DVA services during east coast flooding
To all of those affected by the terrible flooding in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, please know that DVA and other Government agencies are here to support you in any way we can.
DVA offices
Due to the floods there have been some temporary office closures. Online and telephone services remain operational.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling offices in Aspley, Brisbane, Ipswich were closed to the public. These sites are now open. Unfortunately, Lismore remains closed.
VAN offices in Maroochydore and Broadbeach are now open. The only VAN office still closed is Lismore. We are working to open a temporary site as soon as possible.
VAN sites co-located with Services Australia in Robina and Tweed Heads are currently open.
Anyone who requires assistance can call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or lodge enquiries through MyService.
Counselling
Counselling support is available through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (1800 011 046) and SafeZone (1800 142 072) – both of which are available 24/7 for the veteran community.
Emergency accommodation
In many flood-affected areas, there is a severe shortage of rooms, which is unfortunately making it hard for Open Arms to find crisis accommodation. If you need somewhere safe to stay, please head to your closest evacuation centre.
Payments
Services Australia is the main Australian Government agency responsible for providing immediate financial assistance to people affected by the floods in New South Wales and south-east Queensland. This includes members of the veteran community.
There are two payments available:
- The Disaster Recovery Payment is a lump-sum payment for anyone who has been significantly affected by the disaster.
- The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short-term payment to help those who have lost income as a direct result of the disaster.
Claims can be made through MyGov.
Visit the Services Australia website for more information on financial support available in your area:
Please delay applying for a payment if the need is not urgent.
Services Australia Mobile Service Centres are moving to flood-affected areas. The Services Australia website shows where you can find them.
Further information is available on the Services Australia website.
DVA enquiries
DVA is playing its part with some financial support, assistance with health treatment, home care, counselling and replacement of lost cards and rehabilitation appliances.
Veterans who require assistance with DVA services and support can call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or log in to MyService.
The department has sent SMS messages to veterans in the affected areas and we will continue to reach out to those affected by the floods.
Please remember that DVA’s number-one priority is, and has always been, the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. DVA is here to support the veteran community during this challenging time, and the months of clean-up to follow.
Defence Service Homes Insurance
DSH Insurance has confirmed that flood cover is an automatic inclusion in their home building insurance policy.