Financial help for veterans in Australia
Providing financial help for veterans is incredibly important while they readjust to regular life. With more than half a million current veterans in Australia, you may well know someone who has served in the armed forces, or you may have even served yourself.
It’s never simple making the transition back to everyday life, especially when it comes to finances. Many veterans find themselves facing financial emergencies or financial pressure, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
The Australian government has long sought to provide support and advice for veterans in recognition of their service, including financial assistance, support for families, and discounts and concessions. Often, however, it’s not enough. Outlined below are several options that offer financial help for ex-service men and women.
Key reasons to help veterans
- Elderly veterans and combat veterans with disabilities are especially vulnerable when it comes to financial stress.
- A 2024 report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide found that veterans were at a higher risk of suicide than other comparable populations in Australia.
- Transitioning defense personnel often face significant barriers when translating their specialized military qualifications to civilian career equivalents, leading to high rates of underemployment and a loss of identity.
- The physical and psychological impacts of military service extend directly to family members, placing severe emotional and financial strain on spouses and children who require dedicated community support.
Financial resources for veterans
There are quite a few resources dedicated to helping veterans. We’ve found the following sources of financial help for veterans:
- Income support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) includes a service pension, disability pension, one-off Crisis Payment, allowance, bill supplements, help to buy property, lump sum advances, or additional support for blindness or having been a prisoner of war.
- DVA grants help with seed funding projects that encourage healthy living, reduce social isolation, place and support carers, and provide access to key community services.
- Bravery Trust offers emergency financial relief to veterans of the Australian Defence Force who sustained a serious injury or illness during their time in service.
- RSL DefenceCare can pay important bills and arrange key home-maintenance services, as well as cover childcare costs, funeral expenses, and medical expenses while a pension claim is being assessed.
- Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust provide tertiary scholarships and bursaries to ensure that the children and grandchildren of veterans are not disadvantaged in their education.
- RSL Australia, or Returned & Services League, provides support services, financial assistance, and advocacy for Australian veterans and their families. Contact your state branch for local support options and RSL financial assistance.
Resources for homeless veterans
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides the following homelessness support programs:
- OpenArms provides emergency ‘time out’ crisis housing for up to five nights, with extensions possible in exceptional circumstances.
- One-off crisis payments for eligible veterans, and state-based homeless outreach initiatives. Check the DVA website for state-by-state resources.
Job resources for veterans
- Every year, 5,500 veterans leave the Australian Defence Force. Veterans Employment works hard to raise awareness with employers about the value of hiring ex-service people and ensure that veterans have the adequate resources to be successful in their job search.
- New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia offer their own state-based hiring programs to encourage veterans to be placed in appropriate public sector jobs.
- Working Spirit is a specialist recruitment agency working to place veterans in suitable, rewarding careers post-service.
Crowdfunding for veterans
Citizens often honour veterans by paying respects at landmarks like the Sydney Cenotaph in Martin Place, which is visited by thousands of people every year and ANZAC Day. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand observed annually on April 25 to honor all military personnel who have served and died in conflicts and peacekeeping operations. A great way to show gratitude is by crowdfunding for veterans’ causes. You can raise funds to give directly to veterans or give the funds you raise to an existing organisation.
Even though there are government programs and charities which provide aid for veterans, you personally can make a positive impact, too. If you know a veteran who needs financial assistance, whether they’re reaching out after a setback or because they’re reaching for a dream, you can start a fundraiser on their behalf. Or you can raise money for a charity that supports veterans.
How crowdfunding complements government support
Government programs such as DVA income support and RSL DefenceCare are valuable, but they have eligibility requirements, application processes, and sometimes significant waiting periods. Not every veteran will qualify for every program, and even those who do may face gaps between what is covered and what they actually need.
This is where crowdfunding can help. A GoFundMe can be started by a friend, family member or community supporter on a veteran’s behalf. There are no eligibility requirements, and funds can support urgent needs, from paying bills while a pension claim is assessed to covering medical costs or helping a family through a difficult transition.
GoFundMe works alongside government support, not instead of it.
How to write a fundraiser for a veteran you know
- Choose your purpose: Decide what the fundraiser is for, whether general financial support, a specific bill or expense, medical costs, or help for a veteran’s family. Being specific helps supporters understand the impact of their contribution.
- Set a realistic goal: Base your target on the actual costs you need to cover. You can adjust it as the fundraiser progresses.
- Tell the veteran’s story: Explain who they are, what they have faced, your relationship to them, and how funds will be used. Transparency builds trust.
- Share with their community: Reach out to fellow veterans, family, colleagues, and community groups who care about the person you’re supporting.
Be of service to a veteran
Whether you decide to crowdfund for an organisation or raise funds directly for a veteran friend or family member, we’re here to help you provide emergency financial assistance for veterans. People use our crowdfunding platform to raise money for veterans every day.
Get financial help for veterans FAQs
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) offers a range of financial support, including income support payments and assistance for eligible veterans and families. The RSL, Bravery Trust, and RSL DefenceCare may also provide practical or emergency financial assistance. Eligibility and available support vary, so check directly with each organisation for current details.
Yes. Anyone can start a GoFundMe for a veteran to help with expenses such as medical costs, housing, or everyday bills. If you’re fundraising on someone else’s behalf, clearly explain your relationship to them and how the funds will be used or passed on. Transparency helps supporters understand and trust the fundraiser.
The Returned & Services League (RSL) supports veterans and their families through welfare services, advocacy, and practical assistance. Depending on the branch or service, support may include help with bills, essential expenses, and other financial challenges. Contact your local RSL or relevant support service to find out what assistance may be available.