25 Aug 2026

Navigating DVA Care: A Step-by-Step Guide to Home Support and Aged Care Entitlements

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Key Takeaways

• Veterans and war widows have access to dedicated DVA programs: The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) funds a range of home support services that sit alongside the mainstream aged care system.
• Your DVA entitlements remain in place: The introduction of the new Aged Care Act 2024 did not change your existing DVA entitlements or Veteran Card benefits.
• DVA and My Aged Care services can sometimes be combined: In some situations, you may be able to access both DVA-funded support and services through My Aged Care at the same time.
• Assessment pathways differ: DVA has its own assessment process for some services, which is separate to the My Aged Care Single Assessment System.
• Veterans' Home Care is available for ageing-related needs: If your support needs are due to ageing or frailty rather than a service-related condition, Veterans' Home Care (VHC) may be the right starting point.
• New legislation changes apply from 1 July 2026: From that date, all new compensation and rehabilitation claims will be assessed under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

 

For Australian veterans, war widows, and their families, navigating the aged care and home support system can feel particularly complex. In addition to the mainstream aged care programs available through My Aged Care, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) offers a range of dedicated services and entitlements to support eligible individuals to remain independent at home or access residential aged care.

This guide walks through the key DVA home support and aged care programs, how to access them, and what you need to know about recent legislative changes.

Step 1: Understand Your DVA Eligibility

DVA provides services and support to eligible veterans, war widows, and war-widowed partners. Eligibility and the services available to you will depend on factors such as your service history, the type of Veteran Card you hold, and whether your care needs are linked to an accepted service-related condition.

If you hold a Veteran Gold Card, you may be able to access a broad range of health and support services. If you hold a Veteran White Card, your coverage applies to accepted service-related conditions. Checking what your card covers is an important first step before exploring your home support options.

For questions about your DVA entitlements, you can contact DVA directly on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Step 2: Explore Veterans' Home Care (VHC)

Veterans' Home Care is a DVA-funded program designed to provide short-term, entry-level support to help eligible veterans and war widows remain living independently at home. VHC is particularly relevant if your support needs are due to the impacts of ageing or frailty, rather than a specific accepted service-related condition.

Services available through VHC can include:

• Domestic assistance such as cleaning and laundry
• Personal care assistance
• Respite care
• Home and garden maintenance

 

To access VHC, you can contact the VHC Assessment Agency directly on 1300 550 450. An assessor will discuss your circumstances to determine the range and frequency of services you may need. If approved, you will be connected with a VHC service provider.

The VHC program is not affected by the legislative changes coming into effect on 1 July 2026, so if you are currently receiving VHC services, you can continue to access them.

Step 3: Consider the Community Nursing Program

If you require clinically necessary nursing or personal care at home, the DVA Community Nursing Program may be an option. This program provides services such as wound care, medication management, health monitoring, and personal care support delivered by qualified nurses in your home.

To access the Community Nursing Program, you will need a written referral from your GP, treating doctor, hospital discharge planner, or a nurse practitioner specialising in community nursing. Your referral will be directed to a DVA-approved community nursing provider in your area.

For more information, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Step 4: Understand Compensation for Household Services and Attendant Care

If your care needs are directly related to an accepted service-related injury or condition, you may be eligible for compensation for Household Services or Attendant Care through DVA.

Household Services compensation can cover routine domestic tasks such as cleaning, laundry, gardening, and lawn mowing that you are no longer able to perform because of your accepted condition. Attendant Care compensation can cover personal care tasks such as showering, dressing, and grooming.

From 1 July 2026, all new claims for compensation and rehabilitation will be assessed under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). If you are already receiving compensation for Household Services or Attendant Care, your approved services will continue without interruption until your next review or renewal date.

To make a new claim, complete the relevant claim form and contact DVA for guidance on submitting your application.

Step 5: Know When to Use My Aged Care Alongside DVA

In some circumstances, veterans receiving DVA-funded services may also be eligible for support through My Aged Care. For example, you might receive domestic assistance and personal care through Veterans' Home Care while also accessing community transport or meals through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

DVA and My Aged Care services can complement each other, but it is important to understand how the two systems interact to avoid duplication or gaps in your care. Your Veteran Gold or White Card may also continue to provide access to allied health services, assistive technology, and healthcare alongside any aged care services you receive.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible to access both DVA and My Aged Care services simultaneously, contact DVA on 1800 838 372 or My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your individual situation.

Step 6: Understand What Changed on 1 November 2025

The Aged Care Act 2024 commenced on 1 November 2025, introducing a range of changes to the mainstream aged care system. Veterans receiving DVA-funded services were largely unaffected in terms of their DVA entitlements, which remain in place.

However, veterans and war widows who access mainstream aged care through My Aged Care are subject to the same changes as all other Australians. This includes the new rights-based framework, updated assessment processes, and the replacement of Home Care Packages with the Support at Home program.

If you have questions about how the aged care reforms affect you specifically, DVA has dedicated support available on 1800 838 372.

Step 7: Plan Ahead With the Right Support

Accessing DVA care entitlements can take time, particularly if assessments or claims are involved. Planning ahead and reaching out early can help ensure there are no gaps in your support. If your care needs change over time, it is worth reviewing your DVA entitlements as well as your aged care services to make sure everything remains appropriate.

Keeping your care coordinator, GP, and family members informed about the support you are receiving can also help everyone work together more effectively on your behalf.

How The District Nurses Can Help

At The District Nurses, we have extensive experience supporting veterans and their families across Tasmania. We understand the unique needs and entitlements that come with military service, and we work closely with DVA-funded clients to provide high-quality, personalised care at home.

Our services include nursing, personal care, domestic assistance, social support, transport, and allied health, all tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Whether you are accessing DVA-funded care, mainstream aged care, or a combination of both, we are here to help you navigate your options with clarity and compassion.

Contact The District Nurses today to discuss how we can support you through DVA care and beyond.