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Defence Financial Advice for Veterans & ADF Members
Navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) system can be complex, with multiple compensation schemes, military superannuation arrangements and legislative changes all playing a role in your financial future. Having supported over 2,000 veterans, Apex Financial Services Group specialises in providing financial advice tailored to serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families, helping you understand your DVA entitlements and how they fit into your broader financial goals. Whether you’re transitioning from service, have received a DVA offer, or are planning for retirement, our experienced advisers can help you make informed financial decisions. Where eligible, we can invoice the Department of Veterans’ Affairs directly for approved financial advice, reducing out-of-pocket costs and making it easier to access the specialist support you need.
Helping Veterans Make Confident Financial Decisions
Navigating DVA compensation, Military Superannuation and Transition Planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve dedicated our practice to supporting Defence members and Veterans.
Since 2018, we’ve helped thousands of veterans understand their DVA offers, explore their options and make informed decisions about their financial future. Our advisers are recognised throughout the veteran community for their specialist knowledge and practical, easy-to-understand advice.
Whether you’re reviewing a Permanent Impairment (PI) or Special Rate Disability (SRDP) offer or transitioning out of the ADF, we’re here to help you get clarity and move forward with confidence.
2,000 +
Veterans Supported
Australia-Wide
Phone, Teams & In-Person
Defence Specialists
Financial Advice
DVA Approved Funding
Where Eligible
Permanent Impairment (PI)
A Permanent Impairment (PI) payment is designed to compensate eligible veterans for the permanent physical or psychological effects of service-related injuries or illnesses. While the payment itself recognises the impact your condition has had on your life, understanding how it fits into your overall financial position can be far more complex. Decisions surrounding Permanent Impairment may influence your retirement planning, military superannuation, investment strategies and long-term financial security. Whether you’ve recently received a DVA offer or are considering your options, specialist financial advice can help you understand your entitlements and make informed decisions that support your future.
Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) or Incapacity Payments (IP)
The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) is a tax-free payment available to eligible veterans whose capacity for work has been severely affected by service-related conditions. For many veterans, choosing whether to accept SRDP or remain on DVA Incapacity Payments is one of the most significant financial decisions they will make. While both options provide ongoing support, the long-term financial outcomes can vary considerably depending on your personal circumstances, retirement goals, military superannuation, taxation, Centrelink entitlements and future income needs. At Apex Financial Services Group, our specialist advisers help you understand the financial implications of each option, so you can make an informed decision with confidence and achieve the best possible long-term outcome.
ADF Transition Financial Advice
Leaving the Australian Defence Force is one of the biggest financial transitions you’ll experience. Whether you’re discharging voluntarily or through a medical transition, there are important decisions to make about your military superannuation, CSC benefits, DVA entitlements, retirement planning, insurance, investments and ongoing financial security. Having a clear financial plan during this time can help you transition to civilian life with greater confidence.
Eligible ADF members who have a confirmed discharge date or have discharged within the past 24 months may be able to access funding through the ADF Transition Program for approved financial advice. At Apex Financial Services Group, we provide personalised advice to help you understand your options, make informed financial decisions and prepare for the next stage of your life. We can also provide a quote to accompany your AC853-3 Defence Force Transition Program Application for submission to your Transition Coach.
Military Superannuation
Understanding your military superannuation is an important part of building long-term financial security. Whether you’re a current serving member, transitioning from the Australian Defence Force or planning for retirement, the decisions you make today can have a significant impact on your future income and retirement lifestyle. The Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) administers several military superannuation schemes, including the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme (DFRDB), the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) and ADF Super, each with its own rules, contribution arrangements and retirement options.
At Apex Financial Services Group, we help Defence members and veterans understand how their military superannuation works alongside DVA entitlements, CSC pensions, retirement planning and broader financial goals. Whether you’re considering additional contributions, approaching retirement or reviewing your options after leaving the ADF, our specialist advisers can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Severe Impairment Payment
The Severe Impairment Payment (SIP) is a lump sum compensation payment available to eligible veterans and, in some circumstances, eligible children under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA). Recent legislative changes have introduced greater flexibility to the scheme, including new eligibility provisions and in certain situations, the ability to split a payment between the parents of an eligible child. Understanding how these changes apply to your individual circumstances can be complex, particularly when considering your broader financial position, retirement planning and other DVA entitlements. At Apex Financial Services Group, we help veterans and their families understand their options and make informed financial decisions that support their long-term goals.
MRCA Education & Training Scheme
The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) provides financial assistance to help eligible children and dependants of current and former Australian Defence Force members access education and training opportunities. Recent legislative changes have expanded the scheme, making MRCAETS the primary education and training program for eligible families under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA). Understanding who is eligible, the support available and how these benefits fit within your family’s broader financial circumstances can help you make informed decisions and maximise the assistance available. At Apex Financial Services Group, we help veterans and their families understand their entitlements and how MRCAETS can form part of a comprehensive long-term financial plan.
War Widow(er)'s Pension
The War Widow(er)’s Pension provides ongoing financial support to eligible partners of Australian Defence Force members whose death is accepted as being related to military service. While the pension offers important financial assistance, understanding your eligibility, ongoing entitlements and how it interacts with other DVA benefits, income sources, investments and retirement planning can be complex. At Apex Financial Services Group, we provide specialist financial advice to help War Widows, Widowers and Defence families understand their options, make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial security with confidence.
Douglas Decision
The Douglas Decision has been an important development for many veterans, providing greater clarity around eligibility for certain DVA compensation benefits and entitlements. Understanding whether the decision applies to your circumstances can be complex, particularly where multiple claims, historical service-related conditions or different pieces of DVA legislation are involved. At Apex Financial Services Group, we help veterans understand how the Douglas Decision may affect their financial position, compensation entitlements and long-term financial planning, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions about your future.
