TL;DR
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) funds home cleaning services for eligible veterans in Brisbane through two programs: Veterans Home Care (VHC) and Household Services (HHS) compensation. Under VHC, a small co-payment of $5 per hour applies. Under HHS, DVA covers the full cost with no out-of-pocket expense. The approved rate for 2026 is $79.90 per hour. To apply for VHC, call 1300 550 450. For HHS, complete form D9319 with your GP and submit it to DVA.
For veterans living in Brisbane, keeping up with regular household cleaning can become genuinely difficult when a service-related injury, reduced mobility, or a chronic health condition affects daily functioning. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) recognises this and offers funded cleaning support so eligible veterans can continue living safely and independently at home.
DVA cleaning services are delivered through two government programs: the Veterans Home Care (VHC) Program and the Household Services (HHS) compensation program. Both provide practical, in-home cleaning assistance, but they work differently in terms of eligibility, cost, and application process. This guide explains both clearly, so you know exactly what applies to your situation.
How Much Do DVA Cleaning Services Cost in Brisbane?
DVA sets a standard rate that approved providers can charge, and this rate is reviewed annually. For 2026, the approved rate is $79.90 per hour (inclusive of GST), up from $76.55 per hour in 2025. Veterans do not pay this rate out of pocket under normal circumstances. Here is how the costs break down by program:
Household Services (HHS): No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Under the Household Services compensation program, DVA pays the approved service provider directly. Veterans approved under HHS do not contribute any amount toward the hourly rate. The full cost is covered by DVA for services within the approved hours and scope.
Veterans Home Care (VHC): $5 Per Hour Co-Payment
Veterans accessing cleaning through the VHC program are asked to pay a co-payment of $5 per hour toward the service. There is a cap on the total co-payment per service type, so costs do not become burdensome over time. If the co-payment is genuinely unaffordable, a waiver can be requested, though eligibility criteria apply. There is no co-payment for Respite Care services under VHC.
DVA Program Options for Eligible Veterans
Understanding which program you fall under is the most important step before applying.
Veterans Home Care (VHC)
VHC is designed for veterans, war widows, and, in some cases, eligible carers and family members who need practical support at home due to functional limitations. The program focuses on low-to-moderate-level assistance with everyday tasks. It is the simpler pathway to access and is initiated through a phone assessment.
To be eligible for VHC, you must hold a DVA Gold Card or a White Card with an accepted service-related condition or Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), live in your own home rather than a residential aged care facility, and have genuine difficulty performing daily household tasks due to your health or mobility.
Household Services (HHS) Compensation
HHS is a compensation-based program available specifically to veterans (not war widows or dependants) whose accepted service-related condition under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) prevents them from performing household tasks they managed before their injury.
This program has no co-payment and is typically better suited for veterans whose service-related condition significantly affects their capacity to manage their home independently.
📝Important Note: You cannot receive the same cleaning services from both programs simultaneously. If DVA is already funding your cleaning under HHS, you cannot claim identical services through VHC. However, VHC-exclusive services such as Respite Care are not affected by this rule.
What Is Included in DVA-Funded Cleaning in Brisbane?
DVA cleaning covers a practical range of household tasks across two categories: domestic assistance and home and garden maintenance.
Domestic Assistance
This covers the core cleaning work most veterans need support with at home. It includes:
- Vacuuming and mopping all floor areas
- Dusting furniture and surfaces throughout the home
- Cleaning bathrooms, toilets, and kitchen areas
- Changing bed linen
- Assistance with basic meal preparation in some circumstances
Home and Garden Maintenance
DVA also funds certain maintenance tasks on a scheduled basis. These typically include:
- Internal and external window cleaning, generally on an annual basis
- Gutter cleaning is also typically approved annually
- Cleaning of ceiling fans and split-system air conditioning units
- Replacing light bulbs and changing smoke alarm batteries
- Basic lawn mowing and general garden maintenance within the approved scope
What Is Not Included
Some cleaning tasks fall outside the scope of DVA-funded cleaning services and usually need to be arranged and paid for privately if required. These may include:
- Deep carpet steam cleaning
- Upholstery cleaning
- Detailed oven or appliance cleaning
- Large-scale decluttering services
- Hoarding or excessive buildup cleanups
- Handling of unsafe or hazardous materials
- Services provided by family members under normal circumstances
Who Is Eligible for DVA Cleaning in Brisbane?
