What is a needs assessment?

A needs assessment is a conversation to help understand what support might be right for you.

It looks at different parts of your life—such as your health, housing, relationships, work, and day‑to‑day needs to build a clearer picture of what’s going on and what could help.

It’s not about judging or testing you.  It’s about understanding your situation and connecting you to the support that fits your needs.

Why a needs assessment can help

At times, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if several things are happening at once.

A needs assessment can help you:

• identify what support you may need right now
• focus on what matters most to you
• connect with services in your local community
• reduce the need to repeat your story to different services

It can be particularly helpful during times of change, such as transitioning from service, or when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.

What it might involve

A needs assessment is usually a guided conversation. This can happen in person, over the phone, or online – whatever works best for you.

You may be asked about:

• your health and wellbeing
• your living situation
• family or caring responsibilities
• work, study, or finances
• supports you already have in place

You do not have to share everything at once. You can take it step by step.

Who provides needs assessments

Needs assessments are provided by a range of services, depending on your situation.

This may include:

• GPs and other health professionals
• wellbeing or community services
• veteran‑specific services and support organisations
• the Agency’s navigation support

The goal is the same - to help you find the right support, sooner.

What happens next

After a needs assessment, you may:

• be connected with services or supports that match your needs
• be referred to specialists (for example, health, housing or financial support)
• receive information and options to help you decide what’s right for you

Support is flexible - you can revisit your needs and change direction over time.

Support for veterans and families of veterans

For veterans and families of veterans, needs assessments can connect you to supports that understand the ADF experience and its unique challenges.

This may include:

• wellbeing and mental health support
• transition support
• family and carer-specific services
• local community and peer support

You can choose what feels right for you and your circumstances.

You’re in control

A needs assessment is about supporting you—not making decisions for you.

You can:

• take your time
• ask questions
• decide what support you want to pursue

You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started.