Household Services for Veterans under the VEA

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The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) provides benefits and support to eligible Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans, their partners and dependants. One area of support includes access to household and related services.

Currently, most VEA veterans access support through the Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program. This program provides practical help so that veterans can remain living safely and independently at home.

Services may include:

• Domestic assistance – cleaning, laundry, meal preparation
• Home and garden maintenance – basic repairs, lawn mowing, safety checks
• Personal care – assistance with daily living tasks such as showering and dressing
• Respite care – short-term relief for carers

To access services, veterans generally must:

• Hold a Veteran Gold Card or White Card
• Be living at home (not in residential aged care)
• Have functional limitations that make it difficult to manage household tasks
   

Eligibility is assessed on individual needs, and a service provider will work with you to confirm what is reasonable and necessary.

The Government is reforming veteran legislation through the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (VETS Act).

From 1 July 2026:

• VEA veterans with a service-related condition will gain access to Household Services and Attendant Care at the same rates available under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA).
• This means more comprehensive support and higher reimbursement rates compared to the current VHC program.