Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP)
The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) is the highest level of compensation available under MRCA for veterans whose conditions are so severe they are unable to work more than 10 hours per week.
SRDP is available for veterans with accepted conditions that alone, or in combination, prevent them from working above the 10-hour threshold. From 1 July 2026, DRCA veterans can also be assessed for SRDP for the first time.
SRDP acceptance automatically triggers eligibility for the DVA Gold Card, providing funded healthcare for all conditions regardless of service connection. It is among the most significant entitlements in the DVA system and requires thorough preparation.
Who is eligible
Accepted conditions under MRCA or DRCA that alone or in combination prevent you working more than 10 hours per week in civilian employment
Medical evidence establishing current work capacity
SRDP acceptance is incompatible with receiving incapacity payments, one replaces the other
Gold Card is automatically issued on SRDP acceptance
How it works
Review Current Entitlements
We review your accepted conditions, existing payments, and service history to assess whether you meet the SRDP threshold and evaluate the strength of your case.
Work Capacity Evidence
We work with your treating practitioners to gather medical evidence establishing your work capacity, including functional assessments where required.
Prepare the Submission
We prepare your supporting statement and assemble all medical evidence into a decision-ready submission.
Lodge and Manage
We lodge your claim with DVA and manage the process through to determination, including any requests for additional information.
How Clear Path helps
We assess whether SRDP is the right pathway based on your service history, accepted conditions, and work capacity
We gather and organise the work capacity evidence DVA needs to assess your claim
We prepare the full submission to decision-ready standard
We manage DVA's correspondence and any requests for additional information
We advise on Gold Card access and other entitlements that flow from acceptance
Common questions
What is the SRDP threshold?
SRDP requires that your accepted conditions, alone or in combination, prevent you from working more than 10 hours per week in civilian employment. From 1 July 2026, DRCA veterans can be assessed for SRDP for the first time, opening up this pathway to veterans who previously had no access to it.
Does SRDP acceptance trigger the Gold Card?
Yes. Acceptance for SRDP automatically makes you eligible for the DVA Gold Card, which provides funded healthcare for all medical conditions regardless of service connection. This is one of the most valuable downstream benefits of SRDP acceptance.
Can I still do volunteer work if I receive SRDP?
SRDP is based on your capacity for paid employment, not on your ability to undertake volunteer activities. Volunteer work does not generally affect your eligibility, though you should seek advice before undertaking any regular activity that could be characterised as work.
Ready to get started?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through what this means for your situation.
Book a free consultationMore from DVA Compensation Claims