Apply for a certificate of appreciation

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 970 KB)
• Certificate of Appreciation Guidelines (DOCX 71 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