What Veterans Need to Know Ahead of the 2026 Reforms
The Australian Government is preparing to introduce the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (VETS) Act, expected to commence in mid-2026. This new legislation represents one of the biggest reforms to veteran compensation in decades, aiming to simplify entitlements and replace the long-criticised three-act system (VEA, MRCA and DRCA).
Understandably, one of the biggest questions from veterans right now is:
“What will happen to my Gold Card or White Card when the VETS Act comes into effect?”
What Is the VETS Act? A Quick Overview
The VETS Act is being introduced in response to recommendations from:
- The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
- The Productivity Commission’s Report into Veteran Compensation and Rehabilitation
These inquiries highlighted that veterans face a confusing, inconsistent system involving three separate laws:
- Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
- Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA)
The VETS Act aims to consolidate these into one modern, consistent framework that applies to almost all veterans, regardless of their service period.
While the Act is not yet final, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has confirmed one thing clearly:
Existing entitlements will not be taken away.
This includes Gold Cards and White Cards.
What Are Gold and White Cards? A Quick Refresher
DVA Gold Card
A Gold Card provides veterans with clinically necessary treatment for any condition, whether service-related or not.
Veterans typically qualify through:
- Age/Service Pension pathways
- Severe service-related impairment (60+ PI points under MRCA)
- Specific campaigns or operational service
- Special Rate/Extreme Disablement Adjustments under VEA
DVA White Card
A White Card covers treatment for accepted conditions only, such as:
- Physical injuries
- Psychological conditions (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
- Certain automatically covered mental health conditions
White Cards may also be issued for:
- Mental health support under the Non-Liability Health Care program
- Cancer-related conditions depending on service history
Will Gold and White Cards Still Exist Under the VETS Act?
Based on government statements, fact sheets, and parliamentary briefings, current indications suggest:
Yes, Gold and White Cards will continue to exist under the VETS Act.
There is no proposal to remove or downgrade existing cards, and veterans will not be asked to re-apply for entitlements already granted.
The government has emphasised a “no disadvantage” principle, meaning veterans should:
- Keep their current treatment entitlements
- Do not lose access to funded healthcare
- Continue holding their current card unless a new system expands access
Until the legislation is finalised, some administrative details may change, but the cards themselves remain fundamental to the DVA treatment model.
Will the Eligibility Rules for Gold and White Cards Change?
This is one of the areas still under review.
Here’s what is likely based on current reform goals:
1. Eligibility may become more consistent across all veterans.
Today, eligibility can differ based on the Act your claim falls under.
The VETS Act aims to create uniform pathways, meaning:
- The criteria for impairment levels
- Qualification for treatment support
- Long-term health entitlements
…may shift toward a single, simplified system.
2. Veterans with existing cards will keep them (“grandfathering”).
No veteran who already holds a Gold or White Card will lose it due to legislative changes.
3. Access to mental health treatment may expand.
The government has signalled that mental health support will remain a priority, and expanded eligibility is possible.
Will Veterans Need to Apply Again When the New System Begins?
No. Veterans with current entitlements will be automatically transitioned.
This includes anyone with:
- A Gold Card
- A White Card
- A Non-Liability Health Card (mental health)
Veterans will not be required to submit new applications or undergo reassessments unless:
- They choose to lodge new claims
- They request upgrades or changes
Your card remains valid during and after the transition.
What About Veterans Currently in the Claims Process?
If a veteran’s claim is underway when the VETS Act begins:
- The claim will continue without interruption
- They will not need to re-lodge
- Decisions may be made under transitional rules, depending on timing
This prevents claims from being delayed or reset.
Veterans should expect more guidance from DVA in late 2025 to help them understand which system their claim will fall under.
What Should Veterans Do Before the VETS Act Starts?
Here are practical steps for veterans who already hold a Gold or White Card — or expect to apply for one soon:
1. Make sure all accepted conditions are up to date
Many veterans have conditions that were never formally claimed or recognised.
Lodging outstanding conditions now:
- Strengthens your future entitlements
- Ensures accurate transition data when the VETS Act begins
- Helps avoid later disputes
2. Consider whether you may qualify for a Gold Card
Under existing rules, a veteran assessed at 60+ impairment points receives a Gold Card automatically.
If you are close to this threshold, lodging PI claims before 2026 may be beneficial.
3. Keep copies of all DVA decision letters
This includes:
- Acceptance letters
- Impairment assessments
- Permanent impairment decisions
These documents help advocates ensure your treatment entitlements transition correctly.
4. Speak with an experienced advocate
Many veterans are unsure where they sit within the current or upcoming systems.
Advocates can help you:
- Understand your current entitlements
- Identify missing claims
- Prepare for updates to impairment rules
- Ensure you are not disadvantaged by the transition
How Military Claims Can Help During This Transition
Our team works with veterans every day to ensure:
- All service-related conditions are properly recognised
- Permanent impairment claims are correctly prepared
- Mistakes from past claims are reviewed and fixed
- Veterans protect and maximise their treatment entitlements
As the VETS Act approaches, clarity and preparation matter more than ever.
We monitor legislative updates closely and ensure our clients understand how upcoming changes may affect their compensation and treatment rights.
Final Thoughts: What Veterans Need to Remember
Here’s what we know with confidence:
- Gold and White Cards are not being removed.
- Current cardholders will not lose entitlements.
- The VETS Act aims to simplify, not reduce, veteran support.
- Veterans should prepare by updating claims and reviewing impairments.
Reforms of this scale can feel overwhelming — but with accurate information and the right support, veterans can navigate the transition smoothly and confidently.
