12.2.2 Claims for deaths after 1 July 2026

This section explains when a determination of compensation payable on death may proceed without establishing the precise medical cause of death, having regard to transitional arrangements applying to deaths and claims under the VEA, the DRCA and the MRCA post 1 July 2026.

Note this guidance applies only to claims for death-related compensation that require the acceptance of liability. It does not apply to bereavement payments or funeral assistance, which do not require cause of death to be established in all circumstances.

Meaning of ‘automatic grant’ for death claims

Certain death claims can be determined without establishing the cause of death where the deceased veteran met specified eligibility thresholds during their lifetime. These arrangements are referred to as ‘automatic grant’ cases.

These arrangements will continue to apply to the dependants of deceased veterans receiving certain payments under the VEA after 1 July 2026, including:

• Ex-prisoners of war,

• Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA),

• Special Rate (TPI & TTI) of Disability Compensation,

• Intermediate Rate of Disability Compensation,

• Specific disability rate.

Case Scenarios - VEA veterans

VEA veteran died before 1 July 2026 (and a claim is made before 1 July 2026)

Where a veteran died before 1 July 2026 and a claim for death-related compensation was made under the VEA before that date, the claim will continue to be determined under the VEA.

Note - No additional compensation is available under the MRCA if compensation in respect of the death has already been provided under the VEA.

VEA veteran died before 1 July 2026 (and a claim is made on or after 1 July 2026)

Where a VEA veteran died before 1 July 2026 but the claim for death-related compensation is made on or after 1 July 2026, the claim is to be determined under the MRCA.

In these cases:

• Automatic grant entitlements continue to apply, and
• Dependants also have the option to claim under the MRCA.

VEA veteran who died on or after 1 July 2026

Where a VEA veteran died on or after 1 July 2026, the claim is to be determined under the MRCA (and automatic grant provisions will continue to apply).

Case Scenarios - DRCA veterans

DRCA veteran died before 1 July 2026 (and a claim is made before 1 July 2026)

Where a DRCA employee died before 1 July 2026 and a death claim was made before that date, the claim is determined under the DRCA.

Note - No additional compensation is available under the MRCA if compensation in respect of the death has already been provided under the DRCA.

DRCA employee died before 1 July 2026 (and a claim is made on or after 1 July 2026)

Where a DRCA veteran died before 1 July 2026 but the claim for death-related compensation is made on or after 1 July 2026, the claim is to be determined under the MRCA.

DRCA employee died on or after 1 July 2026

Where a DRCA employee died on or after 1 July 2026, the claim is to be determined under the MRCA.