DVA Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating DVA entitlements and financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with PI elections, SRDP, incapacity payments, transition planning, and Centrelink interactions. Our experienced Defence financial advisers work with serving members, veterans, and their families across Australia to provide clear, personalised advice tailored to your circumstances. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about DVA financial advice and veteran financial planning.
How long have you been helping Defence members and veterans?
We have been supporting Defence members and veterans since 2018, providing specialist financial advice tailored to DVA legislation, PI elections, SRDP, and transition planning. Over this time, we’ve helped thousands of veterans understand their DVA offers and make confident, informed decisions about their future.
Are your advisers veterans themselves?
Our team has been at the forefront of Veteran financial services since 2018 and is highly trained in the unique needs and challenges faced by the veteran community. We are recognised as a trusted resource across veteran-focused Facebook forums, organisations, and community networks. While our advisers are not veterans themselves, they bring deep experience, family connections and understanding to supporting those who have served.
Do you work with veterans posted outside Brisbane?
Yes. We support veterans Australia‑wide, including those posted to Amberley, Townsville, Canberra, Darwin, and remote locations. All appointments can be completed via Teams or phone, making it easy to access expert DVA advice no matter where you’re based.
Do you charge upfront fees for DVA funded advice?
No. If you have DVA funding for financial advice, we invoice DVA directly once you’ve signed the Authority to Charge form. This means no upfront cost to you.
Can you explain my DVA letter of offer?
Absolutely. Your DVA letter of offer can be complex and overwhelming. We break it down in clear, simple terms so you understand each option, how it affects your income, tax, superannuation, Services Australia, and long‑term financial position.
What is a PI (Permanent Impairment) election and how do you help?
A PI election is the decision you make after receiving a DVA compensation offer. We help you understand each option, model the long‑term financial outcomes, and ensure you make the choice that best supports your future. We’ve guided thousands of veterans through this process.
Do you help with SRDP decisions?
Yes. SRDP is a significant long‑term decision, and we help you understand eligibility, financial implications, and how it interacts with other entitlements. Our advisers specialise in SRDP modelling and long‑term planning.
Can you help me transition from Defence into civilian life?
Yes. We provide comprehensive transition planning, including superannuation structuring, budgeting, insurance, investment strategies, and understanding how your DVA entitlements fit into your new financial life. Many veterans come to us during or just before transition for clarity and direction.
Do I need to be discharged before speaking with you?
No. Many serving members contact us before discharge to prepare for transition, understand their DVA claim outcomes, and plan ahead. Early advice often leads to better long‑term results.
Can you help me understand how my DVA compensation affects Services Australia?
Yes. DVA payments can interact with Services Australia in complex ways. We help you understand how your election or compensation may impact benefits such as the Age Pension, DSP, or other entitlements.
Do you help partners or spouses of veterans?
Yes. Many DVA decisions affect the entire household. We help partners understand the financial implications, plan for the future, and ensure the family’s long‑term financial wellbeing is protected.
Can you help me if I’ve already made a PI election?
Yes. Even after an election is made, we can help you structure your finances, plan for retirement, manage tax implications, and ensure your long‑term financial strategy aligns with your goals.
Do you help veterans with investment and retirement planning?
Absolutely. Once your DVA entitlements are in place, we help you build a long‑term financial plan that includes investing, superannuation, insurance, and retirement income strategies tailored to your needs.
Can you help me understand War Widow(er)’s Compensation?
Yes. War Widow(er)’s Compensation can be complex, especially when combined with other DVA or Services Australia entitlements. We help you understand what the payment includes, how it is assessed, and how it may interact with your income, superannuation, or pension. Our advisers explain everything in clear, simple terms so you can make confident decisions about your financial future.
Do DVA payments affect Services Australia?
They can. Different DVA payments interact with Services Australia in different ways. We help you understand how PI, SRDP, incapacity payments, or War Widow(er)’s Pension may affect your Age Pension, DSP, or other benefits.
Do DVA payments affect my tax?
Some DVA payments are tax‑free, while others may have tax implications. We explain how your compensation is treated and help you plan accordingly.
What are incapacity payments?
Incapacity payments compensate you for lost earnings due to service‑related injuries or illness. They can be complex, especially when combined with civilian income or transition planning. We help you understand how they are calculated and how they interact with other DVA entitlements.
Can incapacity payments continue after I leave Defence?
Yes. Many veterans continue receiving incapacity payments after discharge. We help you understand how long they may continue, how they change over time, and how they fit into your broader financial strategy.
Can't find what you are looking for?
We know DVA Financial Advice can be daunting.
If your question wasn’t answered here, feel free to give us a call on 07 3180 8831 or submit an enquiry below.