Find DVA meal preparation services
Meal preparation assistance may be approved when an accepted condition makes the task difficult. The DVA determination sets the approved tasks and frequency.
How Household Services works
DVA Household Services can provide compensation for reasonably required household tasks when an accepted service-related condition makes those tasks difficult. DVA assesses the need and specifies the approved services, frequency and financial limits.
Veterans generally choose a suitable provider. The provider meets DVA’s requirements and submits the required invoice information. AusVeterans can introduce your enquiry to a provider serving your area.
- Check your status
Confirm whether you already have a determination, are awaiting a decision or are still researching eligibility.
- Submit the practical details
Provide the service, postcode and contact information.
- Review an introduction
If a suitable independent provider is available, your enquiry may be shared so they can contact you directly.
Request a meal-preparation provider
Tell us what DVA has approved and where support is needed.
Common questions
What meal support can Household Services include?
Household Services can include assistance with meal preparation. The individual determination sets the approved activity.
Can dietary requirements be discussed?
Practical dietary requirements can be discussed directly with a prospective provider before accepting service.
When is a service agreement created?
The veteran and provider arrange any service agreement after the introduction.
Nutritious. Convenient. Veteran-Focused.
If cooking has become a challenge due to injury, illness or the effects of ageing, DVA meal preparation services can help. These supports make it easier for eligible veterans to enjoy regular, healthy meals without the physical strain of preparing food from scratch.
- In-home meal preparation assistance, where a support worker helps prepare, portion or cook meals in your kitchen
Why DVA Meal Preparation Service Matters
Mental Wellbeing
Veterans often face unique challenges both physical and psychological. Meal preparation support is designed to:
- Remove the daily stress of meal planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning
- Free up time and energy to focus on recovery, rehabilitation, relaxation and family
- Support independence and confidence at home
Physical Health
- Minimise the strain of standing for long periods, lifting or bending
- Reduce the risk of accidents in the kitchen
- Ensure you can maintain good nutrition even if you cannot cook from scratch
Nutritional Benefits
Through Lite n’ Easy, veterans have access to a wide range of dietitian-approved meals that:
- Are portion-controlled for health and energy
- Cater to different dietary needs and preferences
- Are frozen for convenience, freshness and easy reheating
If you choose in-home support, your meals can be prepared to suit your dietary requirements and stored safely for later use.
Here is how it works:
- DVA covers the remaining 70% of the approved meal cost
- Meals are delivered directly to your home
In-Home Meal Preparation Option
Some veterans prefer assistance with meal preparation in their own kitchen. This may include:
- Preparing and portioning meals for the week
- Storing meals safely in your fridge or freezer
- Helping with cooking instructions
- Ensuring food meets your dietary needs
In this option, DVA funds the labour of the support worker. Veterans are responsible for purchasing ingredients.
How the DVA Meal Preparation Service Works
5. Delivery and Preparation
Lite n’ Easy meals are delivered frozen so they are ready for you to reheat at your convenience. If you choose in-home preparation, your meals will be cooked or portioned by the support worker and then stored safely for you to enjoy later.
Who Is Eligible?
- You may be eligible for DVA-funded Meal Preparation Services if:
- You hold a DVA Gold Card or a White Card with an accepted service-related condition
- You have difficulty with meal planning, preparation or cooking
- You live at home (not in residential aged care)
- There is no one in your household who can reasonably help with meals
Looking for Veterans Meals on Wheels?
Many people search for veterans meals on wheels when trying to find reliable, home-delivered meals for themselves or a loved one. While the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) does not provide a traditional Meals on Wheels service, eligible veterans may receive similar support through the DVA Household Services program.
Let’s Get Your DVA Meal Preparation Support in Place
Note: All services are subject to DVA assessment and approval. Eligibility criteria must be met.
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