Eligibility for DVA cleaning services in Brisbane depends on the type of support program you are applying under and whether your health condition affects your ability to manage household cleaning safely and independently.
VHC Eligibility
To access Veterans Home Care in Brisbane, you need to hold a DVA Gold Card or a White Card with an accepted service-related condition, live in your own home, and have functional limitations that make regular household cleaning difficult or unsafe to manage independently. Carers and family members of eligible Gold or White Card holders may also be eligible for a VHC assessment in some circumstances.
HHS Eligibility
Household Services compensation requires that your accepted service-related condition is recognised under the MRCA or DRCA, that you are unable to perform household tasks you were responsible for prior to your injury or illness, and that you live at home rather than in residential aged care. DVA assesses HHS claims on a clinical and functional basis, so the more specific you can be about which tasks you cannot manage, the more clearly your needs can be assessed.
✔️Key point: If you have conditions accepted under the MRCA or DRCA, DVA requires that you be assessed for Household Services or Attendant Care before being assessed for VHC. VHC will not be approved for services you are already receiving under HHS.
How to Apply for DVA Cleaning in Brisbane
The application process for DVA cleaning support in Brisbane depends on whether you are applying through Veterans Home Care (VHC) or Household Services (HHS). VHC is generally the faster and simpler option, while HHS involves a more detailed assessment process for fully funded long-term support.
Applying for Veterans Home Care (VHC)
The VHC application is entirely phone-based and is the faster of the two pathways.
- Step 1: Call 1300 550 450. This is the dedicated VHC Assessment Agency number. When you call, confirm that you hold a Gold or White Card and explain the type of home support you need.
- Step 2: Complete a phone assessment. An assessor discusses your daily challenges at home, your health situation, and the tasks you find difficult. This determines your eligibility and the level of support appropriate for your needs.
- Step 3: Receive your VHC Care Plan. If approved, you receive a written care plan outlining the specific services, frequency, and approved weekly hours. You are also provided with a Rights and Responsibilities Information Sheet.
- Step 4: Be matched with a provider. The assessment agency connects you with a contracted VHC service provider in the Brisbane area. The provider contacts you to arrange scheduling.
- Step 5: Reassessment every 6 to 9 months. Your care plan is reviewed regularly to make sure the services continue to match your needs as your circumstances change.
Applying for Household Services (HHS) Compensation
HHS requires a more involved application process but results in fully funded services with no out-of-pocket cost.
- Step 1: Obtain form D9319. This is the official DVA claim form for Household Services. You can download it from the DVA website, access it through the MyService portal, or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) for assistance.
- Step 2: Complete your section of the form. Fill in your personal details, your accepted service-related condition, and details about which household tasks you can no longer manage because of that condition.
- Step 3: Take the form to your treating GP. Your GP completes the medical section, confirming how your condition affects your ability to carry out domestic tasks and what level of support is clinically appropriate.
- Step 4: Submit the form to DVA. Lodge form D9319 through MyService online or by post. Processing typically takes approximately 3 to 4 months from the date of submission.
- Step 5: Receive your Determination Letter. If approved, DVA issues a Determination Letter confirming the specific services, approved hours, and the provider rate of $79.90 per hour for 2026.
- Step 6: Choose an approved provider. You can select any DVA-approved provider that holds an Australian Business Number and meets DVA quality requirements. DVA pays the provider directly, so you do not need to pay upfront.
