The VETS Act Is Now In Effect.
Here's What Changed.
Australia's three veteran compensation laws are now one. Since 1 July 2026, the VETS Act has simplified how claims are made, assessed, and supported. Here's what it means for you.
Last reviewed 25 July 2026
What Is the VETS Act?
The Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 - known as the VETS Act - is the most significant reform to Australia's veteran compensation system in decades. It received Royal Assent in 2024 and commenced on 1 July 2026.
For years, veterans and their families have navigated three separate pieces of legislation: the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA). Each has different rules, different processes, and different entitlements. The VETS Act begins the work of harmonising these into a single, modern framework.
The goal is simpler claims, clearer entitlements, and a system that works with veterans rather than against them.
What's Changing on 1 July?
Harmonised Legislation
The three existing Acts (VEA, MRCA, DRCA) are harmonised under a single framework. New claims lodged on or after 1 July 2026 are assessed under the updated rules.
Simplified Claims Process
The claims process has been redesigned to reduce complexity and processing times. Veterans lodging new claims now follow the updated procedures.
Australian Veterans' Wellbeing Agency
A new Australian Veterans' Wellbeing Agency will be established to deliver veteran support services.
Updated Service Requirements
The definition of qualifying service is being updated as part of the harmonisation.
These changes apply to new claims lodged on or after 1 July 2026. If you already have an accepted claim, your existing entitlements continue - see the next section.
What Stays the Same?
Your existing entitlements are protected
If you already receive payments or benefits under VEA, MRCA, or DRCA, these continue unchanged. The VETS Act does not reduce or remove any entitlements you currently hold.
Accepted claims continue as normal
Claims that have already been accepted and are being paid will continue under their existing arrangements. You do not need to resubmit or re-apply.
DVA remains your point of contact
The Department of Veterans' Affairs continues to administer veteran support. The new Wellbeing Agency works alongside DVA, not as a replacement.
Your advocacy support is unchanged
Ex-service organisations, advocates, and support services continue to operate as they do today. AfterService continues to provide free guidance on your entitlements.
The VETS Act is about simplification, not reduction. If you are currently receiving support, nothing changes for you on 1 July.
AfterService Is Already Across It.
Whether you hold existing entitlements under the earlier legislation or are lodging a new claim under the harmonised framework, AfterService gives you free, instant guidance on how it applies to your situation, with citations to the source so you can check it.
Free for veterans and families. No sign-up fee, no percentage of your entitlements. Ever.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Common questions about the VETS Act and what it means for your entitlements.
The Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 - commonly known as the VETS Act - simplifies Australia's veteran compensation system. It harmonises the three existing Acts (VEA, MRCA, DRCA) into a single modern framework. It commenced on 1 July 2026.
The VETS Act commenced on 1 July 2026. It applies to new claims lodged on or after that date.
No. If you receive payments or benefits under VEA, MRCA, or DRCA, these continue unchanged. The VETS Act does not reduce or remove any existing entitlement. It applies to new claims lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
If you have an existing accepted claim, no action is required. Your entitlements continue as normal. If you are considering lodging a new claim, it is assessed under the harmonised framework, so it is worth understanding how that applies to your situation. AfterService can help you work through it, free of charge.
The VETS Act establishes a new Australian Veterans' Wellbeing Agency to deliver veteran support services alongside the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Its specific responsibilities and start date are still being finalised by the Australian Government.
AfterService gives you free, instant guidance on how the harmonised framework applies to your situation, with citations to the source so you can check it. Whether you hold existing entitlements or are lodging a new claim under the VETS Act, there is no sign-up fee and no percentage of your entitlements.
The full text of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 is available on the Federal Register of Legislation. The Department of Veterans' Affairs also publishes guidance on their website at dva.gov.au.
Need support right now?
Open Arms: 1800 011 046 (free, confidential veteran counselling, 24/7) · Lifeline: 13 11 14
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