As the holiday season approaches, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has announced some temporary adjustments to its services for veterans and their families. While essential support will remain available, certain operations will be impacted during the festive period.
Counselling and Mental Health Support
The Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling service, providing 24/7 support, remains fully operational over the holidays. Veterans and their families can reach the hotline at 1800 011 046. Similarly, the Safe Zone Support line offers anonymous counselling services, also available around the clock at 1800 142 072.
For urgent matters, dial 000 or visit your local hospital.
Service Centre Closures and General Enquiries
All Open Arms centres will be closed from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025, reopening on Thursday, January 2. General enquiry services, including the Veterans Access Network (VAN) offices and DVA’s enquiry phone lines, will be unavailable during this period.
Transport and Medical Services
DVA staff will be available to process transport requests for approved medical treatments but will be off-duty on weekends and public holidays, including December 25-26, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Veterans needing transport during this time should pre-book or arrange alternative travel, paying out-of-pocket with reimbursement options upon reopening.
Insurance and Financial Services
Defence Service Homes Insurance (DSH) will offer support on Friday, December 27, and Monday, December 30, to Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Outside of these hours, the service will be handled by an after-hours partner.
Pension and incapacity payments will be adjusted to accommodate the holidays, with the last 2024 payment brought forward to December 24. The first 2025 payment will occur on January 9. Clients should plan accordingly for potential banking delays.
Programs and Claims
The Client Support Program (CSP) will close from December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Veterans enrolled in CSP will be contacted in advance to discuss support arrangements during this period. The Rehabilitation Program also advises veterans to communicate any changes in their rehabilitation schedules.
Claims and invoices submitted after December 25, 2024, will not be processed until January 2, 2025. Veterans are urged to plan accordingly.
Home Care and Nursing Services
Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) and Community Nursing services will continue during the holidays with some adjustments. The VHC Assessment Agency will be closed on December 25 and January 1, and providers will continue to assess and deliver essential care. Community Nursing providers will also maintain service provision but are advised to email DVA for any exceptional care situations.
Veteran Support Officers (VSOs)
VSOs, who provide in-person assistance to Defence personnel, will be unavailable from 4 pm on December 24, 2024, until January 2, 2025. Veterans can continue to book appointments via email during the holiday period.
Scam and Fraud Reports
DVA’s Scam and Fraud Tip-Off mailboxes will be inactive from December 25 to January 1. Victims of scams should contact IDCARE for guidance or reach out to the police for more serious concerns.
Feedback and Support
Feedback services will pause from December 25 to January 1, with regular operations resuming on January 2, 2025.
For a full list of service changes and further information, veterans and their families are encouraged to visit the DVA website.
Related topics:
Marketers Tackle Holiday Blues with Real-World Ads Amid Economic Concerns
Essential Tips for Exploring Australia’s Outback, According to a Tour Guide
Flexible Ski Pass in Mt Buller Offers Budget-Friendly Snow Holidays