DVA Minister Media Release – Increasing veterans’ workforce participation

11 Jul 2017

Increasing veterans’ workforce participation

Dan Tehan
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today said that more veterans could now access the Special and Intermediate Rate of Disability Pension as a result of a 2017-18 Budget initiative.

The eligibility criteria for the Special and Intermediate Rate of Disability Pension under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 has been amended to remove work history restrictions for veterans aged 65 and over.

“The amendment removes the requirement for veterans to have worked continuously for 10 years with the same employer,” Mr Tehan said. 
“For self-employed veterans, it removes the requirement to have worked a minimum of 10 years in the same profession, trade, vocation or calling.
“This provides more flexibility for veterans to change employers or employment and better reflects the modern work environment.
“This Budget measure is part of a suite of initiatives being implemented to streamline access to incapacity payments, amend outdated legislation and improve rehabilitation outcomes for veterans.”

For more information on the 2017-18 Budget measures, visit the DVA”s website  here 

Media enquiries: Minister Tehan’s Office: Amelia Gard, 0428 262 894 Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.