Specialist Financial Advice for Every Stage of Your Defence Journey
Every veteran’s journey is different, which is why our advice is tailored to your individual circumstances. At Apex Financial Services Group, we proudly support serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families across Australia with specialist financial advice designed to help them make informed decisions at every stage of their Defence journey.
We regularly assist:
Serving ADF Members: Planning for the future, reviewing military superannuation, building wealth and preparing financially for life after service.
Members Transitioning from the ADF: Helping you navigate the financial impacts of leaving Defence, including superannuation, DVA entitlements, retirement planning and cashflow strategies.
Medically Discharging Members: Providing advice during what can be a complex transition, helping you understand how DVA compensation and other financial matters fit into your long-term goals.
Veterans Receiving DVA Compensation: Assisting clients who receive benefits under the MRCA, DRCA or VEA, including advice relating to Permanent Impairment, the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP), the Severe Impairment Payment (SIP), Gold Cards and other DVA entitlements.
Military Super Members: Helping members of DFRDB, MSBS and ADF Super understand their options and maximise their retirement outcomes.
War Widows, Widowers and Dependants: Providing financial guidance to families receiving DVA support, including the War Widow(er)’s Pension and MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) benefits.
Veterans Planning for Retirement: Developing personalised retirement strategies that consider military superannuation, DVA benefits, investments, taxation and ongoing income needs.
No matter where you are in your Defence career or transition to civilian life, our experienced advisers understand the unique financial challenges faced by the Defence community and can help you build a strategy that supports your long-term financial wellbeing.
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Why Veterans Choose Apex Financial Services Group
Trusted by the Defence Community
Having supported over 2,000 veterans across Australia, our advisers understand the unique financial challenges faced by serving members, veterans and their families. We provide specialist advice tailored to Defence life, from military superannuation and DVA entitlements to retirement planning and long-term wealth creation.
Australia-Wide Service
Whether you’re located in Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin, Canberra, Perth or a remote location, we provide advice via phone, Microsoft Teams or in person.
DVA Funded Financial Advice
Where eligible, we can invoice the Department of Veterans’ Affairs directly for approved financial advice, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Comprehensive Defence Knowledge
Our advisers understand the complexities of DVA compensation, Military Super, CSC pensions, SRDP, Permanent Impairment, SIP, Gold Cards and ADF transitions.
Personalised Advice
No two Defence careers are the same. We tailor every financial strategy to your goals, family circumstances and long-term financial future.
Ongoing Support
From your first appointment through to retirement and beyond, we’re here to help you adapt your financial plan as your circumstances change.
Trusted by Veterans Across Australia
Client Stories
Veteran with an SRDP offer. Partner was able to cease working and increase their household income by $17,820 p.a.
George and Simone came into our offices for advice, following George’s SRDP offer he received from the Department of Veteran Affairs. George was on a medical pension from Commonwealth Superannuation and Simone worked part time. They had two children currently in primary school.
What George thought was a straightforward decision given his offer was to remain on Incapacity payments of $0 or elect SRDP of $0, we soon found there was more to be discovered. We proceeded to gather some information in relation to their situation and uncover some entitlements they may be eligible for from both Services Australia and Department of Veteran Affairs. We explained the different factors that influence the payments we were considering and obtained a bigger long-term picture about the couple’s plans of work.
After creating a plan, we were able to determine that with the recommended election, Simone was able to cease her part time job and spend more time with George to assist him, along with raising their young family. The plan outlined the combination of steps to maximise their entitlements they were eligible for and left them with a larger disposable income than they were currently receiving with Simone working.
This relieved the couple quite significantly as they had been stressed with managing appointments for George around Simone’s work schedule, whilst also juggling the children.
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: A DVA Permanent Impairment Success Story
Michael and Emily came to us after Michael received a DVA Permanent Impairment offer. Michael had served 14 years in the Defence Force and was now working full‑time in civilian life. Despite earning strong incomes, they felt overwhelmed and unsure why they weren’t getting ahead financially. Their DVA journey had been long and exhausting, and they wanted help to “clear the weeds” and regain control.
Using the financial funding available through Michael’s DVA Permanent Impairment outcome, we developed a tailored financial plan. We simplified their overall position, introduced debt‑management strategies for credit cards and car loans, helped them access DHOAS for their mortgage, set up a clear cash‑flow system, allocated funds for future family expenses, and aligned their superannuation and investments with their risk profile.
Within a short period, Michael and Emily saw meaningful improvements. They reduced high‑interest debts, fast-tracked their repayment date through DHOAS, built savings for upcoming expenses, and finally understood where their money was going. Most importantly, they moved from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident and in control, with a clear financial path forward.
A Tailored Financial Plan That Brought a Couples Retirement Forward
Susan and Dean approached us about to receive Financial Advice. Dean is a Veteran who had previously retired, and Susan was still working. They had recently sold their previous Home and were wanting to set themselves up for retirement. While Dean had retired, Susan thought she was still some time away from being able to retire herself and was intending to continue working for another four years.
We sat together and worked through not only their income needs in retirement, but gain an understanding of their expectation on the different risks one can face when planning for their financial future. We were also able to uncover that Dean was eligible for the Service Pension, which they were not aware of.
We were able to take these client’s needs and priorities to create a detailed Financial Plan that identified that not only could Susan afford to be able to retire now, but that they would be able to receive $8,400 per annum in Service Pension income each year to supplement their own assets in meeting their retirement income needs. This gave Susan the ability the peace of mind to be able to retire earlier than she intended and spend more time with Dean, travelling and enjoying retirement.
