our services
Defence Services
We invoice DVA directly for eligible financial planning advice, removing the worry of upfront costs
Many veterans shared that the advisers they approached often lacked a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in military entitlements, pensions, and the relevant legislation, along with the lasting consequences of the decisions they were required to make. This revealed a critical gap in the support system. It became clear to us that no veteran should have to navigate this process alone. In recognition of their service and sacrifice, we felt a deep responsibility to establish a place where veterans can access informed, reliable guidance when it matters most.
Permanent Impairment (PI)
A Permanent Impairment offer from DVA, is a tax-free compensation payment to current and former ADF members for injuries or illnesses accepted as service-related that have resulted in a permanent and stable impairment. This compensation can be provided either as a lump sum or as a lifetime weekly payment.
It is highly recommended that a veteran receives personalized financial advice prior making their election. You may be eligible for financial funding to cover this advice.
We take the time to assess your individual circumstances and carefully consider how this payment may interact with or impact any other benefits you receive whilst helping you reach your financial goals.
Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) or Incapacity Payments (IP)
The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) is a tax-free payment for veterans whose ability to work has been severely restricted due to conditions arising from their military service. Eligible veterans are offered the choice to receive SRDP or continue with their existing Incapacity Payments. It is often a complex decision even when faced with a $0 or $0 offer. There are important underlying factors such as Social Security Entitlements that can significantly affect the overall outcome. Our team of specialist advisers work with you to get the best possible outcome.
ADF Transition Financial Advice
Transitioning from ADF service can present a range of personal and financial challenges. To support members during this time, the ADF Transitions program offers limited financial funding aimed at providing clarity and guidance throughout the transition process. If you have a discharge date or have discharged within the past 24 months, you may be eligible for this support.
We are committed to supporting veterans through this significant life transition by offering general but tailored advice. We provide guidance on a wide range of areas, including DVA rehabilitation programs, CSC pensions and super, including invalidity pensions and retirement benefits. Our session is designed to give veterans clarity, confidence, and practical strategies to navigate their financial future with greater certainty.
Contact us for a quote that you can forward through to your Transition Coach along with your AC853-3 Defence Force Transition Program Application.
Superannuation
Superannuation schemes are always evolving and the plan you may be covered under, may no longer be relevant. Superannuation plans which have been offered under the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) include: The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme (DFRDB), Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS), and the ADF Super scheme (ADF Super). Some of these schemes offer generous incentives for further contributions which can alter a retirement benefit outcome drastically.
Want to contact us?
Enter your full details below and your reason for seeking advice and we will reach out within 48 business hours.
If we haven’t contacted you by then, please give us a call or email us at admin@apexfsg.com.au to ensure your enquiry was received.
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.
