DVA Household Services and Attendant Care Explained

If your service-related conditions prevent you from doing household tasks or looking after yourself, DVA can pay for someone to help. This is one of the most underused DVA entitlements. Many veterans don't know it exists, and those who do often don't claim the full amount they're entitled to.

There are two separate entitlements: household services (help with domestic tasks) and attendant care (help with personal care). Both are available under the MRCA, and from 1 July 2026, the VETS Act expands access for DRCA veterans.

Household services

Household services covers tasks you would normally do around the home but can't because of your accepted conditions. This includes:

• Cleaning, vacuuming, mopping, and general housework
• Laundry and ironing
• Grocery shopping
• Meal preparation
• Garden maintenance (mowing, weeding, basic upkeep)
• Home maintenance tasks you would normally do yourself

DVA pays for a qualified provider to come to your home and perform these tasks on a regular basis. DVA doesn't pay you directly. It pays the approved provider. DVA can arrange the service, or you can nominate a preferred provider.

Attendant care

Attendant care is for personal care tasks. This is a higher level of support than household services and applies when your conditions affect your ability to look after yourself. Attendant care covers:

• Bathing, showering, and personal hygiene
• Dressing and undressing
• Toileting and continence management
• Mobility assistance (getting in and out of bed, transferring between chair and bed)
• Medication management
• Meal preparation where it relates to personal care needs

Attendant care is assessed based on the severity of your conditions and your specific care needs. For veterans with very high impairment (80+ points), attendant care can be substantial.

How to apply

Your GP or treating specialist assesses your functional limitations and documents what tasks you can't perform because of your accepted conditions. This forms the basis of your application. DVA assesses your needs against its criteria and approves a level of service, typically a set number of hours per week. DVA reviews the approval periodically (usually annually) to check whether your needs have changed.

To apply, contact DVA on 1800 838 372 or lodge a request through MyService. DVA may arrange a home assessment to evaluate your needs in person.

What changes from 1 July 2026

Under the current system, DRCA veterans have access to household services and attendant care but at a lower statutory weekly limit than MRCA veterans. From 1 July 2026, the VETS Act standardises access at the higher MRCA limit for all veterans. If you're a DRCA veteran already receiving these services, at your next review your claim will be assessed under the MRCA framework, potentially giving you access to higher limits.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Gold Card for household services?

No. Household services and attendant care are available to veterans with accepted conditions under the MRCA. You need accepted conditions that demonstrably limit your ability to perform household tasks. The entitlement flows from your accepted conditions, not your card type.

Can my partner or family member be the paid provider?

In some cases, yes. DVA can approve a family member as a paid attendant care provider in certain circumstances, particularly for attendant care rather than household services. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

How many hours per week can I get?

The hours depend on your assessed needs. There is no fixed number that applies to everyone. DVA assesses what tasks you can't do, how frequently they need to be done, and how long they take. The weekly statutory limit sets the maximum DVA will pay.

Can I get both household services and attendant care?

Yes. They are separate entitlements for different types of tasks. If your conditions limit both your ability to do housework and your ability to look after yourself, you can receive both.

What if my conditions get worse?

If your conditions deteriorate and your needs increase, contact DVA to request a reassessment at any time, not just at your scheduled review.