Economic Support Payments
The Australian Government is providing Economic Support Payments to support the Australian community through the coronavirus pandemic.
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Eligible veterans and family members who reside in Australia and receive certain DVA benefits on the test dates will receive the Economic Support Payments to assist with essential living expenses and help them through this uncertain time.
There is no need to make a claim. These payments are made automatically to the nominated bank account of eligible veterans and their families. If you are eligible for the Economic Support Payments, make sure DVA has your correct bank details and address. To update, log into MyService (www.dva.gov.au/myservice).
Back to topEligibility
The eligible DVA benefits are:
- Service Pension, Partner Service Pension, Income Support Supplement or Veteran Payment
- Disability Pension (now known as Disability Compensation Payment)
- Special Rate Disability Pension
- Permanent Impairment compensation (including lump sum payments taken in the past)
- War Widow(er)’s Pension or Wholly Dependent Partner payment (including lump sum payments taken in the past)
- Gold Cards, Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards and Pensioner Concession Cards
- Age Pension paid by DVA
Those who also receive payments that attract the fortnightly Coronavirus Supplement, such as the following payments, are not eligible for the second, third or fourth Economic Support Payments:
- JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY from Services Australia
- Education Allowance from DVA.
DVA Education Schemes students aged 16 and over received the first Economic Support Payment, but are not eligible for the subsequent payments due to receiving the Coronavirus Supplement.
Back to topFirst payment – March 2020
On 12 March, the Australian Government announced a $17.6 billion stimulus package, including a one-off $750 payment to those who received the previously mentioned DVA benefits between 12 March and 13 April 2020.
This payment was made in April 2020.
Back to topSecond payment – July 2020
On 22 March, the Government released the second stage of its economic plan to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus and help build a bridge to recovery.
In addition to the first stimulus payment, the Government provided a further $750 payment to Australian resident social security recipients and those receiving the previously mentioned DVA benefits on the test date of 10 July 2020.
This second payment was made in July 2020.
Back to topThird payment – December 2020
As part of the Federal Budget on 6 October 2020, the Australian Government announced 2 additional Economic Support Payments of $250 to continue its support of the Australian community through the pandemic.
The additional Economic Support Payment 2020, was a $250 payment to Australian resident social security recipients and those receiving the previously mentioned DVA benefits on the test date of 30 November 2020.
The third payment was made in December 2020.
Back to topFourth payment – March 2021
The additional Economic Support Payment 2021 was made in March 2021 to Australian resident social security recipients and those receiving the previously mentioned DVA payments on 26 February 2020.
For more information, visit the Department of Social Services website.