Wellbeing support & financial assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Assistance

• Do you offer short term financial assistance?

  We know things can get tough. We can provide short-term financial assistance to help with things like groceries, electricity bills, rental arrears or transport.
  Our friendly team can talk through your needs and work out the best way to support you, without judgement. We can help to provide relief and respite when it’s hard to make ends meet.

  As we are a charity, there are eligibility criteria for receiving financial assistance, but we welcome enquiries at any time.

  If you would like more information or would like to talk to someone about financial assistance, please contact us online or call 02 8088 0388.

• Do you provide finance counselling services?

  As well as providing short term financial assistance we can connect you with a financial counsellor who can work with you so that you can manage your finances better.

• Can you help with paying for funerals?

  It’s important that veterans are provided a respectful and dignified funeral that recognises their service. We understand that these funerals can be expensive. We can help with financial assistance, and we can connect you into the RSL network for appropriate ceremonies.

  Complete our financial assistance form to apply https://rsllifecare.org.au/defencecare/application-for-financial-assistance/

• Can you help with paying for school fees and childcare?

  Raising a family can be expensive and when times are already tough, taking care of the kids or sending them off to school can put a strain on finances. We can help with paying for school fees or childcare.

  Complete our financial assistance form to apply https://rsllifecare.org.au/defencecare/application-for-financial-assistance/

• What else can provide assistance with?
  • Transport and getting around – providing financial assistance for car repairs, servicing and insurance, as well as taxi fares to help you stay mobile.
  • Housing assistance – for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
  • Disaster assistance – providing financial assistance during disaster such as droughts, floods and bushfires.
• Can you help with Transport assistance, or getting around?

  We can help with the cost of transport, including vouchers for petrol, or cab charges.

  While medical needs are covered by DVA, often transport is not, so we can help veterans get to and from medical appointments.

• Can you help with car repairs, registration or car insurance?

  We can help cover the cost of things like car repairs, services, registration or insurance. This is part of our financial assistance service and costs can be paid directly to the provider.

  This assistance is provided to veterans and their families who meet the eligibility criteria.

• Do you provide financial assistance?

  There are eligibility criteria to be able to access financial assistance, but we encourage you to get in touch or submit an application.

  If you’d like to have a confidential discussion about what might be available to you, please complete the enquiry form below or call 02 8088 0388.

Help during a disaster

• How can you help during a natural disaster?

  In times of natural disaster such as droughts, floods and bushfires, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services can pay bills on behalf of veterans and their family cohabitants who have been affected. We can also transfer funds via EFT to provide short term respite.

  This assistance is initially limited to $3000, however increased assistance may be available depending on the circumstances.

  We encourage applicants to request any amount necessary and we’ll consider all applications on a case by case basis.

  If you’d like to have a confidential discussion about your options during a time of crisis, please submit an enquiry online or call 02 8088 0388.

Community Outreach

• Can you connect me with any emotional support groups or connection with company?

  We can connect you with groups who visit veterans and family members, especially the elderly or lonely, in their homes, hospitals or nursing homes.

  These groups provide emotional support and company to veterans and family members who need it.

  We’re also able to provide information and referrals to government, health and welfare services.

  Even if you know you need some help, but you’re not sure where to begin, get in touch with us and speak to someone.

  Through our connections with RSL sub-Branches, we can help to provide RSL funeral tributes or visits to widows.

  All our services are free of charge. If you’d like to speak to someone or arrange a visit, please complete the enquiry form below or call us on 02 8088 0388.

  Groups that we connect veterans with include RSL NSW sub-Branches, Legacy, partners groups and carers groups.

• Can you arrange a visit at hospital or home?

  We facilitate regular hospital visits to see veterans and family members in need. We can also refer you to groups who can visit you in your home.

  Our clients have found that this social interaction can help with making personal connections, preventing loneliness and anxiety, and improving overall welfare.

  If you’d like to arrange a visit, please complete the enquiry form below or call us on 02 8088 0388.

• Can you arrange for a visit to a veteran in need?

  We facilitate visits to veterans in need at home, or in hospitals or nursing homes. However, visiting individuals cannot turn up unannounced. The veteran must request a visit.

  If they would appreciate a visit, please encourage them to get in touch with us.

  If they are unable to contact us on their own, you can contact us on their behalf and we can work with you to complete the necessary forms to enable use to reach out. Alternatively, we can provide guidance and appropriate referrals to other services.

• Can you arrange some help for a friend or family member?

  If your friend or family member needs help, please ask them to get in contact with RSL LifeCare Veteran Services.

  If you are a family member and you’re being affected by the situation, please get in touch as we are able to help family members.

Counselling

• Can you help people with PTSD and if they are struggling with mental health issues?

  If you feel like you’re struggling with your mental health, please get in touch.

  It’s estimated that 48,000 veterans have a service-related mental health condition, so you’re not alone in this struggle. We can be there to listen or provide you with options to receive additional mental health support.

  If you are having problems with alcohol or drug abuse we can connect you to appropriate services.

  Anyone with at least one day of service in the ADF is able to receive treatment for mental health conditions through the Department of Veterans Affairs, even if the condition has not been accepted as service-related. We can provide guidance on accessing this treatment.

• Do you provide counselling support for families?

  We understand the strain that Defence service can put on families. Stress, anxiety, and depression don’t just affect the individual but their family too. This can put pressure on marriages or impact quality time with the kids. If your family life is feeling unhappy or strained, Open Arms can provide counseling support to the whole family in order to help you find resolutions that work.

• If I am struggling and need emergency support, who can I contact?

  Emergency – 000
  Open Arms – 1800 011 046 (open 24 hours)
  Department of Defence Mental Health All Hours Support Line – 1800 628 036
  LifeLine Australia – 13 11 14 (open 24 hours)