More veterans, war widows and widowers may become eligible to receive an income support pension from 20 September following changes to the Australian Government's assets test. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said that changes to the assets test paper rate in September would substantially increase the
maximum value of assets a person could have and still be paid certain pensions.

"Thanks to this change by the Australian Government, some veterans, war widows and widowers whose assets have been above the previous limits will soon become eligible for an income support pension, such as service
pension, age pension or income support supplement," Mr Billson said.

"I encourage members of the veteran community who think they might become eligible for a payment to make a claim to the Department of Veterans' Affairs as soon as possible. The sooner a claim is made, the sooner payments can begin if the claim is successful.

"Income support recipients may be eligible for other benefits, such as a pensioner concession card, pharmaceutical allowance, utilities allowance and telephone allowance.

"Some veterans who are granted service pension may also be eligible for a Gold Card, entitling them to treatment and care for all health conditions at Government expense."

All income support pension claims will still need to satisfy income test criteria. "The Australian Government is committed to supporting the welfare of veterans and their families and protecting the living standards of those
who have contributed so much to Australia," Mr Billson said. An eligible claim lodged before 20 December 2007 will be backdated to 20 September 2007. Eligible claims made from 21 December 2007 will be backdated to the claim lodgement date.

Members of the veteran community seeking information or assistance with
lodging a claim should visit a Veterans' Affairs Network (VAN) Office,
call DVA on 133 254 or 1800 555 254