Article at a glance
- What it covers: treatment for conditions DVA has accepted as service-related, plus mental health care for all veterans.
- Who qualifies: veterans with accepted service-related conditions, including under non-liability mental health provisions.
- Not just the listed conditions: a condition may still qualify if it can be linked to service.
- Upgrades possible: as circumstances change, some White Card holders later become eligible for a Gold Card.
The DVA White Card gives Australian veterans access to treatment for accepted service-related conditions, plus mental health support for all veterans, regardless of whether the condition is accepted.
This guide explains what the White Card covers, who is eligible, and how to apply. To see how it compares with the other cards, visit our DVA card eligibility page, or talk it through with our expert team.
What is a DVA White Card?
The DVA White Card is a treatment card issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs that gives veterans access to healthcare for accepted service-related conditions, along with mental health support. It also opens up a range of discounts and concessions that help with the cost of living during recovery.
White Card vs Gold Card
Both cards offer medical benefits, but they cover different things. The White Card covers treatment for accepted service-related conditions plus mental health support, while the DVA Gold Card covers all conditions, whether service-related or not. The Gold Card is generally available to veterans with significant impairment, TPI veterans, and those aged 70 or older with qualifying service.
Who is eligible for a White Card?
The White Card is available to veterans with illnesses, injuries or conditions related to their service. Even if a condition is not on the recognised list, it may still qualify if it can be linked to service, and all veterans can access mental health treatment under non-liability healthcare provisions. Each application is assessed individually. Commonly accepted service-related conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Respiratory and skin conditions
- PTSD, depression and anxiety
- Substance use and cardiovascular conditions
What benefits does the White Card provide?
Medical services
Free access to GPs, specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists and occupational therapists for covered conditions, along with imaging, pathology and medicines through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Discounts and concessions
White Card holders can access concessions designed to reduce everyday costs, which can include discounted public transport, reduced entry to recreational facilities and lower utility bills. These vary, so confirm what applies in your state.
Support for families
The card is issued to the veteran, but spouses and dependants can often access support such as counselling and mental health services. For the full picture, see our guide to DVA spouse entitlements.
How to apply for a DVA White Card
- Check your eligibility against the recognised service-related conditions, and do not rule yourself out if your condition is not listed.
- Complete the White Card application form from the DVA website, with supporting documents.
- Submit your claim online through MyService or by post, including proof of service and medical evidence.
- Wait for DVA to assess the claim. If it is declined, you can seek a review with support.
Frequently asked questions
Need help with your White Card claim?
Our expert team can help you link your condition to service and lodge a strong claim.
Related from KSC Law
- DVA card eligibility: Gold, White and Orange
- DVA Gold Card: benefits and eligibility
- DVA claims and the claims process
External resources
Frequently asked questions
Yes. All veterans can access mental health treatment under non-liability healthcare, even if the condition has not been formally accepted as service-related.
It may still qualify if you can show it is linked to your service. Each application is assessed on its own facts, and our expert team can help you make that link.
Yes. As accepted conditions or impairment increase, some White Card holders later qualify for a Gold Card. See our Gold Card guide for the pathways.