Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
As you would be aware, there is a currently an active outbreak across the world of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
The Australian Government and, in turn, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are taking this issue seriously and have activated all necessary precautions and procedures.
The Australian Government has announced a $17.6 billion stimulus package, including a one off $750 payment to more than 225,000 veterans and their dependants who receive one of the following benefits:
- Service, Disability, War Widow(er)’s, Special Rate Disability or Age & Wife (paid by DVA) Pensions
- Income Support Supplement
- Gold Card or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
- Veteran or Wholly Dependent Partner payment
- Permanent Impairment compensation under MRCA or DRCA
If you receive one of the above benefits, make sure your bank details are up to date on MyService. If you have not provided your bank account details to the Department you can call the Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). The payment will be automatically paid into your bank account from either Services Australia or us. Payments will be made between 31 March and 17 April. For more information, visit the Department of Social Services' COVID-19 Information and Support page.
More information
For more information on COVID-19 visit the Australian Government Department of Health website or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also visit the Department of Health website in your state or territory for the latest updates:
Overseas travel
If you are travelling overseas, you can visit the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for the latest travel advisories regarding COVID-19.