How to make a claim
How to make a claim
If you are a veteran with qualifying service, there are a number of ways that you can claim for support.
How to make a claim
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Step 1 Check your eligibility
To be eligible for support from Veterans’ Affairs you need to have qualifying operational service or qualifying routine service.
Before you begin the claim process, please check whether your deployments give you either of the qualifying services and if they do, you are eligible for support.
You can check your eligibility on our website here.
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Step 2 Download or request the form
If you are eligible for support the next steps is to begin completing a claim form.
We can help you find the correct form
Call or email us and we can help you find which form to use and whether you need to do anything else to make the claim. Contact us
There are two main claim forms that most veterans use
Which form to use depends on when your qualifying service took place (if you use the wrong form, we still accept it).
If you served before 1 April 1974 or in Viet Nam, use the Disablement Pension application form.
Disablement Pension application form
If you served after 1 April 1974, the the Veteran Support application form.
Veteran Support application form
Forms for all entitlements and services are available online
If you have a different requirement, for example, for help around the home, you can download the specific claim form.
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Step 3 Talk to your GP
It is worthwhile taking your form with you when you see your GP.
For each health condition (that you believe is related to your service) that you are applying for, there is a section in the form that requires your Doctor to complete. Without those sections being completed we will be unable to process your application form.
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Step 4 Send in your completed claim form
It will make the process go quicker if you complete all required sections, including the signature, supporting documents, and copies of identification (if needed)
To help you there is a checklist on each form that show what steps need to be taken and what documents to include.
You can either email us a digital version of your application or post a paper copy of your form with all the supporting information.
To email us a digital copy of your claim
Email the form and any supporting documents to:
Make sure your attachments follow our guidelines. For example, the total size of the files in your email must be under 15MB.
To send us a paper copy of your claim
Send the form and any supporting documents to:
Veterans' Affairs
PO Box 5146
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
What happens next?
We will let you know that we have received your claim.
While you are waiting for your claim to be processed
Once you have sent us your claim, you should continue to get any treatment you need through your medical practitioners.
Keep receipts for any treatment you pay for during this time. We may be able to reimburse you for some treatment costs if your claim is accepted.
