In order to provide benefits to our veterans, even to those not receiving service pension, the service pension income assessment rules were extended to self-funded retirees who have qualifying service.

Under the service pension rules, any disability pension such veterans receive will be exempt from assessment as income for the purposes of the DH&FS income tested fees.

Special provisions were included in the aged care principles (under the Residential Care Subsidy Principles) to allow the exemption of disability pension.