Overview
Veterans supplement (VSup) was introduced in September 2009 as part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms. Veterans supplement is paid at either the low rate or the high rate, depending on whether the person has eligibility under section 118A VEA or section 118B VEA or both.
A person may have dual eligibility for veterans supplement if they meet the criteria under both section 118A VEA and section 118B VEA. In such cases, the person is paid at twice the fortnightly rate (or the high rate) of veterans supplement. Where a person is eligible under one, but not both, of these VEA sections their fortnightly rate of veterans supplement is referred to as the low rate.
If a person with dual eligibility for veterans supplement becomes eligible for energy supplement after reaching pension age, they will lose eligibility under VEA section 118B. They will therefore move from the high rate of veterans supplement to the low rate of veterans supplement.
A person who is receiving an income support payment from either DVA or Centrelink is not eligible for veterans supplement. This is because they receive pension supplement as part of their income support pension or benefit. Pension supplement includes an equivalent payment to veterans supplement.
Rates for Veterans Supplement
This table lists the applicable rates of veterans supplement.
Situation | Eligible under | Veterans Supplement Rate |
Gold Card holder receiving:
and do not receive an income support payment from DVA or Centrelink. | 118A and 118B (dual eligibility) | High |
| War widow not receiving Income Support Supplement and under qualifying age. | 118B | Low |
White and orange card holders with no income support payment from either DVA or Centrelink. | 118A | Low |
Receiving DVA orphan's pension. | 118A | Low |