If you're a veteran or a veteran's family member, you may be able to apply for a Certificate of Appreciation. These are issued as a national gesture of thanks for military service.

Why issue certificates?

The certificates are a way of expressing the nation’s gratitude to those who served:

• overseas in Australia’s Defence Force during the Second World War and in overseas wars, conflicts and peace operations since
• on the home front in the Second World War

They do not confer any eligibility for entitlements under the:

• Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
• Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

Certificates are issued as part of the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program.

Who can apply 

You can apply for a certificate if you are a:

• veteran who served in the wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations for which certificates are available
• family member on behalf of a deceased eligible person

What service qualifies?

Certificates are issued for service with Australia's Defence Forces:

• in overseas wars, conflicts or peace operations during the specified dates in the application form
• on the home front during the Second World War

Information about who is eligible for a certificate is in the guidelines:

• Certificate of Appreciation Guidelines (PDF 434 KB)
• Certificate of Appreciation Guidelines (DOCX 130 KB)

Steps to apply

To apply for a Certificate of Appreciation:

1. download and complete the application form
2. send your completed application form to your local federal member

Medals and awards

The Department of Defence is responsible for presenting medals and awards.

If you want more information about obtaining a medal or award, please contact the Defence Directorate of Honours and Awards at honours.awards [at] defence.gov.au.