RSL LifeCare secures $2.25 million to strengthen veteran claims and advocacy support

RSL LifeCare has secured $2.25 million in funding over three years through the Australian Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program, providing a significant boost to services that help veterans and their families access the support and entitlements they have earned through their service. The funding will provide $750,000 per year to support RSL LifeCare’s Claims and Advocacy team.

The investment will ensure veterans across New South Wales and the ACT continue to have access to free, professional assistance when lodging compensation claims with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and appealing decisions through the Veterans’ Review Board.

For many veterans and families, navigating the claims process can be complex and overwhelming, particularly when managing the impacts of service-related injury, illness or transition to civilian life. RSL LifeCare’s Claims and Advocacy team works alongside veterans throughout the process, helping them understand their entitlements, prepare applications and access the support available to them.

Chief Veteran Services Officer David Anderson said the funding would help RSL LifeCare continue delivering expert support at a time of significant change for the veteran community.

“This funding is ultimately about ensuring veterans and their families receive the support they deserve when navigating what can often be a complex system,” said Anderson.

“Our Claims and Advocacy team provides professional, personalised assistance that helps veterans access compensation, services and entitlements that can make a real difference to their quality of life.

The funding is particularly important following the introduction of the new Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (VETS) Act on 1 July. Our team has been preparing for these changes and is well positioned to provide seamless support as veterans transition to the new framework, ensuring no one is left behind as the system evolves.”

The introduction of the VETS Act represents one of the most significant reforms to Australia’s veteran support system in decades. Having invested in preparing its Claims and Advocacy workforce for the changes, RSL LifeCare is ready to help veterans understand how the new arrangements apply to them and what support may be available under the new framework.

The funding aligns with RSL LifeCare’s purpose to enrich the lives of veterans and seniors and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to delivering practical support that can have a life-changing impact on veterans and the families who stand beside them.

More information about our claims and advocacy services can be found here.