X’mas support for veterans
While Christmas can be a time for family and celebrations, it can be lonely for others – but help is available. The veteran community has been reminded of the support available over the festive season.
While Christmas can be a time for family and celebrations, it can be lonely for others – but help is available.
The veteran community has been reminded of the support available over the festive season.
“Over the holiday period I encourage you to take time to visit a friend or relative that you haven’t seen for a while or drop around to see your next door neighbour and check how they are going,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, says.
For those members of the veteran community or their families who do need help, the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) is just a phone call away offering 24 hour counselling and support.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) offices will be closed from Christmas Day to Tuesday, 1 January 2013 inclusive. DVA offices will re-open on Wednesday 2 January 2013.
During this time, many important services will still be available, including:
• crisis counselling – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service offers 24-hour crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line. This service is available toll free on 1800 011 046 to veterans of all conflicts and their families, including members of peace operations;
• transport – if transport is not booked prior to the Christmas period, please prepay and seek reimbursement from DVA later. Alternatively, transport can be booked and reviewed, and travel expenses can be claimed through MyAccount, DVA’s online service module;
• hospital admissions – doctors can admit DVA patients into hospitals and request admissions approval, where required, when DVA re-opens; and
• Defence Service Homes (DSH) Insurance – help with policy and claim enquiries is available 24 hours a day on 1300 552 662, and payments can be made on 1300 304 989 or via the DSH website www.dsh.gov.au.
Payment of pensions will not be affected by the reduced services period.
“I’d like to wish all servicemen and women, veterans, war widows, widowers and their families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year,” Mr Snowdon said.
DVA offices will also be closed for the Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 28 January 2013.
