You may find that the Australian Government websites have comprehensive information and you may need a little help with navigating vital support, if you are a veteran and would like to speak to someone regarding your individual needs, AV Connect recommends that you contact the relevant departments: DVA Veteran Access Network (VAN) officer 1800 838 372 or in person at a DVA office, Medicare officer on 132011 or in person at the Services Australia Centres
AV Connect is not endorsed by the linked sites. When you press the link, you will be taken to the external owner of that site, we take no responsibility as to the accuracy or currency of information on those sites. We do not endorse any information, goods or services referred to within the sites and our provision of links should not be taken to be an endorsement. We do not charge a commission from the organisations, nor do we charge for the use of providing this service to Veterans and their families. Veterans and their families are encouraged to access DVA’s website to learn more about DVA's funded benefits, entitlements & health services as we do not provide any services ourselves via this website.
Finance
Your income stream can make a huge difference to your financial position and there are many Veterans who either don’t realise they qualify for a pension. Government allowances and concessions are often overlooked which means that .you may not be receiving the maximum entitled to you. Financial Planners focus on helping you with advice on your current circumstances and the Advocacy groups are there to help you apply and access DVA benefits, which is what you may be entitled too. ​
Veterans may opt for a standard home loan or apply with a specialist lender that offers unique solutions for veterans. Three lenders that provide home loans as part of the DHOAS are Defence Bank, Australian Military Bank, and NAB. DSH loans are available through Westpac.
Home Loans
Defence Bank
Australian Military Bank
NAB
DVA Link DSH
Insurance
Associated insurances. Eligibility for each scheme is dependent upon your qualifying period of service. providing tailored home building insurance for veterans
Defence Service Home Insurance Scheme
Health Insurance
Defence Health
LawRight increases access to housing, income and legal rights and improves the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people.
Find a qualified Advocate near you
Find a financial Advisor near you
Department of Defence Transitioning & Finances
DVA payments
"In most cases, we will have to accept liability for a physical or mental condition before we can pay you an income support payment or compensation. You will need to apply via MyService to get us to accept liability."
Department of Defence Current Serving & Families Finances
DVA & Overseas Information
Did you know?
If you get a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Disability Compensation Payment at the Special Rate (totally and permanently incapacitated) paid under the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986, you will meet the manifest medical rules with Services Australia. However, keep in mind, you will also need to meet the non-medical rules to get Disability Support Pension (DSP).
Manifestly Disabled
In order to prevent veterans claimants being sent to medical examinations that are unnecessary, Commission has defined 'manifest'. 1.1.M.30 Manifest grants (DSP) | Social Security Guide (dss.gov.au)
Definition of manifest – service pension
'Manifest' for service pension purposes means that the veteran clearly and obviously meets the invalidity service pension eligibility criteria, based on the presenting medical evidence available to the Department. No additional medical assessment or work capacity test is required for the decision maker to form an opinion regarding 'permanently incapacitated'.
Prepare for retirement
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
ACAT assesses the medical, physical, cultural, psychological and social care needs of frail older persons to help them access a range of Australian Government-subsidised aged care services.
Prepare to change to age pension
From the DSP
Age Pension with Services Australia
Age Pension with DVA
Financial Crisis Support
Manage medicine and keep costs down
DVA offers financial aid and support services to help veterans organise and manage medicine and keep costs down.
The Financial Capability Initiatives Database provides a comprehensive overview of a wide range of financial capability programs delivered by Government, private and not-for-profit organisations. The database provides information on the program type, organisation, target audience, delivery method and links to the program website. Search the database to find out what financial capability programs are currently available.
Bravery Trust
Bravery Trust is a registered business name of the Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust
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Address: PO Box 20, Camden, NSW 2570
Email: ask@braverytrust.org.au
Website: https://www.braverytrust.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraveryTrust
Phone: 1800 272 837
RSL DefenceCare
If you are a current or ex-serving veteran, or a family member of a veteran, who are experiencing financial hardship, RSL DefenceCare can help cover the cost of bills and household essentials. If you are struggling to find a place to live, or stay in your home, They may provide housing assistance.
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Website: https://rsllifecare.org.au/defencecare
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Defencecare
Phone: (02) 8088 0388
Email: info@rsldefencecare.org.au
Welcome to Engage - Supporting Those Who Serve. Engage is an online portal that current, transitioning, and former ADF members; their families, and/or those involved in their support can use to locate support services. Engage simplifies the process of accessing support by providing information on not-for-profit services available from a range of service providers.
Budgeting, Saving and spending guide
Juggling bills and debts? for free financial counselling
Call the Helpline to speak to a financial counsellor 1800 007 007
Help for Small Businesses 1800 413 828
To find a financial counselling agency in your area Find a financial counsellor
The NDH also offers a live chat function for small businesses around Australia and individuals in the ACT, NSW, Tasmania and WA. Just click on the chat bubble at the bottom right of the page to get started.
Legal and financial advice
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For legal advice, you can contact Legal Aid in your state.
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You can also contact legaladvice.com.au, an independent organisation.
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A Financial Information Service is available through Services Australia to help you make informed decisions about your finances.