]Incapacity payments are a vital form of DVA support. They provide a financial safety net for veterans whose accepted service conditions limit their ability to work. While we have talked about the myth that you cannot work while receiving them, the actual process of applying for and managing these payments can still seem intimidating.
This article provides a clear, practical guide to the incapacity claim process, from establishing your eligibility to getting your first payment.
Step 1. Establishing your eligibility
Before you can apply for incapacity payments, you need to meet a few baseline requirements. This is the foundation of your claim.
- You must have one or more conditions that DVA has already accepted as being service-related.
- Your accepted condition must be the primary reason for your inability to work your normal hours or in your usual role.
- You must have a resulting economic loss. In other words, you must be earning less than you normally would because of your condition.
It is important to remember that this is a separate claim from Permanent Impairment, which assesses the functional impact of your condition, not the economic impact.
Step 2. Gathering the key evidence
A successful incapacity claim relies on two critical types of evidence.
First is medical evidence. You will need a medical certificate from your doctor. This is not just a standard sick note. It must clearly state that it is your accepted DVA condition that is preventing you from working at your normal capacity, and it should specify the period you are unable to work.
Second is financial evidence. You will need to provide documents that help DVA establish your "Normal Earnings" and your current earnings. This can include payslips from before and after your capacity was affected, tax returns, and letters from employers.
The key to a successful incapacity claim is medical evidence that clearly shows not just that you have a condition, but that the condition is the direct cause of your reduced capacity to work.
Step 3. Lodging the claim and the assessment
Once you have your medical and financial evidence, you can lodge the specific incapacity claim forms with DVA.
After you have lodged the claim, DVA will begin its assessment. A delegate will review all the evidence to confirm your eligibility and will perform a financial assessment to calculate your correct payment rate.
The Importance of ongoing management
Unlike a one-off payment, incapacity payments are an ongoing form of support that requires regular management. It is not a "set and forget" benefit.
To continue receiving payments, you will have obligations to DVA. This includes providing updated medical certificates regularly and immediately reporting any changes to your employment situation or your earnings. Failure to do so can result in your payments being stopped or a debt being raised against you.
Incapacity payments are a lifeline that provides financial stability for thousands of veterans. While the initial application and the ongoing management can be an administrative burden, you do not have to handle it alone. Our team can help you lodge your initial claim and manage the ongoing requirements, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on your health.
