Homelessness services – where to access support

While many people who serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have positive experiences transitioning to civilian life, some are faced with different challenges such as maintaining employment, financial stress, and experiences with mental ill-health. Unfortunately, when you couple these challenges with the complicated nature of service in the ADF and individual circumstances, some veterans experience homelessness.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting veterans who are homeless, or at-risk of homelessness, to have access to the services and supports they and their families need. We encourage veterans and families to contact us to find out what support you may be able to access through DVA and/or other organisations.

We can connect you with local homelessness service providers throughout Australia, ensure you are receiving all the DVA support and entitlements that you are eligible for, and provide you with personalised case management. You may also have access to healthcare for injuries or conditions caused by your ADF service. Additionally, any veteran who has served one day in the ADF full-time can access free mental health treatment. Some reservists are also eligible. This treatment can be accessed for life.

If you are currently experiencing homelessness, you may be eligible for a one off crisis payment. This crisis payment can provide financial assistance to veterans and their partners in times of crisis, such as experiencing or escaping family and domestic violence and during relationship breakdown. Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling also offers Crisis Accommodation Support (CAS) that provides eligible Open Arms clients access to alternative short-term accommodation in addition to mental health support. Eligible clients can access up to three nights CAS accommodation subject to suitability criteria.

Any veteran who finds themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 for help to access appropriate support. If you need further information about the services DVA can provide, or to find the details of your local homelessness service provider, visit www.dva.gov.au/homelessness