Annual Update – 2019

At RSL DefenceCare our mission is to meet the needs of Australian veterans and their families seeking help with claims, advocacy and wellbeing.

In 2019, RSL DefenceCare was able to:

• Provide $926,146 in financial assistanceincluding $127,832 in disaster assistance.
• Assist 101 veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Help over 600 veterans to lodge 2028 claimswith DVA.
• Provide 181 counselling sessionsto veterans and family members in need.
• Make 230 visitsto homes, hospitals and nursing homes.

Financial assistance including drought and bushfire assistance

Throughout the year, we provided $926,146 in financial assistance to 539 veterans and family members in times of need. This figure includes $127,832 of disaster assistance to drought and bushfire affected areas.

Following the devastating bushfires, we know more than ever the tragedy that fire, flood and drought can cause in people’s lives. We are always there in times of crisis and continue to help veterans and their families who have been impacted by the bushfire crisis.

We’ve had some touching feedback from veterans that we assisted, including one veteran in the Western Plains region. 

You guys are the only ones who actually do get support to farmers. So thanks again, you should be proud of RSL DefenceCare’s work.

We provide financial assistance to help with a variety of things. For example, one veteran was pursuing further education to undertake a civilian career. With additional costs following the bushfires, and a partner unable to work, this veteran was struggling to pay for course essentials such as a laptop. RSL DefenceCare assisted with the purchase of the equipment.

Oh wow! Thank you so much, I’m absolutely overwhelmed. This will be a massive help this year towards my studies and I would not have been able to start without your support. Thank you again.

Homelessness and housing support

In 2019 we helped 101 veterans who were experiencing homelessness.

This support includes helping veterans and their families who might be at risk of homelessness. We help people at risk to find a rental property or stay in their current accommodation. We can also help veterans to access subsidised bond and rent payments.

Our housing project officer works with veterans to assess their individual needs, alleviating immediate crisis and providing ongoing support.

DVA claims and appeals

Helping veterans with DVA claims is one of RSL DefenceCare’s core services.

In 2019 we assisted over 600 veterans lodge 2028 DVA claims.

Many of our claims and advocacy specialists are veterans or from Defence families. Their work is vital in supporting the lifetime wellbeing of veterans and their families.

While the DVA claims process can be long, successful claims can provide much needed medical cover and financial independence for veterans who have served our country. All our services are free of charge and we provide a range of advice and support when it comes to lodging DVA claims or appealing rejected claims at the Veterans’ Review Board.

Community support and outreach

The importance of supporting people in their community can’t be overstated. In 2019 we made 230 visits to people in homes, nursing homes, and hospitals. We also provided 181 counselling sessions.

These services are provided to veterans of all ages, as well as widows and family members. They are all free of charge. We hope that by visiting people at home and in their communities we’re able to make a difference in their day to day lives.

Looking forward

2019 was a big year for the team at RSL DefenceCare, but the support we were able to provide to veterans and their families wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of donors and RSL sub-Branches.

We want to continue helping veterans and their families in times of injury, illness and crisis in 2020 and beyond.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.