An industry standard of providing housing services to veterans has also been introduced to the sector as part of the launch.

As the peak industry body representing 170 not-for-profit community housing providers in Australia, CHIA’s knowledge and connection to providers across Australia will ensure that these resources are up to date, relevant and linked with the industry.

The veteran homelessness toolkit further progresses the Albanese Government’s commitment to address veteran homelessness. The Government is establishing the $10.0 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which will provide a sustainable funding source to increase housing supply and improve service delivery. The Housing Australia Future Fund includes $30.0 million to build housing and fund specialist services for veterans who are experiencing homelessness, or are at risk of homelessness.

Veterans who are struggling with their living situation or are at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 who will work with them to access the most appropriate care.

To download a copy of the toolkit, visit the CHIA website. For more information, visit the homelessness support webpage on the DVA website.

Call 1800 VET 777 or visit https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/treatment-and-support/dva-practitioner-support-service to learn more about the service or make an enquiry.

For more information visit the Summary of pension rates, limits and allowances page on the DVA website.

The Australian Government is committed to delivering a package of practical support measures that will improve the welfare of veterans and their families, now and into the future. The increase will provide additional financial support to TPI, Totally and Temporarily Incapacitated (TTI) and Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) veterans and their families who are already in receipt of the payment, and for veterans who become eligible in the future.

For more information about the TPI payment visit Special and Intermediate rates | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Participating in work improves the quality of life for veterans, not only by getting a higher income, but through keeping mentally active, developing stronger social connections and remaining physically fit. Additionally, businesses will benefit from the skills and experience of older Australians, particularly to help meet the current labour and skills shortages in Australia.

The Australian Government values the contribution that all senior Australians have made, and continue to make, to our economic and social wellbeing, and will support those veterans and pensioners who wish to contribute to the workforce.
If a veterans’ employment status or other circumstances change, DVA need to be informed by:

• ringing us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
• using MyService
• visiting any of our offices
• writing to us at GPO BOX 9998 BRISBANE QLD 4001

For more information about Workforce Incentive, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

We know defence service provides individuals with highly employable skills and attributes, making them valuable assets to the civilian workforce.  This was reaffirmed in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest report on the ex-serving population, which confirms most veterans have a successful transition to new employment, and is further supported by the most recent data release from the 2021 Census.  However, the transition to civilian employment can be challenging, and the recent reports remind us some veterans remain at risk of unemployment or underemployment. 

Employment providers, ex-service organisations, and employers reaffirmed this issue at the two Veterans’ Employment Roundtables held in August this year by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, in the lead up to the Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit,   where it was noted that even those who move into successful civilian careers may face challenges.  The need for  a positive narrative regarding veterans and partner employment was heard.

The Awards assist in sharing this positive message - to celebrate new employment initiatives, hear from individuals using their military experiences to thrive in the civilian workforce, and see how veteran and partner entrepreneurs are using their vast skillsets to succeed.

If you know of a veteran or partner employee going above or beyond; a veteran or partner entrepreneur succeeding in business or an employer who recognises the value of supporting veterans and partners, encourage them to nominate for 2023.  Connect with the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Program LinkedIn profile, or go to www.veteransemployment.gov.au for more details.

It’s not just physical violence.  Be aware and stay informed to help end family and domestic violence.

Whilst we often associate family and domestic violence with physical abuse, domestic violence can present in repetitive patterns of behaviour which are emotionally debilitating for the victim-survivor and just as abusive. The aftermath of such behaviour can be traumatic and lead to low self –worth and a ‘shut-down’ from loved ones, friends and family.  In the spotlight, are three types of non-physical forms of family and domestic violence.

1. Coercive control

Coercive control is often demonstrated by the perpetrator using a pattern of controlling or manipulating behaviour that leaves the victim feeling intimidated, isolated or controlled. Some of the behaviours victims may experience  include: manipulation and deceit, possessiveness of time and attention, control over what they eat, financial control or being denied freedom of movement.

2. Technology abuse

Technology abuse is an extension of coercion or harassment. Threats made over the phone or via text, abuse over social media, someone taking over your social media accounts or tracking your location via a smart device are just some forms of tech abuse. These behaviours are a crime and should be reported to the police.

3. Financial abuse

Financial abuse can happen when a family member or partner prevents someone from having freedom over their financial decision-making, or uses their money without their consent. This includes being forced into giving up control over DVA payments, money withdrawn from accounts or loans taken up in the victim’s name without their willing consent

As an Advocate, being aware of the social environment is important to assist you in recognising signs to family and domestic violence.

What can I do?

The first step is awareness. Understand and identify the different types of family and domestic violence. Second, know there is support for people to stop their behaviour and help for people experiencing violence, including children and elders.

Training

There are a range of training programs available to help you understand your role in stopping family and domestic violence. Further information, including training and how to find a local service, can be found on the 1800RESPECT website https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Remember:

LOOK - for the signs of the different types of family and domestic violence. 

LISTEN - respectfully and understand that everyone’s experience is individual.

REFER - to Triple zero (000) in an emergency or 24/7 support service such as 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) or Open Arms (1800 011 046).

Your own personal safety is important. Where there is any real or perceived danger/threat to life, including your own, please call triple zero – 000 immediately, and ask for assistance.

