Being aware of financial options and support is an important part of preparing for transition.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) members may be eligible to access a $1,000 financial contribution towards professional financial advice.
Further financial advice and services can be found on the Family financial advice page.
The hidden civilian expenses ADF members may not think of (PDF, 1.32 MB)
Superannuation
Superannuation entitlements are dependent on individual circumstances. Members can access information on superannuation entitlements through the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) and further guidance is provided in the following factsheets and videos:
Transition and your Super (PDF, 375.65 KB)
Medical transition and your Super (PDF, 529.15 KB)
Compensation advocates
Free or low cost Wellbeing and Compensation Advocates can be engaged to assist veterans or family members in preparing and lodging compensation claims and find Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) payment and wellbeing support services. See the factsheet for more details.
Wellbeing and Compensation Advocates factsheet (PDF, 425.25 KB)
Applying to the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation for Invalidity Benefits
Under the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948 and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973, former members can apply to be treated as being medically separated for superannuation purposes only. Former members seeking to apply must complete the appropriate application form based on the superannuation scheme they contributed to.
Application form - Retrospective consideration Sub-section 51(6) DFRB (PDF, 274.58 KB)
Application form - Retrospective consideration Section 37 DFRDB (PDF, 273.92 KB)
Send completed application form to defence.sam@defence.gov.au.
Alternatively, send by post to:
Retrospective Consideration for Superannuation
Joint Transition Authority
BP33-05-008
PO Box 7927
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Former contributors to the Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme (MSBS) or Australian Defence Force Cover can apply directly to the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) to be treated as being medically separated for superannuation purposes. Further information about applying to CSC for invalidity benefits can be found on the CSC website.
Applying to Defence for review of transfer and/or separation
Current and former Defence members can apply for a review of their transfer to Reserves and/or separation from Defence under the following provisions in the Defence Regulations 2026:
- Section 26: Defence members seeking recognition that they could have been separated for another reason at the time they ceased all forms of service.
- Section 27: Defence members seeking recognition that they were medically unfit at the time they became a member of the Reserve.
- Section 28: Defence members seeking recognition that their service ended due to, or related to, a prevailing discriminatory Defence policy.
Further information on the application process can be found in the fact sheet and application form.
Send completed application form to: defence.retrospective-determinations@defence.gov.au
Alternatively, send by post to:
Private and Confidential
Defence Retrospective Determinations Section, Military Personnel Division
Brindabella Park, Building 29, Level 4
PO Box 7980
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Completing the application form and the application process may be distressing. It is encouraged to seek support, whether that be a trusted person, a colleague, or a professional support service. Support services are available via the Crisis support page.
Government Support
This fact sheet will give an overview of payments and services delivered through Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support programs for veterans leaving the ADF.
Services Australia overview Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support programs (PDF, 540.48 KB)