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DVA Issues.

Contents.

Additional Corona Virus support payment.

Community grants - apply now.

DFRDB update.

DVA RAP Program.

TPI Rent Assistance.

TPI Review response.

TPI Rent Assistance.

The Federal Budget of 2020 – 2021 made some changes to the way some income support payments are calculated by DVA, however, these changes will not take place until 1 July 2021 and will be gradually implemented from then over a period until 20 September 2022.

When implemented, the change will exempt a TPI’s disability pension from the Social Security Act income test and the rent assistance test under the VEA. At present persons receiving a disability pension and/or permanent impairment payment are not eligible.

As a result, the Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) will be abolished and some individuals will receive higher rates of rent assistance. The pension will also be renamed the ‘Disability Compensation Payment’ identifying the purpose of the payment.

You can see further information HERE.

DFRDB Update.

If this problem is ever resolved the way it should be – these two blokes deserve a medal. You can see the latest HERE.

TPI Review response.

In October last year the Minister, the Hon Darren Chester, issued a press release on the finding from the TPI Review. You can read an overview of the Commission’s report HERE.

Below are the significant points:

• The Government has rejected the Product Commission’s recommended changes to the Gold Card.

• A joint Transition Authority will be set up to provide a better transition for ADF personnel from service life back to civvy life.

• An increase in budget to fund better mental health care and to ensure high quality care for older veterans and their families.

• Additional funds to expand Open Arms, Veterans and Families Counselling, especially in regional and remote areas.

• Additional funds to expand eligibility for Coordinated Veterans’ Care to White Card holders with an accepted mental health condition.

Unfortunately, the report has found that there is insufficient evidence to support a broad increase in the TPI payment.

Additional Corona Virus support payment.

In additional to the $250 payment made to approx. 5 million eligible Australians on the 30^th November, the Government will make a similar payment on or about the 1^st March 2021. The payments are to assist with essential living expenses during this uncertain time.

Apply now for Community Grants.

DVA is committed to putting veterans and their families first. One of the ways they are doing this is by delivering funding to local community organisations through grants.

Currently, there are two opportunities for ex-service organisations (ESOs) and community organisations that work with ESOs, to apply for funding to provide support and services to veterans. These are:

Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG)

Supporting Younger Veterans grants (SYV grants)

Applications for:

• V&CG close on 29 January 2021

• SYV grants close on 5 February 2021.

For more information or to submit an application, visit Community Grants Hub, call 1800 020 283 or email support@communitygrants.gov.au.

If you are the holder of a DVA Gold or White card you are eligible for aids and appliances through the DVA RAP program if you have a clinical need.

Click HERE to see the schedule of equipment that is available (as at Nov 2020).

The DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) assists gold and white card holders through the provision of aids and appliances to minimise the impact of disabilities, enhance quality of life and maximise independence at home and in the community. There is no $$ limit to the equipment you may be provided with. The RAP program provides safe and appropriate equipment according to an assessed clinical need.

Your GP, Medical Specialist or an Allied Health Professional, can work with you to assess your clinical need and prescribe many aids and appliances that will help you.

There is lots more information HERE

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