Group Captain Carl Schiller OAM CSM (Retd)

National President RAAF Association

[email protected]

Dear Group Captain Schiller

I am writing to advise you of the 1 May 2018 commencement of two new measures designed to benefit veterans and their families. These measures were announced last year and have been mentioned during a recent meeting of the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table.

Veteran Payment

As part of DVA’s commitment to improving access to services for veterans and their families, the new Veteran Payment is now available to eligible individuals and their partners. This payment provides interim financial support to veterans who cannot work or support themselves while they await liability decisions on claims for mental health conditions under either the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA).

Extended Family Support Package

The Family Support Package is designed to extend family support under the MRCA for veterans and their families.

There are two distinct groups that will benefit from this initiative: eligible veterans and their families, and eligible spouse or partner of deceased veterans. This initiative will provide guidance and financial support to alleviate pressures when needed the most. The time-limited support available include expanded childcare funding, additional counselling services and eligible widow(er)s will be entitled to home help.

I have enclosed DVA Factsheets which provide more information on these measures, including eligibility and payment details. If you have further questions or would like additional information, please contact the Department.

I ask that you please convey this information to members of your organisation.

Yours sincerely

Carolyn Spiers

A/g First Assistant Secretary

Rehabilitation and Support Division

11 May 2018

For all the information relating to this covering letter please click on the following link:

The link contains the following:

New DVA Veteran Payment and Family Support Package.

Attachments included:

• VP & FSP Letter
• IS189 – Veteran Payment Overview
• IS190 – How to access Veteran Payment
• MRC52 – Family Support Package for Veterans and their Families
• MRC53 – Family Support Package for Widow(er)s.

CLICK HERE:- Veterans and Families Benefit.PDF

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