There are big changes coming to Veterans’ Laws from 1 July 2026:
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A new law called the VETS Act, the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024, was passed on 13 February 2025.
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It’s part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
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The goal is to simplify and streamline support for veterans.
So what’s changing?
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From 1 July 2026, two current laws – the VEA (1986) and DRCA (1988) – will close to new claims.
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After that date, all new claims will go through an improved version of the MRCA.
What if you’re already receiving payments?
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Don’t worry – if you’re getting payments under the VEA or DRCA before 1 July 2026, they’ll keep going as normal (this is called “grandfathering”).
Why wait until 2026 you ask?
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This gives veterans, families, and advocates time to learn about the new system.
How the new law promises to help Veterans and families
The new system promises to be easier to understand, more consistent, and faster to process, which means better outcomes for veterans and their families.
Key Improvements:
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One law instead of many: Everything will be under one Act, making things simpler and fairer.
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New payment for older veterans: A new Additional Disablement Amount (ADA) will help veterans of Age Pension age who have serious service-related injuries—similar to the old EDA payment.
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Faster claims for common conditions: Some injuries and illnesses with known links to military service will be automatically accepted (called “presumptive conditions”).
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More support at home: Household help and personal care will be available to more people.
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Better travel reimbursements: All veterans will get the higher travel allowance for using a private car to get to treatment—no matter how far.
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Funeral benefits increased: Veterans’ funerals will now be:
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Automatically covered under the new law, just like before
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Up to $3,000 for general funeral costs
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Up to $14,062 if the death was service-related
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Payments made simpler and fairer: Things like education support, kids’ benefits, and emergency payments will be standardised and easier to access.
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Extra help when needed: The Repatriation Commission will have more power to provide special support to veterans and their families.
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No disruption to current payments: If you’re on DRCA incapacity payments, you’ll automatically switch to the MRCA system when it starts—no action needed.
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More generous medical rulings: If the medical guidelines (Statements of Principles) change while your claim is being reviewed, they’ll use the version that best helps your case.
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Financial advice before lump sums: In some cases, veterans will be required to get financial advice before receiving large lump-sum payments—to help protect your future.
Do you have any questions regarding the new Veterans act? Book a call by clicking the link below for a ten minute phone consultation:
