asset tests .
Special Rate (TPI) pension is $1,895.90 per fortnight for eligible veterans .
War Widow(er)’s Pension is $1,223.40 per fortnight .
Service Pension is available from age 60 for veterans with qualifying service, compared to 67 for Age Pension .
DRCA incapacity payments automatically transition to more generous MRCA payments from July 1, 2026 .
DVA contact number is 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) .
Official Resources
Department of Veterans’ Affairs — Official DVA portal
DVA Payment Rates — Current payment rates
DVA When We Pay Your Pension — Payment schedule
VETS Act Information — Legislation reform details
DVA Compensation Payment Rates — Detailed compensation rates
Veterans’ Review Board — Independent review of DVA decisions
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