💡Helpful Tip: Because HHS claims take 3 to 4 months to process, apply as early as possible. If you need support in the meantime, VHC may be able to provide interim assistance while your HHS claim is being assessed.
How Often Will DVA Cleaning Be Provided in Brisbane?
The frequency of DVA cleaning visits depends on your individual assessment outcome.
- Some veterans receive weekly cleaning support
- Others may be approved for fortnightly or monthly visits
- Approved hours are based on your genuine functional needs, not personal preference
If your health or circumstances change after approval, you can request a reassessment through DVA or your VHC assessor to update your care plan.
- Reassessments can be requested if your support needs increase
- VHC reassessments are routinely completed every 6 to 9 months
- A formal request is not always required for a review to occur
This helps ensure your cleaning support continues to match your current care needs.
DVA and Aged Care: Can You Access Both?
Yes, in some cases. DVA services and government-funded aged care programs can run alongside each other, as long as the same services are not duplicated.
For Brisbane veterans aged 65 and over who need support beyond what DVA covers, My Aged Care offers access to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Support at Home program, which replaced the Home Care Packages Program from 1 November 2025. You can apply through My Aged Care online, by calling 1800 200 422, or by booking an in-person appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer on 1800 227 475.
Note that My Aged Care waitlists can be significant, sometimes ranging from 3 to 12 months depending on location and service type. Applying early is strongly recommended if you anticipate needing additional aged care support in the future.
Key Changes From 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the DRCA will close to new compensation and rehabilitation claims. All new claims from that date will be assessed under an improved MRCA framework.
What this means practically:
- Veterans who were previously assessed under different schemes may have their new claims processed under the expanded MRCA framework from 1 July 2026, creating a more consistent single pathway for new applications
- DRCA veterans transitioning into the new system may be eligible for updated benefit structures aligned with MRCA-style assessment and support arrangements, depending on their circumstances and claim type
- Some claims may be processed more efficiently due to streamlined assessment rules and broader standardisation under MRCA, but eligibility will still be assessed on a case-by-case basis
- Veterans currently receiving Household Services or Attendant Care under MRCA, VEA, or DRCA will generally continue their existing arrangements under transitional protections, with no automatic change to approved services
Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters in Brisbane
While DVA may cover the cost of approved cleaning services, the overall experience still depends heavily on the provider you choose. The right DVA cleaning provider in Brisbane can make day-to-day living safer, more comfortable, and far less stressful by delivering reliable support you can genuinely depend on.
A quality provider should offer:
- Trained and police-checked cleaners
- Consistent scheduling and dependable attendance
- Respectful and professional in-home service
- Clear communication and responsive customer support
- Full compliance with DVA and Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) guidelines
For many veterans, trust and consistency are just as important as the cleaning itself. Having familiar cleaners who understand your preferences and routine can make a significant difference in maintaining comfort, independence, and peace of mind at home.
That is why many Brisbane veterans choose Clean4you for DVA-approved cleaning services. We are committed to delivering reliable, respectful, and high-quality cleaning services customised to the individual needs of veterans and their families. Our experienced and carefully vetted cleaners understand the importance of professionalism, consistency, and compassionate in-home care.
At Clean4you, we focus on punctual service, flexible scheduling, clear communication, and dependable ongoing support to help make the entire process simple and stress-free. Whether you need regular household cleaning or assistance maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment through the Household Services (HHS) program, we are here to provide trusted cleaning services you can rely on with confidence.
Already Approved for DVA Cleaning Services in Brisbane?
If you already have your DVA approval for Household Services (HHS), the next step is simply choosing a trusted provider to deliver your approved cleaning support.
At Clean4you, we provide reliable DVA Household Cleaning Services for eligible veterans across Brisbane, helping maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable home environment in line with DVA-approved requirements.
In addition to Brisbane, we also provide DVA cleaning services across major locations throughout Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong, and surrounding areas.
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