Frequently Asked Questions

On this page:

What is the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant?

The Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant was was established by the Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Act 2019.

The Covenant encourages the Australian community to acknowledge the unique nature of military service, and support veterans and their families.

Underpinning the Covenant is the Veteran Card, the Lapel Pin and the Oath. 

What is the Lapel Pin?

The Lapel Pin provides the opportunity for veterans to be easily identified when not wearing their medals or uniforms.

There are two versions of the pin: one for members of the Permanent Forces (including Reservists with CFTS); and one for members of the Reserve. 

Why is there a different Lapel Pin for veterans and reservists?

The initial proposal was to only provide a Lapel Pin to those with permanent service with the Australian Defence Force.  Following consultation, the Minister requested that a different pin be provided to reservists.

What is the Veteran Card?

Those who have served in the Permanent Forces and Reservists with certain types of service are entitled to a Veteran White Card. The Veteran White Card provides coverage for Non Liability Health Care (NLHC) in Australia for all mental health conditions.

Those who haven’t already been issued a Veteran Card, will be issued a Veteran White Card. Those who already have a Veteran Card will have NLHC for mental health conditions added to their Veteran Card.

I am an Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer with overseas service - am I eligible for the Veterans' Covenant?

AFP officers are not eligible for the Covenant. However, an AFP officer may be eligible for compensation and treatment for injuries related to specific peacekeeping service covered under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). Where a claim is accepted, a Veteran Card will be issued for the treatment of the condition.

For more information, please see the Factsheet relevant to peacekeeping service entitlements.

Why do I have to apply for the Covenant?  The Government knows us all / why doesn’t DVA just send them to all veterans?

Not all veterans want Covenant recognition.  To avoid causing any distress, we only send the Covenant to veterans who tell us they want to receive it.

How do I apply for the Covenant?

Visit this page for information on how to apply for the Covenant.

Why do I have to apply online?

There is no requirement to apply online; however, many people find MyService to be the easiest way to submit and track their claim.

If you’re having problems with applying using MyService, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit a DVA office to talk to someone in person.

I can’t see the Request the Veterans' Covenant tile in MyService

If you can’t see the Veterans' Covenant tile you may not be eligible for the Covenant or you have already applied.

If you’re having difficulty applying using MyService, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit a DVA office to talk to someone in person.

I’m an existing client. DVA already has my service history and details, why do I need to provide Proof of Service when requesting the Veterans' Covenant?

If you are asked to provide Proof of Service and you believe we already have this on file, please let us know.

Why do I need to provide Proof of Service when I’m already with DVA?

If you are asked to provide Proof of Service and you believe we already have this on file, please let us know.

What is a “PMKeyS number”?

PMKeyS (Personnel Management Key Solution) is the system implemented by Defence from 1997 to manage personnel. Members of the ADF who served from that time will have been issued a PMKeyS number. Those who served prior to that time generally do not have a PMKeyS number, but will have a service number. 

How do I provide Proof of Service when requesting the Veterans' Covenant?

When you request the Veteran Covenant, you can either:

  • Verify your service using your PMKeyS number (if you don’t know what this is, see the question “What is a ‘PMKeyS number’?”)

OR

  • Provide your service number and a service document.
    Examples of suitable service documents are:
    • Military Payslip,
    • Enlistment certificate
    • Discharge Signal,
    • Service ID Card,
    • Other official Defence document which verifies your service in the ADF.

If you need assistance with your Proof of Service, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit a DVA office to talk to someone in person.

I don’t have access to / use the internet.  How can I request the Veterans' Covenant?

If you’re unable to apply online, or need help with your application, you can call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit a DVA office to talk to someone in person.

Why is DVA asking me to provide my bank account details while applying for a Veteran Card?

If your application indicates that you may be entitled to a Veteran Card, we will ask for your payment destination. Once your claim is processed and you have provided a payment destination we will check to see if you are eligible to receive the Veterans Supplement.  

The Veterans Supplement is a fortnightly amount paid to some veterans, war widow/ers and orphans to reduce out of pocket expenses when paying the maximum concessional pharmaceutical co-payment.

If you’re eligible for the supplement, you will receive the fortnightly amount in your nominated bank account.
If you’re not comfortable providing your bank details, you can skip this step.

When will I get my Lapel Pin and Oath?

The Covenant Lapel Pin and Oath are usually delivered within 2–3 weeks of the date of claim approval. If entitled to a Veteran Card, it will be sent separately to the Covenant items.

Are National Service personnel eligible?

Those who have rendered service in either of the National Service schemes and were required to render periods of Continuous Full Time Service (CFTS) are eligible for the Veteran Card, Veteran Lapel Pin and Oath.

Veterans who served in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) to fulfil a National Service obligation—rendering part-time (Reserve) service and no CFTS—are eligible for the Lapel Pin and Oath only.

DVA social media

 Twitter  Facebook