Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) & TPI
The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) under MRCA and the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) pension under VEA are the highest levels of compensation available for veterans whose conditions are so severe they are unable to work more than 10 hours per week.
SRDP is available under MRCA for veterans with accepted conditions that alone, or in combination, prevent them from working above the 10-hour threshold. TPI and the Special Rate apply under VEA for veterans with operational or qualifying service whose conditions meet the equivalent threshold.
Both SRDP and TPI acceptance automatically trigger eligibility for the DVA Gold Card, providing funded healthcare for all conditions regardless of service connection. These are among the most significant entitlements in the DVA system and require thorough preparation.
Who is eligible
For SRDP (MRCA): accepted conditions that alone or in combination prevent you working more than 10 hours per week in civilian employment
For TPI/Special Rate (VEA): qualifying operational or peacekeeping service, with conditions rendering you unable to work above the 10-hour threshold
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 or TPI acceptance
How it works
Review Current Entitlements
We review your accepted conditions, existing payments, and service history to determine whether SRDP or TPI is the applicable pathway and assess 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 determine whether SRDP or TPI is the applicable pathway based on your service history and accepted conditions
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's the difference between SRDP and TPI?
SRDP applies under MRCA and is available for service from 1 July 2004. TPI (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated) and the Special Rate apply under VEA and relate to operational and qualifying peacekeeping service. The 10-hour work capacity threshold is the same for both. Some veterans with claims under both Acts may be eligible under either pathway.
Does SRDP or TPI acceptance trigger the Gold Card?
Yes. Acceptance for SRDP or TPI 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 or TPI acceptance.
Can I still do volunteer work if I receive SRDP?
SRDP and TPI are 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.
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