Information & Support
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The AV Connect Program is Not just service related
Non-Government, no fees, no endorsements, no commissions, no products.
Most comprehensive Australian Veteran support linking Network.
58 comprehensive TOPICs and growing
The Av Connect Program makes information available on the understanding that we are not thereby engaged in rendering professional advice. We will make every reasonable effort to maintain current and accurate information. Users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of this information for their purposes before relying on the material. Users should always obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
Simple Terms a few basic details....
ALWAYS consult DVA & Services Australia for detailed information relating to your individual circumstances
Your individual circumstances will need to be assessed by DVA and the best advice is to ring them direct or consult an ESO organisation that is qualified and trained under the ATDP. For medical & Health professional referrals the best advice is to consult your GP.
What are the Act References
Act reference:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988
What are the DVA Service Pensions
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) covers service in wartime and certain operational deployments, as well as certain peacetime service between 7 December 1972 and 30 June 2004. Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
The Defence Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (DRCA) provides rehabilitation and compensation for injuries and diseases suffered as a result of peacetime and peacekeeping service up to and including 30 June 2004 and operational service between 7 April 1994 and 30 June 2004. Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988
The MRCA provides rehabilitation and compensation coverage for the following members and former members of the ADF with service on or after 1 July 2004. Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
Which Act are you covered by?
DVA & Social Services
Income treatment of DVA payments
Multiple entitlement exclusion
A person receiving a service pension is not eligible for social security income support payments because of the operation of a multiple entitlement exclusion.
Categories of service pensions
There are 3 categories of service pension which are the:
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age service pension
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invalidity service pension, and
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partner service pension.
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DVA service pensions are similar in nature to income support pensions paid under the SSAct (Social Sercurities), such as:
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age pension, and
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disability support pension.
In contrast to Age, age service pension is payable from 60 years of age. This is in recognition of the intangible effects of war that may result in premature ageing of the veteran and/or loss of earning power. Invalidity service pension may be granted at any age up to age pension age.
The below are the current Centrelink Payment rates and related qualifying information published by the Department of Human Services. Many benefits are indexed throughout the year. Find out what you can get.
DVA Cards
Learn more about the DVA Cards via the DVA links
The benefits you can get with a Veteran Card will depend on the colour of your card.
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Gold Card
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White Card
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Orange Card
DVA States "Participating businesses and community organisations may give you discounts and other benefits. It is up to each business or organisation to decide what concessions and benefits they will give you. Information about how to find participating businesses, organisations and community groups and the benefits they are offering is available at Participating businesses page. Find additional concessions in your state or territory."
Further information
Services Australia offers a wide range of services to meet the changing needs of Veterans in rural and regional communities.
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The staff may help you with:
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Services Australia payments and claims
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registering for a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) online account
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lodging DVA forms and supporting documents
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connecting with DVA and support services such as Open Arms.
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how financial matters may impact your payments
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payment and service options to suit your needs
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social work support and referrals.