The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) is a tax-free MRCA payment for former ADF members under Age Pension age whose accepted service-related conditions leave them unable to work more than 10 hours a week. It's offered as an alternative to incapacity payments, and unlike them it can continue past Age Pension age. The maximum is $977.95 a week before offsets, DVA's rate from 20 September to 31 December 2026.
Who is eligible for SRDP
DVA offers you the choice of SRDP if you:
- have left all Australian Defence Force service
- have an injury or disease assessed at 50 or more impairment points under the MRCA that's likely to continue indefinitely
- receive MRCA incapacity payments, or have had them reduced to nil because of Commonwealth superannuation offsetting or a lump sum of incapacity payments
- are below Age Pension age
- can't do paid work for more than 10 hours a week, and rehabilitation is unlikely to change that
From 1 July 2026, veterans whose conditions were accepted under the VEA or DRCA can also be assessed for SRDP under the MRCA. They need MRCA incapacity payments, 50 or more impairment points assessed under the MRCA, and confirmation from their treating specialists about their capacity to work and rehabilitation. The MRCA assesses impairment on a whole-person basis, which differs from the DRCA method. Unlike TPI under the VEA, SRDP has no "alone" test.
Read DVA's SRDP information for VEA and DRCA veterans
How to be assessed
- There's no claim form. DVA assesses your eligibility once it knows you may meet the criteria, and you can ask for an assessment by emailing [email protected] or calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
- DVA needs confirmation from your treating medical specialists that you can't work more than 10 hours a week and that rehabilitation is unlikely to improve that.
- If you're eligible, DVA offers SRDP in writing. You have 12 months from the offer to accept it.
- Before SRDP can be paid, you must get advice from a suitably qualified financial adviser or lawyer. DVA reimburses the cost up to $3,397.18, including a second opinion within that limit.
- You tell DVA your choice. Once you choose SRDP, you can't change it later.
If you're eligible but decide not to take SRDP, you keep receiving incapacity payments.
How much SRDP pays
SRDP is based on the VEA Special Rate (TPI). The maximum of $977.95 a week includes the Energy Supplement, and it's then reduced by offsets:
- dollar for dollar by the weekly value of any permanent impairment compensation paid to you, including MRCA permanent impairment payments, DRCA permanent impairment lump sums and VEA Disability Compensation Payments
- 60 cents for each dollar of the Commonwealth-funded part of any superannuation, such as DFRDB or MSBS; a super lump sum is converted to a weekly amount using Australian Government Actuary tables
The superannuation used to reduce SRDP isn't counted as income for the service pension or Services Australia income support. Because of the offsets, some people would receive less from SRDP than from incapacity payments, which is why advice is required. Read about DFRDB and MSBS invalidity pensions.
SRDP or incapacity payments
| SRDP | Incapacity payments | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | Tax-free | Taxable |
| How long | Can continue indefinitely | Not payable past Age Pension age in most cases |
| Amount | Up to $977.95 a week, less offsets | Based on your normal earnings: 100% of normal earnings for the first 45 weeks, then down to 75% of normal earnings if you're not working |
| Superannuation | Reduced by 60 cents per dollar of the Commonwealth-funded part | Reduced by Commonwealth superannuation payments |
SRDP can also affect Family Tax Benefit and child support. A financial adviser can compare the options for your circumstances, and the Services Australia Financial Information Service (132 300) gives free general information.
Other benefits that come with SRDP eligibility
Once you're assessed as eligible, even if you don't choose to receive the payment, you get:
- a Veteran Card – All Conditions (Gold Card) embossed "TPI"
- the higher rate of the MRCA Supplement
- eligibility for your dependent children under the MRCA Education and Training Scheme
If you receive SRDP and have a dependent child, you qualify for the Pensioner Education Supplement from Services Australia to help with your own study costs. You can still take part in a rehabilitation program. If you have qualifying (warlike) service, you may also be eligible for the invalidity service pension, which is income and assets tested. Read about the service pension.
If you disagree with a decision
Your decision letter explains the reasons and the time limit. For MRCA decisions, you can apply to the Veterans' Review Board within 12 months, and then to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 3 months of the Board's decision. Free advocates at ex-service organisations can help. Read about DVA reviews and appeals.
Rules that are easy to miss
SRDP is only paid from the day DVA receives your choice. It isn't backdated to the date of the offer. You also have to meet all the criteria on the day you choose, including being under Age Pension age. If you're close to Age Pension age, or SRDP would pay more than your incapacity payments, book your financial advice early rather than using the full 12 months. If you decline an offer, you can't change your mind later for that offer.
Common questions
Is SRDP the same as TPI?
No, although SRDP is based on the TPI rate. TPI is the Special Rate under the VEA, which closed to new claims on 1 July 2026. SRDP is the MRCA payment, with different eligibility rules and offsets. Read about TPI.
What happens if I go back to work?
If you become ineligible, for example by returning to work, your SRDP payments stop. You keep your Gold Card and the other benefits. If your circumstances change and you meet the criteria again, you may become eligible again.