Australia's veteran support system includes a range of organisations, programs and services that work together to support veterans and families of veterans through health care, wellbeing, transition, compensation, social connection and everyday life challenges.
Many veterans and families find that getting help from a combination of services works best, whether that's accessing DVA entitlements, speaking with Open Arms, connecting with an ex-service organisation, attending a Veterans' and Families' Hub, or joining a local community group that shares their interests and experiences. Community organisations can also provide practical assistance, social connection, peer support and help navigating local services.
If you’re considering accessing support, it's important not to wait until a problem becomes a crisis. Many services are designed to support wellbeing early and help prevent issues from becoming more complex. Even when things are going well it’s important to look after your wellbeing by maintaining healthy routines, staying connected to your community and seeking support when needed. Tailored support and services are provided by Government include:
| Service/Agency | Purpose | When to use it | How to contact |
| Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency | Provides wellbeing information and helps veterans and families navigate the broader system of support. It will refer callers to other support where appropriate (primary referrals listed below). | Use this if you are not sure where to go next, want to find local wellbeing supports, or need help connecting to services across government and the community. | Call 1800 823 922, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm in the time zone callers are in. www.veteranwellbeing.gov.au |
| Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) | Delivers veterans’ entitlements and services, including compensation, rehabilitation, income support, health care and access to treatment. | Contact DVA if you have a question about claims, payments, treatment, rehabilitation, MyService, transport, cards or other DVA services. | Call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372), Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm local time. You can also use MyService or the DVA general enquiries form available at www.dva.gov.au |
| Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling | Provides free, confidential, military-aware mental health and wellbeing support for eligible veterans, serving and ex-serving ADF members, and their families. | Use this service for counselling, peer support, group programs, or if you or someone you care about needs mental health support. | Call 1800 011 046 for free and confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.openarms.gov.au |
| Joint Transition Authority (JTA) | Supports serving ADF members and their families as they prepare for, move through and adjust to transition from military to civilian life. | Use this service if you are separating from the ADF and need transition guidance, planning support or information about services available before and after leaving Defence. | Access through Defence transition services or your chain of command. The ADF Member and Family Transition Guide also provides transition information. |
| Defence Member and Family Support | Supports current serving ADF members and their families with the practical and personal challenges of military life, including posting, relocation, deployment, family support and connection to local services. | Use this as the first point of contact for current serving members and families seeking Defence-related support, advice, referral or help connecting with their community. | Call the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Email memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au |
It can be difficult to know where to start. Everyone's situation is different, and there is no single right way to access support. Whether you're currently serving, transitioning from the ADF, a veteran, or a family member, the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency can help you understand your options, find local services and connect with the support that's right for you. If you're unsure where to go next, call the Agency helpline on 1800 823 922 or visit the service directory for guidance on local services.
Taking the first step and reaching out for information or support can make it easier to find the services that best meet your needs. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, call 000. In a mental health crisis, contact emergency or crisis support services immediately.
For more information about the Agency visit: Home | Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency
