What is the DVA?
The DVA is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. It is the government department that looks after medical care, pensions, and support for Australian veterans.
Is There One Website for Everything?
Yes. Everything is done online through the myGov website.
If you already use myGov to check your Medicare or your Age Pension, you will use that exact same website. You just need to add the “Department of Veterans’ Affairs” to your list of services.
How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Get your papers ready. Find your old military service details (like your PMKeyS or service number) and some ID (like your Medicare card or driver’s licence).
- Step 2: Log into myGov. Go to mygov.gov.au and log in.
- Step 3: Link the DVA. Click on “Services” and look for Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Click “Link”.
- Step 4: Answer the questions. The computer will ask for your service details to connect your military records to your account.
The Two Most Important Benefits
- The DVA White Card: This gives you free mental health care. Any veteran who served even one single day of full-time service can get this. You do not have to prove that the military caused your mental health issues to get this card.
- The DVA Gold Card: This covers all healthcare needs, whether they were caused by your service or not. It is usually given to veterans over a certain age who meet specific service criteria, or those with higher medical needs.
💡 The Best Advice: Do Not Do This Alone
Computers and government paperwork can be very frustrating. You do not have to do this yourself.
You can get free, face-to-face help from a person called a Veteran Advocate. These are helpful people who work for veterans’ charities like the RSL or Legacy.
They will sit down with you, look at your paperwork, and do all the computer work for you. They never charge any money for this.
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