Veterans' Legislation Reform – Frequently asked questions

The legislation

Why is the start date of the single Act model 1 July 2026? 

We want to allow enough time to fully inform the veteran community about the changes and to ensure veterans have time to consider their individual circumstances before deciding whether to submit a claim under the current arrangements or when the new model starts. It is also important to allow enough time for us to train veteran advocates and DVA staff (delegates). 

What is the cost of the proposed legislative reforms? 

The Government has committed an additional $222 million for veteran and family entitlements across the first 2 years from commencement of the improved MRCA. This is on top of the $40.1 million provided to DVA to implement the reforms.

When will training be provided to advocates on the new legislation?

Advocates are already provided with training relating to the MRCA. Additional training will focus on the improvements to the MRCA and how compensation currently or previously received for VEA and/or DRCA accepted conditions would affect a new claim. 

DVA will provide training to advocates well before commencement of the new arrangements. This will ensure advocates can advise clients of their options prior to commencement.

What does this mean for veterans and families?

What does the term ‘grandparenting’ mean?

Entitlements being received under the VEA and/or the DRCA before the commencement date will continue uninterrupted and will be indexed annually.

What happens if I submit my claim before the commencement date but it is determined after the commencement date?

All claims received before the commencement date will be determined under the current tri-Act system. This includes claims that have not been determined by the commencement date. Only those claims received on or after the commencement date will be determined under the improved MRCA.

What happens to existing benefits under the VEA and DRCA?

Existing benefits being received under the VEA or DRCA at the date of commencement will continue to be paid, meaning any benefits already being received will not be stopped or reduced.

Any subsequent claims from the commencement date (including claims for worsening of pre-existing conditions) will be considered under the MRCA.

Are there any veterans or families who will be disadvantaged under the proposed legislation?

No veterans or family members will experience a reduction in the payments they are already receiving. The VETS Act will facilitate veterans’ eligibility for a range of benefits available under the improved MRCA, even if their service is currently covered by the VEA or DRCA. 

Currently, differences between the Acts can lead to inconsistent outcomes for veterans and families experiencing similar circumstances. The Government is confident that the package of benefits under the new system will be more beneficial to the veteran community overall and will be fairer and more consistent than the current tri-Act system. 

How do I know whether to submit a claim before or after the new system takes effect?

There are a variety of scenarios/case studies on the DVA website that demonstrate the impact of the reforms in various situations. These are designed to highlight the various aspects of the changes and how they may affect individuals.

While it is possible that no single scenario will cover your unique circumstances, reviewing these scenarios should provide you with an indication of how these changes could affect you. 

I was planning to claim a condition/deterioration of a condition under the VEA or the DRCA. Should I hold off until the new single Act commences?

This will be a matter of personal choice as everybody’s personal circumstances will differ. There are a range of scenarios/case studies on the DVA website which demonstrate how the proposed reforms would affect people in different circumstances.

Because the new model won’t take effect until 1 July 2026, you have time to decide whether to lodge a claim under the existing Act(s) prior to commencement of the new model. During this period, you may wish to seek further information from ex-service organisations or DVA.