A real change to your entitlements just opened a door that used to be shut. If an accepted DVA condition makes cleaning, lawns, laundry or other routine household jobs difficult — here's how to find out in two minutes if it applies to you.
Check If This May Apply to MeBefore 1 July 2026, veterans whose service-related conditions were accepted only under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 — known as the VEA — could not access Household Services compensation for those conditions. That door was shut.
That has now changed. All new Household Services claims are assessed under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) — regardless of when you served or which Act your condition was originally accepted under.
The VEA generally covers wartime and certain operational service, as well as some peacetime service between 7 December 1972 and 30 June 2004. If you served before 1 July 2004, this change may be relevant to you — but service dates alone do not determine eligibility.
DVA won't write to tell you this. Most veterans who now qualify have no idea the change happened. That's why we're telling you.
Already receiving Household Services or Attendant Care? From 1 July, you can ask DVA to reassess your needs so the impact of your VEA-accepted conditions is considered for the first time.
These are examples of commonly approved services only. DVA assesses every veteran individually and determines which services, hours and level of compensation are reasonable. Household Services does not include nursing or medical care.
This is not a "free cleaning for every veteran" deal — and anyone telling you that is having a lend of you. DVA assesses every claim individually. Household Services may be worth exploring if:
A Gold or White Card does not automatically qualify you. The need for assistance must be connected to an accepted service-related condition. DVA may also consider who else lives in the household and whether it is reasonable for them to assist.
This is the most common mix-up — and it's not your fault, because the two names sound almost identical. They are different programs with different rules.
| Household Services | Veterans' Home Care (VHC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main basis | Impact of an accepted service-related condition | Functional limitations, including needs related to ageing or frailty |
| Core requirement | You previously performed the relevant tasks | Eligible Gold or White Card holder with an assessed need |
| Payment | Compensation subject to DVA approval and limits | Service limits and some co-payments may apply |
| Both for the same tasks? | No | No |
If Household Services is approved, you generally cannot also receive VHC Domestic Assistance or Home and Garden Maintenance for the same needs. VHC itself hasn't changed and remains open to eligible Gold and White Card holders. If you aren't sure which pathway fits, our quick check will help point you in the right direction.
Answer a few basic questions about your accepted conditions and household needs. Takes about two minutes — no forms, no documents, no robot on the other end afterwards.
If it appears worth exploring, a member of our veteran-trained team will call you to talk it through at a time that suits.
The team will clarify your accepted conditions, the tasks affected and any existing support you're receiving.
If appropriate, you'll be guided through the claim and assessment process. DVA makes the final decision and determines the approved services.
"I founded At Ease after my own time in 2RAR because too many veterans were leaving Defence without understanding the support they had earned. Our role is to make these systems easier to understand, help you identify the right pathway, and connect you with people who can assist with the next step."
At Ease is not DVA and cannot approve entitlements. Eligibility for Household Services is determined by the Department of Veterans' Affairs based on your individual circumstances.
Complete our short check and we'll help you understand whether Household Services could be relevant to your circumstances.
No obligation. Completing the check does not guarantee DVA approval.
Based on your answers, Household Services appears worth exploring further. Leave your details and a member of our veteran-trained team will call you to talk through your circumstances — at no charge.
There are a couple of details we'd need to clarify before pointing you in the right direction. Leave your details and a member of our team will call for a quick, no-obligation chat.
Based on your answers, Household Services may not be the right fit right now — but Veterans' Home Care or DVA claims assistance may be. Leave your details and we'll point you toward the pathway that actually suits your situation.
A lot of veterans have no idea this entitlement exists — let alone that the rules just changed. If you know someone who might be missing out, do them a favour and pass this on. You might be the one who makes the difference.