DVA transition support available online

For the health and safety of the community, DVA is adapting its service delivery practices in-line with Government health advice, and implementing measures to protect veterans and their families.

DVA Veteran Support Officers (VSO) provide support and advice to current serving and transitioning Australian Defence Force (ADF) members regarding DVA entitlements. VSO appointments are currently being conducted via telephone wherever possible. For an appointment, ADF members should email: vso [at] dva.gov.au (vso[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au) and they will be contacted to arrange an appointment.

Members of the veteran community, including their families, can access DVA support and services by phone on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or online through the DVA website or MyService wherever possible. Veterans and their families who feel they are unable to undertake their DVA business over the phone or online, can contact DVA by telephone to schedule an appointment.

Online support remains available for veterans transitioning to civilian employment. The Veterans' Employment Toolkit (PDF 1.76 MB) on the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program (PMVEP) website has been developed to assist you in preparing for the next step in your career. Read it online or email: veteransemployment [at] dva.gov.au (veteransemployment[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au) to receive a hard copy in the mail.

The PMVEP website has a wide range of useful information including resume writing and job interview advice; a list of veteran-friendly employers; and a core skills identifier, which will help you identify how your military skills can be applied in the civilian workplace.

The Government is invested in supporting your employment journey, particularly during the current coronavirus pandemic. A new Jobs Hub has been launched to help Australians find work, advertising the latest vacancies from businesses across Australia. Information on the Jobs Hub and how it may assist you is available on the Jobs Hub webpage.

Veterans who own businesses or are employed by businesses in the private sector, including non-for-profit organisations, which have been impacted by COVID-19 are also being supported by the JobKeeper Payment program, which is helping keep Australians in jobs as we deal with the significant economic impact of coronavirus.

Open Arms — Veterans and Families Counselling support line is available to all veterans and their families 24/7 on 1800 011 046. Open Arms also offers a range of calming and coping strategies on their website.

DVA is continuing to work with service providers to enable them to provide veterans with access to the critical services they need to assist their physical and mental wellbeing throughout the pandemic, delivered in a safe and flexible way.

The veteran community is encouraged to regularly check our COVID-19 information webpage.