On 1 July 2026, three separate veteran compensation laws — the VEA, the DRCA, and the MRCA — were unified under a single system. The DVA war widow pension, bereavement payments, and family death benefits that were previously split across three different legal frameworks are now handled in one place.
This guide covers the main entitlements for surviving partners and children — what you may be eligible for, what is genuinely new from 1 July 2026, and one decision you will need to make carefully because it cannot be reversed.
If your partner was already receiving payments under an older law, those payments continue. Nothing is taken away.
"Financially dependent": DVA uses this term throughout. It means you relied on the veteran for all or part of your financial support — this includes most married and de facto partners. If you are unsure whether you qualify, an advocate can assess your specific situation.
Key figures — effective 1 July 2026
$611.70/wk
Surviving partner pension — tax-free, for life
$191,959
Max. lump sum — formal service-caused death determination
$15,530
Max. funeral reimbursement for qualifying deaths
2 yrs
From DVA notification to make the irrevocable pension-conversion election
Source: DVA Compensation Payment Rates, 1 July – 19 September 2026.
Who this applies to
From 1 July 2026, all new death-related claims are handled under the MRCA, regardless of which law previously covered your partner's service.
Surviving spouses and partners who were financially dependent on the veteran
Children of the veteran — under 16, or under 25 and in full-time study
Families of veterans who served under the old DRCA or VEA — you are not excluded
What changed on 1 July 2026
Three entitlements that either did not exist, or were not available to certain families, before the law change:
| Entitlement | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Posthumous permanent impairment payment | Pending claim was lost when the veteran died | Estate can claim the outstanding compensation as a lump sum |
| Children of DRCA veterans — Gold Card | Not available under the DRCA | Now available where death is service-related or veteran held 80+ PI points |
| DRCA dependants — MRCAETS education | Not available under the DRCA | Now accessible for the first time |
| Law governing new death benefit claims | Depended on when and where the veteran served (VEA / DRCA / MRCA) | All new claims under the unified MRCA — regardless of original service period |
What you may be able to claim
These are the main entitlements. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances — rates below are indexed figures effective 1 July 2026.
Funeral reimbursement
Up to $15,530.09
DVA reimburses funeral costs where the veteran's death is accepted as related to their service, or where the veteran was receiving certain DVA payments at the time of their death. Claims are lodged through DVA.
Weekly pension for surviving partners
$611.70 per week, tax-free, for life
If you were financially dependent on the veteran, you may be eligible for this weekly pension for life.
The conversion option — and the decision you cannot undo
You can convert 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of this pension to a one-time lump sum. Whatever portion is not converted continues as a regular weekly payment.
This is a permanent decision. Once you make it in writing, it cannot be changed.
You have two years from the date DVA formally notifies you of your entitlement to make this choice. The lump sum amount is calculated based on your age at the time of the veteran's death — younger partners receive a larger lump sum. DVA reimburses the cost of financial advice for this decision. Use it before you decide.
Additional lump sum — where the death was service-caused
Up to $191,959.02
Where DVA formally determines that your partner's death was caused by their military service, eligible surviving partners may also receive an additional age-based lump sum of up to $191,959.02.
This is separate from the weekly pension. It is not automatic.
DVA must make a formal service-caused death determination based on evidence. Because this requires a distinct claims process, families who do not know to pursue this specific determination may miss out. If this hasn't been pursued, it is worth looking at.
Independent lump sum for eligible children
Per child — not shared
Each eligible child of a deceased veteran — children under 16, or under 25 in full-time education — may be entitled to an independent, tax-free lump sum death benefit. This is paid per eligible child, not shared across the family.
Because specific rates vary depending on the legislative path of the death claim, consult the DVA Compensation Payment Rates tables or speak with an advocate to confirm the figures applicable to your situation.
Posthumous permanent impairment payment
New from 1 July 2026 — did not exist before
Previously, if a veteran had lodged a claim for permanent impairment compensation but died before DVA decided the claim, the claim was effectively lost.
From 1 July 2026, the legal representative of the veteran's estate may claim that compensation as a lump sum on behalf of the estate.
If your partner had an outstanding permanent impairment or initial liability claim with DVA when they died, this is worth pursuing. An advocate can help you identify whether such a claim existed.
What's new for children of DRCA veterans
If your partner's service was covered under the old DRCA, two entitlements are now available to eligible children that were not available before 1 July 2026.
Veteran Gold Card
From 1 July 2026, eligible children of DRCA veterans can access a Veteran Gold Card for the first time.
Dependent children under 16, or under 25 in full-time study, are eligible where the veteran's death is formally accepted as service-related under the MRCA, or where the veteran held 80 or more permanent impairment points prior to passing.
The Gold Card is not automatic. Eligibility depends on the specific pathway — service-related death or 80+ impairment points — and requires a formal DVA determination.
MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS)
Eligible dependants of veterans covered under the DRCA can now access the MRCAETS student assistance framework for the first time. Previously, this was completely unavailable under the old DRCA rules.
The decision that cannot be undone
The choice between keeping the weekly pension and converting part or all of it to a lump sum is permanent. It affects your tax position, your retirement income, and what you leave to your estate.
There is no right answer that applies to everyone. It depends on your age, your income needs, your tax situation, and how you want to structure your finances.
DVA covers the cost of independent financial advice for this decision
Before you make this election, use the DVA-funded financial advice entitlement. The purpose is specifically to help you think through this decision. You have two years from the date DVA formally notifies you — take the time.
How to start a claim
Gather what you have
Your partner's service record, discharge documents, any existing DVA letters, and details of any outstanding claims. DVA client ID if you have it.
Lodge through DVA
Online via MyService at my.dva.gov.au, or call DVA on 1800 555 254 (free call). DVA can also mail you paper forms if you prefer.
If the claim involves service-caused death or a posthumous PI payment
These require DVA to make formal determinations based on evidence. The process is more involved than a standard bereavement payment. An advocate or compensation specialist can help you build the case and identify every entitlement before you lodge.
Check your situation
Which of these apply to your family?
Tick the ones that apply. You don't need to tick all of them — any single item may indicate an entitlement worth exploring.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we hear most from families navigating this for the first time.
Related guides
CSC Death Benefit Evidence & Family Protection — Lavender Bear
How we help families prepare and submit the evidence CSC requires before the claim arises — and provide full representation when they need someone to manage the process.
The DRCA deadline: what closed on 30 June 2026
What the closure meant, and what happens to DRCA families after July 2026.
What the DRCA deadline actually covers, and what it doesn't
Initial liability, permanent impairment, and the three simultaneous payment streams for ADF members medically discharging.
This article is general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Dollar figures are sourced from DVA's compensation payment rates page (last updated 9 June 2026) and should be verified against current DVA rates before making any decisions. Lavender Bear is an independent platform and is not affiliated with DVA or any government agency.