SRDP and TPI
The two highest ongoing payments for veterans who can't work: SRDP under the MRCA and TPI under the old VEA.
Rates and rules checked October 2026
SRDP under the MRCA
The Special Rate Disability Pension is an alternative to incapacity payments for veterans with severe, long-term impairment. You may be eligible if:
- you have at least 50 impairment points;
- you're receiving, or eligible for, incapacity payments;
- you can't work more than 10 hours a week; and
- rehabilitation is unlikely to help you return to work.
From 20 September 2026, the maximum SRDP is $967.20 a week plus a $10.75 Energy Supplement, a total of $977.95, before any reduction for superannuation or other payments you receive. SRDP eligibility also gives you a Gold Card.
TPI under the VEA
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI), now called the Special Rate of Disability Compensation Payment, is a VEA payment. It continues for veterans already receiving it, but no new VEA claims can be made from 1 July 2026. For the period 1 July to 19 September 2026 it was $1,895.90 a fortnight including the Energy Supplement.
The Additional Disablement Amount
New from 1 July 2026, the ADA is for veterans over pension age with at least 70 impairment points and a lifestyle rating of 6 or more. You can't get it while you're receiving MRCA incapacity payments or SRDP, or an above-general-rate VEA pension such as EDA or TPI. It replaces the VEA Extreme Disablement Adjustment for new claims and also comes with a Gold Card.
Common questions
What is the SRDP rate in 2026?
Can I still apply for TPI?
Sources
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