From 1 July 2026, the VETS Act simplifies how veterans access rehabilitation and in‑home support services.
Previously, these supports operated across different systems (VEA, DRCA, and MRCA), which could be confusing. The changes bring everything into the MRCA, creating a more consistent and streamlined approach.
Rehabilitation – what is it?
Rehabilitation is designed to support veterans to recover, adapt, and improve their quality of life after a service‑related injury or condition.
It is different from medical treatment and focuses on helping veterans build skills, independence, and wellbeing.
From 1 July 2026:
- All rehabilitation is delivered under one system (MRCA)
- Existing rehabilitation plans continue without interruption
- Access is available to any veteran with an accepted service‑related condition
Rehabilitation support includes three main areas:
- Medical management – navigating health care and managing wellbeing
- Psychosocial support – improving daily functioning and social connection
- Vocational support – helping with work, training, and employment
Household Services
Household Services provide support with everyday tasks when a veteran can no longer do them due to an accepted condition.
This may include help with:
- Cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
- Yard work and home maintenance
From 1 July 2026:
- All new claims are assessed under MRCA
- Existing services continue until review or renewal
- Support is based on assessed need and whether others in the household can reasonably assist
Attendant Care
Attendant Care provides support with essential personal care, such as:
- Showering, dressing, and grooming
- Eating and daily personal activities
From 1 July 2026:
- All new claims are made under MRCA
- Support is based on individual assessed needs
- Veterans are responsible for choosing and managing their providers
How these supports work together
Rehabilitation, Household Services, and Attendant Care can work side‑by‑side to support a veteran’s recovery and independence.
For example, a veteran may:
- Receive rehabilitation to return to work
- Use attendant care for daily personal support
- Access household services for tasks at home
👉 The goal is to provide holistic support across all areas of life.
Other supports to be aware of
Some complementary programs continue alongside these changes:
- Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) – for general domestic and personal support
- Community Nursing – remains unchanged
- Attendant Allowance – remains for existing recipients but closes to new claims
However, veterans cannot receive the same type of service from multiple programs at the same time.
What has not changed
- Existing services are protected and continue
- Support remains based on individual needs
- The aim is still to support independence and quality of life
What this means overall
These changes are designed to:
- Simplify access under one system
- Provide clearer and more consistent support
- Ensure services work together to support everyday life and recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my current rehabilitation plan change?
No. Existing plans continue without interruption and move across to MRCA.
Do I need to reapply for services?
Not if you already receive them. New claims after 1 July 2026 are made under MRCA.
Can I receive multiple supports at once?
Yes, but not duplicate services across different programs.
Who organises services like attendant care?
You will generally select and manage your own service providers.
Is Community Nursing affected?
No. It continues unchanged.
In simple terms
Nothing is being taken away.
Instead:
Rehabilitation and in‑home supports are being brought into one clearer system, making it easier to access the right support at the right time.