Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) are groups that support veterans and their families. Many are run by people who understand Defence life, leaving service, and service-related challenges. 

An ESO can help you find support, information and connection — whether you need practical help, social contact, or someone who understands what you’re going through. 

What Ex-Service Organisations do 

ESOs are different, but many can help with: 

• advocacy and help with claims and entitlements 
• wellbeing support, peer support and community connection 
• social connection and activities 
• support for partners, families, widows and widowers 
• assistance during transition or times of change 

Some organisations support specific groups of people, service backgrounds, conflicts or age groups. Others support a wide range of people in the veteran community. 

Who can connect with an ESO 

Ex-Service Organisations may support: 

• current and former ADF members 
• partners, spouses and families of veterans 
• children or dependants of veterans 
• war widows and widowers 

You do not need to be a member to get in touch. Many ESOs are happy to talk with you about what support may help. 

How to find an Ex-Service Organisation 

Here are a few ways to find an ESO that may suit your needs: 

• search online for an Ex-Service Organisation in your local area 
• check the Department of Veterans’ Affairs list of recognised Ex-Service Organisations 
• ask other veterans or families about organisations they’ve found helpful 
• connect through a Veteran and Family Hub or community service 

You can also contact more than one organisation to see which one feels right for you. 

How to choose an Ex-Service Organisation 

ESOs offer different kinds of support. You may want to ask what help they offer, who they help, whether you need to be a member, and whether they support people in person, by phone or online. 

Questions to ask an ESO 

• What kind of support do you offer? 
• Who do you support? 
• Do I need to be a member to get help? 
• Is there a cost? 
• Do you offer support in person, by phone, or online? 
• Do you have accredited advocates? 

Finding an accredited advocate 

If you need help with claims or entitlements, some ESOs have trained accredited advocates. 

You can search the Advocate Register to find an accredited advocate in your area or through an organisation that suits you. 

Choosing what’s right for you 

Everyone’s needs are different. It’s okay to: 

• take your time finding the right organisation 
• ask questions about the support available 
• step back if something doesn’t feel like the right fit 
• reconnect later if your needs change 

Support should work for you. 

Getting support to connect 

If you’re not sure where to start, support is available to help you find an organisation and connect with the right services.