This chapter provides information about compensation for household services.
From 1 July 2026, all new claims for Household Services compensation will be assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), irrespective of when or where a veteran served, when their injury or illness occurred, or which Act their service-related conditions were previously accepted under.
From 1 July 2026, veterans with service-related conditions accepted under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) who are having difficulties managing domestic tasks around their home because of these conditions, will be able to claim compensation for Household Services.
From 1 July 2026, veterans with approvals for compensation for Household Services under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) will continue to receive all of their approved services, without interruption, under grandparenting arrangements. Compensation payments will continue until the review/renewal date identified in their determination letter. At this point, compensation will be reviewed and approved under the MRCA. Veterans receiving compensation for Household Services at the DRCA weekly statutory limit may request their compensation is transitioned to MRCA prior to the conclusion of their current approval period. This will enable access to the higher weekly statutory limit under MRCA.
The Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program is not impacted by the changes and clients who are already receiving VHC services at this date, and are happy with them, can continue to access them after 1 July 2026. However, if they choose to claim compensation for Household Services under the MRCA, they can no longer receive Domestic assistance or Home and Garden maintenance under the VHC.