Who is eligible for PAMT?

PAMT is open to eligible claimants who have submitted a claim for one or more of the 20 specified conditions under either the:

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA)

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

Claims must be submitted between 18 June 2017 and the program end date. To see the program end date or to find more information about eligibility, go to PAMT Program for Veterans.

What are the 20 specified conditions?

PAMT enables access to treatment for the following 20 most commonly accepted conditions:

• achilles tendinopathy and bursitis
• chondromalacia patella
• cut, stab, abrasion and laceration
• dislocation
• fracture
• internal derangement of the knee
• intervertebral disc prolapse
• joint instability
• labral tear
• lumbar spondylosis
• non-melanotic malignant neoplasm of the skin
• osteoarthritis
• plantar fasciitis
• rotator cuff syndrome
• sensorineural hearing loss
• shin splints
• solar keratosis
• sprain and strain
• thoracic spondylosis
• tinnitus

What treatment will be covered?

Treatments will be subject to the Treatment Principles under the MRCA and the DRCA. If treatments exceed the limits of the Treatment Principles then prior approval from DVA will be required.

Further information

For more information, visit the DVA website: PAMT Program for Veterans

The Australian Government is committed to delivering a package of practical support measures that will improve the welfare of veterans and their families, now and into the future.

From 1 December, veterans and their partners who are eligible for the Work Bonus will get a once only top up of $4,000 to their Work Bonus Bank balance. This means veterans and their partners will be able to earn more income from employment before their pension is affected.

To be eligible for the Work Bonus from DVA, you must receive Income Support Supplement or Service Pension and be 60 years of age, or receive Age Pension. You are not eligible for Work Bonus if you are getting the transitional rate of pension.

On 1 January 2024, the maximum Work Bonus Bank balance reverts to $7,800. If at this time, the Work Bonus Bank balance is over $7,800, it will revert back $7,800.

More information on the Work Bonus can be found on the DVA website at Work bonus | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)

If you or the veteran are experiencing issues with your myGov account, please call Services Australia on 132 307.

Financial limits for each service category of childcare, counselling and household services will be replaced with an overall yearly cap, providing families with greater flexibility. Additionally, a range of new practical supports will be available to help families build independence and resilience including but not limited to financial literacy, mental health first aid, academic and wellbeing support for children, resilience development and counselling.

Access to the Defence, Veterans’ and Families’ Acute Support Package commences 14 October 2022.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit https://www.dva.gov.au/financial-support/support-families/defence-veterans-and-families-acute-support-package

Did you know that veterans who have submitted a claim for a mental health condition under either the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) may be eligible for the Veteran Payment.

The Veteran Payment is a short-term payment made available for eligible veterans if:

• They are unable to work more than eight hours a week, and
• Their income and assets are under means testing limits, and
• They are below the pension age

If the veteran is a member of a couple, the partner may also be eligible for the Veteran Payment.

The Veteran Payment is accessible while a veteran’s mental health claim is being assessed and will continue until an outcome is determined. If the claim is approved, they will move to the relevant payment or benefit. If the mental health claim is not approved, the Veteran Payment will continue for 42 days after they have been notified of an outcome. This can be extended in special circumstances. They will then need to apply for an appropriate Services Australia income support payment if required. DVA can assist with this process.   

Applying for the Veteran Payment is easy and should be done at the same time as you are assisting the veteran to submit their claim for a mental health condition. If the claim is being submitted online via MyService, the question will ask if the veteran wishes to apply for the Veteran Payment during the completion of the online form. If you are completing a paper form on behalf of the veteran, you will be directed to complete a D9333 Veteran Payment Details form.

For further questions about eligibility for the Veteran Payment, visit  https://www.dva.gov.au/financial-support/income-support/support-when-you-cannot-work/veteran-payment-overview

What if the veteran started their claim before these new features were released?

If veterans started and saved their claim before these new features were released, their claim will still appear on their Claims page in MyService with an “Incomplete” status.  Veterans can resume their claim as usual to complete and submit.

Veterans may notice changes to some of the questions in their claim so we recommend that they review the responses they’ve provided just as they would before these new features became available.  Veterans will need to respond to any remaining questions in order to finalise and submit their claim.

 

Incapacity Payments annual review of circumstances

If veterans receive an Incapacity Payment and they have a MyService account, they can now complete their Annual Review of Circumstances online using MyService.  Completing the review online gives the veteran greater flexibility to provide us with more information, it’s faster, and the veteran will always have a record of their review in MyService.

When the veteran’s review date is approaching, if they have a MyService account we’ll send them a notification in their myGov inbox 28 days before their review is due to be completed.

When the veteran signs in to MyService, the task panel on their home page will indicate that they have a task to be completed.  If they happen to forget to complete their review, we’ll send a reminder notification in the veteran’s myGov inbox 7 days before the task due date.

If veterans receive a notification from us and they’d prefer to complete their review manually, they can download the form D1352 Annual Review of circumstances from the DVA website or call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) and we can post you one.  When the veteran has completed the form, they can send it to us by post or email using the addresses on the form.

If a veteran doesn’t have a MyService account, we’ll still send their Annual Review of Circumstances form in the post or email.

If veterans need help with their claim or annual review, they can call us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) and ask for “Incapacity Payments”.