Apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card (CSHCC)...........................................14

18. Apply for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Entitlements

We recommend that you apply for Department of Veterans’ Affairs entitlements. Based on our current estimate of your entitlements and your financial position, we believe you are eligible for a Service / Age Service / Invalidity Service / Partner Service pension or Veteran payment of $XXX per fortnight ($XXX p.a.) You may also be eligible for a Defence Force Income Support allowance / Rent assistance / Remote Area allowance and/or a Pension / Veteran / Income Support / Energy supplement and/or an Energy Assistance Payment.

Benefits:

 Access to DVA entitlements will help to supplement your income, helping you meet your ongoing living costs.  Utilising this income will help preserve your investment savings for future income needs.  The DVA entitlements may give you access to other discounts and benefits such as rent assistance.  You will receive cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.  Your Doctor may provide bulk-billing visits.  You will also receive discounts on utility bills, rates, public transport and other health care costs.

Points to Consider:

 DVA payments are subject to legislative change which may impact the amount of your entitlement in the future. A review of your income requirements will be needed should this happen.  [Means tested] The entitlement we have estimated here is based on your current financial position. If this is inaccurate or you have a significant change in circumstances, your entitlements will change as eligibility is based on an income and asset test.  [Means tested] You must notify DVA of any significant changes, within 14 days, for a review of your entitlements.  Extended overseas travel may impact your entitlement therefore it is important that you notify the DVA of these plans.