DVA Changes from 1 July 2026: What Dependants of Veterans Need to Know

From 1 July 2026, the way death benefits for dependants of veterans are handled will change. If you’re a partner, child, or family member of a veteran, it’s important to understand what these reforms mean and how they might affect you.

What’s changing?

Currently, benefits for dependants are assessed under different laws (VEA, DRCA, or MRCA), depending on when and how the veteran served. That patchwork system often makes things confusing.

From 1 July 2026, all new claims will be assessed under one law — the MRCA (Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act).

What supports are available under MRCA?

Dependants making a new claim from 1 July 2026 may be eligible for:

• A wholly dependant partner pension (which can be converted to a lump sum)
• An age-adjusted lump sum for service-caused deaths
• A DVA Gold Card for funded treatment
• Study assistance for children through the MRCA Education Scheme
• Funeral expenses reimbursement (up to $14,639)

These benefits already exist under MRCA, and from 2026 they’ll be applied more consistently. Some payments will also increase with indexation.

If you’re already receiving support

• Current MRCA dependants: Nothing changes. Your payments and entitlements will continue. A new option will allow conversion of weekly permanent impairment payments into a lump sum if a veteran passed before making that choice.
• Current DRCA dependants: If you’ve already received DRCA compensation, you can’t claim again under MRCA. But if your DRCA claim was rejected and you received nothing, you may be able to reapply under MRCA.
• Current VEA dependants: If you’re already receiving a War Widow(er) or Orphan’s Pension, this will continue. Automatic benefits for partners of veterans on TPI, TTI, or EDA rates will still apply. You can also choose to claim under MRCA, which may provide higher lump sums or funeral payments.

What it means for veterans’ families

• The change brings dependants under a single system, aiming to make the process clearer and fairer.
• Families won’t lose existing entitlements. Ongoing payments will continue under their current arrangements.
• For new claims after July 2026, MRCA rules will apply — which could mean broader access to benefits or different payment structures.
• If your claim was rejected under DRCA or VEA, you may get a second chance to apply under MRCA.

At The Veteran Suite, we know how stressful claims can be for veterans’ families, especially after a loss. These changes are meant to simplify the process, but they also come with fine print. If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to, start with a discovery call — we’ll help you understand your options and guide you through the process.

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