Understanding the VETS Act Changes
From 1 July 2026, the VETS Act simplifies and strengthens the support available to veterans’ families.
Previously, family supports were spread across different systems (VEA, DRCA, and MRCA), which could be difficult to navigate. The reforms bring these supports together under the MRCA, making them easier to understand and access.
What is changing
The key family supports affected are:
• The Acute Support Package (ASP)
• Education support for children and dependants
• Section 80 payments (support for children of severely impaired veterans)
👉 In simple terms: Family supports are being brought into one clearer, more consistent system.
Acute Support Package (ASP)
The Acute Support Package provides short‑term, practical support during challenging times, such as family crisis, mental health issues, or bereavement.
From 1 July 2026:
• All new packages will be delivered under MRCA
• Existing support plans continue unchanged until they finish
• Eligibility is expanded to better reflect real family situations, including guardians and some former partners
Support can include things like counselling, childcare, household help, and wellbeing activities.
Education support for children
Education support is being simplified into one ongoing scheme (MRCAETS). From 1 July 2026:
• Existing education schemes will be combined into a single program
• Children already receiving support will transfer automatically (no need to reapply)
• More children, including those linked to DRCA veterans, may now become eligible
Support can include allowances, scholarships, tutoring, and guidance.
Section 80 payments (support for children)
Section 80 provides additional financial support for the children of severely impaired veterans. From 1 July 2026:
• Primary carers (including non‑veterans) can receive the payment
• Payments can be shared between carers, depending on care arrangements
• More veterans (including some from VEA/DRCA) may become eligible through MRCA
👉 This reflects modern family arrangements and ensures support goes where it is needed most.
What has not changed
• Existing payments and support arrangements are protected
• People already receiving support will not lose it
• Changes focus on expanding and simplifying access, not reducing benefits
What this means overall
These changes are designed to:
Make family supports easier to understand and access
Expand support to more families and carers
Provide a more flexible and realistic approach to modern family circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
Will families lose any existing support?
No. Existing support continues as normal and is protected.
Do children need to reapply for education support?
No. Existing students transfer automatically to the new scheme.
Who can access the Acute Support Package?
Veterans, partners, some former partners, carers, and certain family members, depending on circumstances.
What is the purpose of the Acute Support Package?
It provides short‑term support during difficult periods, not long‑term income support.
Can non‑veteran carers receive support?
Yes. From 2026, primary carers (including guardians) may receive certain payments.
Are family supports being reduced?
No. The system is being simplified and expanded to support more people.
In simple terms
Nothing is being taken away.
Instead:
Family supports are being brought into one clearer system, expanded to reflect modern families, and made easier to access when support is needed most.