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. ​
ADF Superannuation
Prior to 1 July 2016 you may be a member of either:
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Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS), closed to new members from 1 July 2016
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Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB), closed to new members from 1 October 1991.
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After 1 July 2016 you will either be a member of the ADF Super or you may have chosen your own superannuation fund.
Australian Government Superannuation Corporation
learn more about MSBS or DFRDB schemes.
Australian Government Superannuation Corporation
Learn how your ADF super is treated and calculated
ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre
Learn how super works and how to sustain your future
ADF Pay Conditions - Superannuation
Learn how your super is treated and calculated
Super Stapling or Stapled Meaning
From 1 November 2021, employees (including new ADF personnel) will become 'stapled' to their existing super accounts. This means that when a new employee doesn't choose a super fund, their employer must pay super contributions into their existing account (stapled fund). If there's no chosen fund or stapled super fund the employer must pay super contributions into their nominated default fund.
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Transitioned from the ADF and your Superannuation
Legal and financial advice
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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
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National Service Financial -Veteran Financial Service
Australian Government Superannuation Corporation
Information for transitioning and your super
Australian Government - Money Smart
Australian Government - ATO
Track your Super
Where to go to find out more about your super
You can monitor your super with your myGov account linked to ATO online services, you can find out more at www.ato.gov.au/trackyoursuper
This enables you to: view details of all your super accounts, including lost or unclaimed amounts.
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Superannuation NEWS
Australian Government - ASIC
Superannuation news and reports
Veteran supported services for lower living costs
Home Loans
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.
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
Discounts
APOD
Find a qualified Advocate near you
Find a financial Advisor near you
Department of Defence Transitioning & Finances
Department of Defence Current Serving & Families 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."
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.
Aged Care GUIDE to:
Understanding Pension Payments
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Services Australia (Centrelink)
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Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
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Prepare to change to age pension
From the DSP
Age Pension with Services Australia
Age Pension with DVA
Financial Crisis Support
Wounded Heroes Crisis Support
To support the members of the Australian Defence Force, Veterans and their families in financial crisis, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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Address: 41 Brisbane Road, Bundamba. City of Ipswich QLD 4305
Email: mailbox@woundedheroes.org.au
Website: https://www.woundedheroes.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Woundedoz/
Phone: 1300 532 112
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.
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.