From July 1st, 2026, changes to the DVA household services process mean more veterans may be able to seek support at home, but eligibility depends on a clear link between the help needed and an accepted service related injury or condition.
Household services can assist eligible veterans with tasks they can no longer reasonably manage because of their accepted conditions. This may include cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation, lawn mowing, and gardening.
What has changed?
All new household services claims lodged from July 1st, 2026, are assessed under MRCA regardless of when or where a veteran served.
Importantly, veterans with conditions accepted under the VEA may now be eligible to apply for household services compensation for the first time.
For any claim, DVA needs to be satisfied that:
The veteran is unable to manage relevant household tasks because of an accepted service related condition.
There is a reasonable need for the requested support.
Existing recipients of household services under DRCA will continue to receive approved services until the review or renewal date in their determination letter.
How AVHS can help?
Establishing the connection between a service related condition and its impact on everyday tasks may require clear medical evidence.
At Australian Veteran Health Services, our Medical Officers can assess your condition, document its functional impact, and assist with completing the required medical forms where clinically appropriate. We can also provide ongoing medical documentation if your circumstances change or DVA requests further information.
If you are finding household tasks difficult because of an accepted service related condition, it may be worth discussing whether household services support could be appropriate for you.
To make an appointment with AVHS, call 1300 766 206 or email contact@avhs.com.au.
