Partner & Spouse Claims
The surviving spouse or wholly dependent partner of a veteran may be entitled to a range of DVA payments in their own right. These include a partner service pension, a bereavement payment following the veteran's death, and in some cases access to the DVA Gold Card.
Entitlements depend on the veteran's service history, the nature of the relationship, and the circumstances of the veteran's death or incapacity. Legal and de facto partners are both recognised under DVA legislation.
These processes are often emotionally difficult. We manage the administrative side so families can focus on what matters, and we make sure every applicable entitlement is identified and claimed.
Who is eligible
Legal or de facto spouse or partner of a veteran with qualifying service
The veteran has died or is permanently incapacitated due to service-related conditions
The relationship was genuine and ongoing at the time of the veteran's death or incapacity
Income test conditions apply to the partner service pension and depend on the payment type
Gold Card access for surviving partners is available in certain specific circumstances
How it works
Identify Entitlements
We review the veteran's service history and the family's circumstances to identify every payment and benefit that may apply.
Prepare Documentation
We prepare the required applications and gather supporting evidence, including the veteran's service records, proof of relationship, and relevant medical or financial documents.
Lodge Application
We lodge all applicable applications with DVA and manage the process through to determination.
How Clear Path helps
We identify every applicable payment and healthcare entitlement for the surviving partner
We prepare bereavement payment and partner service pension applications with full supporting evidence
We assist with Gold Card applications for eligible surviving partners
We manage DVA's correspondence throughout the process with care and efficiency
Common questions
What is the partner service pension?
The partner service pension is an ongoing payment for the surviving spouse or wholly dependent partner of a veteran with qualifying operational or peacekeeping service. It continues beyond the veteran's death and is designed to provide ongoing financial support. Eligibility conditions and payment rates depend on the type of service and other factors including the partner's income.
Does it matter how long we were together?
DVA recognises both legal and de facto relationships. The length of the relationship can be relevant to establishing that it was genuine and ongoing, particularly for de facto partnerships. There's no minimum duration specified in the legislation, but DVA will consider the circumstances of the relationship.
Can I access the DVA Gold Card as a surviving partner?
In certain circumstances, surviving partners of veterans who held the Gold Card or met specific eligibility criteria are entitled to their own Gold Card. The eligibility conditions are specific and depend on the veteran's service history and the basis on which they were entitled. We assess this as part of every partner claim engagement.
Ready to get started?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through what this means for your situation.
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