DVA incapacity payments replace lost earnings if a service-related condition DVA has accepted stops you working or reduces what you can earn. For the first 45 weeks they're based on 100% of your normal earnings, then on 75% to 100% depending on the hours you can work.
How incapacity payments are worked out
The payment is based on the difference between your normal earnings before the injury or illness and what you earn now or are able to earn:
- for the first 45 weeks: 100% of your normal earnings, less your actual earnings and any Commonwealth superannuation
- after 45 weeks: between 75% and 100% of your normal earnings depending on the hours you can work, less your actual earnings and Commonwealth superannuation
- if you're not working after 45 weeks: 75% of your normal earnings
Incapacity payments can affect, and be affected by, Services Australia payments and Commonwealth superannuation. Child support and VEA payments for the same condition can also be deducted. Payments are reviewed each year and when your circumstances change, and usually stop at Age Pension age.
Is there a DVA incapacity payment calculator?
Your payment depends on your normal earnings, what you earn now, your superannuation and the hours you can work, so DVA works it out for you. The percentages above show how it's built.
What you need to do while receiving incapacity payments
- Provide current medical certificates when DVA asks, showing whether you're unfit for work, why, and for how long. Payments stop if you don't.
- Tell DVA about all work and income, including part-time, contract and self-employment, with evidence such as payslips.
- Tell DVA if you start study, receive other payments or superannuation, move, or plan to travel for more than 3 months.
Changes from 1 July 2026
All new incapacity claims are assessed under the MRCA, even if your conditions were accepted under the VEA or DRCA. If you were receiving DRCA incapacity payments on 30 June 2026, they moved to MRCA payments automatically.
How to claim incapacity payments
DVA may identify that you're eligible through your needs assessment after it accepts a condition. You can also claim in MyService, or with DVA form D1360, Claim for Incapacity for Service/Work. Either way, include medical evidence that you're totally or partially unfit for service or work because of a service-related condition.
If your mental health stops you working your usual hours, DVA fast-tracks incapacity payments. While a mental health claim is being assessed, you may also be able to get Veteran Payment.
Read DVA's incapacity payments information
Incapacity payments or the SRDP
If your capacity to work is severely limited for the long term, DVA may offer the Special Rate Disability Pension instead of incapacity payments. Read about the SRDP or compare DVA pensions.
Checked against DVA's website on 25 September 2026.