The money crutch

Concept of Compensation

The Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service (MCRS) provides compensation to current and past ADF members for service caused injuries, disease and death. It is available to all ADF members including full time, part time, cadets and their officers and instructors. The benefits of this service extend beyond just assisting members preparing for discharge, in fact many serving members of all employment circumstances could be eligible for benefits.

Vocational rehabilitation
MCRS can also provide vocational rehabilitation to assist your return to suitable employment, if your service caused conditions affect your workability.

Incapacity payments
Incapacity payments can be granted if you have lost income or allowances as a result of an injury or illness caused by your service. These payments cover the income you would have received, were it not for the condition, and can be paid for as long as the payments would have lasted.

Lump-sum payments
Lump sum payments are compensation for the "non-economic loss" endured as a result of a service caused condition. It is a payment to compensate for the resultant pain and loss of function experienced. Reasonable medical and treatment expenses will also be covered, including the cost of aids, appliances and travel. Treatment will be paid for if liability is accepted, regardless of whether a lump sum or incapacity payment is taken.

In summary
If you genuinely believe that you have an injury or illness related to your ADF service, and you are concerned that future activities may be affected, you should seriously consider making a claim. Although there are no time limits on when to lodge a claim, medical evidence required to support your claim may not be readily available in later years. While you are still serving, your medical records can easily be obtained. Liability can be determined at an early stage, and benefits can be considered if the condition worsens later in life.

Attendant services
If seriously incapacitated, you can benefit from household and attendant services, paying someone to visit your home and assist with household chores such as cleaning, or personal activities of daily living, such as washing and dressing.

Death cover
If death arises out of service, either directly, or through a sustained injury or illness, your dependants may be entitled to lump sum payments, weekly payments for dependant children, funeral benefits and access to the Veterans' Children Education Scheme.

Info
For full-time members preparing for medical discharge, MCRS offers the Transition Management Service (TMS). TMS provides information on available services on discharge.

• Contact MCRS on 1300 550 461. Claim forms can be found at the Department of Veterans' Affairs' website, www.dva.gov.au, by following the MCRS links.

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