Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
No. 27, 1986
Compilation No. 199
Compilation date: 1 July 2026
Includes amendments: Act No. 17, 2025 and Act No. 31, 2026
This compilation is in 4 volumes
Volume 1: | Parts I to IIIAB |
| sections 1 to 45UY |
Volume 2: | Parts IIIB to VA |
| sections 46 to 93ZG |
Volume 3: | Parts VI to XII |
| sections 94 to 216 |
Volume 4: | Schedules |
| Endnotes |
Each volume has its own contents
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 July 2026 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).
Application, saving and transitional provisions
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Presentational changes
The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Part I—Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Repeal
4 Extension of Act to external Territories
4A Application of the Criminal Code
4B Secretary may arrange for use of computer programs to make decisions
5 Definitions—simplified outline
5B War and operational area related definitions
5C Eligibility related definitions
5D Injury/disease definitions
5E Family relationships definitions—couples
5F Family relationships definitions—children
5G Australian residence definitions
5GA Pension supplement rate definitions
5H Income test definitions
5I Special Rate Disability Pension reduction amount
5IA Additional Disablement Amount reduction amount
5J Financial assets and income streams definitions
5JA Meaning of asset‑test exempt income stream—lifetime income streams
5JB Meaning of asset‑test exempt income stream—life expectancy income streams
5JBA Meaning of asset‑test exempt income stream—market‑linked income streams
5JBB Meaning of asset‑test exempt…
Overview
The Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, as amended, is a comprehensive piece of legislation enacted by the Australian Parliament to provide for the payment of pensions and other benefits to veterans and certain other persons, and to provide for medical and other treatment for veterans. It addresses the need for financial support and medical care for individuals who have served in the Defence Force, and their dependants, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they are entitled to following their service. The Act covers a wide range of entitlements, including service pensions, income support supplements, and pension bonuses, among others. It also outlines the procedures for claiming and receiving these benefits, including the eligibility criteria, the process for assessing claims, and the conditions under which certain benefits may be payable or denied. The Act is designed to streamline the provision of benefits to veterans, ensuring they are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve for their service to the nation.
Scope and Application
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 applies to veterans, their dependants, and certain other individuals in relation to pensions, compensation, and medical treatment. It is a Commonwealth Act that extends to all states and territories of Australia. The Act applies to veterans of the Australian Defence Force and eligible Commonwealth veterans, including those who served in World War I, World War II, and other operational areas. The Act also extends to war widows, war widowers, and other dependants of veterans, as well as certain former participants of the Australian New Guinea Civil Administration Pension Scheme and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. The Act does not apply to persons who have been convicted of certain offences under the Criminal Code. Certain exclusions and exemptions apply, such as to those who have received compensation for their injuries or diseases from other sources. The application of the Act can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, including legislative instruments made under the Act or related Acts, which can specify additional eligibility criteria, modify existing provisions, or establish new rules and procedures. The Act's provisions are designed to provide financial support and medical care to veterans and their families, recognising their service and the sacrifices they have made for their country.
Key Provisions
- The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act) governs the payment of pensions and other benefits to veterans and their dependants. Section 13 outlines the eligibility for veterans' pensions, requiring that a person must have rendered qualifying service. Section 13A specifies the circumstances in which a person can claim a pension, and section 17 details the rates at which pensions are payable. Additionally, section 21A allows for the payment of a temporary pension at the special rate for certain veterans.
- The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. For instance, section 13B mandates that to be eligible for a pension, a person must make a proper claim. Section 14 requires the Commission to investigate claims and determine them. Section 24A obliges the Commission to take into account the capacity of a veteran to undertake remunerative work when determining the rate of a pension. Furthermore, section 28A imposes an obligation on the Commission to determine the circumstances in which a person is permanently incapacitated for work.
- Breaches of the Act can result in various consequences. Section 61A provides that a person who makes a false or misleading statement in a claim for a pension or other benefit is guilty of an offence. The maximum penalty for this offence is 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both. Section 61B makes it an offence to fail to comply with a notice or direction given by the Secretary or the Commission, with a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units. Section 61D stipulates that a person who wilfully fails to comply with the Act or a legislative instrument made under the Act is guilty of an offence and faces a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both. Section 61E outlines that a person who obstructs an officer of the Department or the Commission is guilty of an offence and can be fined up to 200 penalty units. These sections collectively ensure compliance with the Act's provisions and the proper administration of veterans' entitlements.
- Area of Law
- Veterans' Affairs
- Social Security
- Pension Law
- Instrument
- Act
- Concepts
- Definitions—simplified outline
- Eligibility for and payability of income support supplement
- Accrual of bonus periods
- Passing the work test
- Repeal
- Commencement
- Review of decisions
- Prohibited Conduct