Acute Support Package expanded for grandparents

The Defence, Veterans’ and Families’ Acute Support Package (ASP) was expanded in Parliament this week to better support veterans and families. The Australian Government recognises the crucial role families play in supporting veterans, including grandparent carers.

The expansion ensures support is available to the children of veterans in the full time care of their grandparents.

The expansion of eligibility to grandparents of all ages, recognises the importance of ensuring that children of veterans under the care of their grandparents have access to support, if they need it to manage new and challenging life circumstances.

The ASP commenced in October 2022, and was initially available to working age veteran families and widowed partners.

The ASP is designed to support families who are experiencing new and challenging life circumstances that mean the family unit needs support to get back on track.

These families will now have access to services including childcare, counselling for adults and children, household assistance, transport, and wellbeing, academic and extra-curricular support for children.

The expanded eligibility comes into effect from 1 July 2023. Full eligibility requirements and further details can be found on the DVA website.