New legislation which came into effect on 1 January 2022 will provide an increase in social security payments for some veterans.

The changes made the Disability Compensation Payment (formerly known as Disability Pension) exempt from the income test under the Social Security Act 1991. 

Centrelink payments, such as the Age Pension, will increase as a result and removes the need for DFISA. In addition, Rent Assistance became available, or increased, for some veterans.

These changes were announced by email from the DVA Secretary in early December 2021, however, some letters were delayed which meant some veterans did not know why their DFISA payment had been reduced prior to 13 January.

Those who had previously received DFISA found that on the first payday of 2022, part of the DFISA payment was reduced. 

On payday 27 January, there will be no DFISA paid, however, social security payments from Centrelink will increase accordingly. 

The part payment on 13 January was made because the effective date of 1 January fell in the middle of the pay period. As Centrelink paydays differ for each person, payments did not align with DVA veteran paydays.

Veterans and their partners do not need to do anything, as the payments will be made automatically.  

RSLWA is seeking Expressions of Interest from two suitably qualified persons with experience in fundraising and a willingness to share knowledge pro bono supporting the remit of the Committee's Terms of Reference (TOR). 

RSLWA are leaders in the care of the Veteran Community through their pursuance of dynamic Welfare and Advocacy programs to the benefit of its members. These programs form the core responsibilities of RSLWA’s activities.  

In an effort to fund such programs RSLWA is seeking Expressions of Interest from two suitably qualified persons with experience in fundraising and a willingness to share knowledge pro bono supporting the remit of the Committee's Terms of Reference (TOR). 

The purpose of the Fundraising Committee is to:

• Conduct strategic decision making on short, medium and long term fundraising as an ongoing source of income for the organisation;
• Recommend strategies and opportunities to the RSLWA’s Board of Directors; and
• Consider PBI and DGR implications and opportunities when determining fundraising activities.

Note:  RSLWA is a Public Benevolent Institution and has had Deductible Gift Recipient status since 15 July 2017.

The Committee will focus on two major events in 2022. These events will consist of a Golf Day in May and a Veterans Ball in November. Successful candidates will join the current Committee of three one of which is the Chair. Ideally, we seek your expertise and knowledge within Perth’s network of large corporate organisations, philanthropists and entrepreneurs who wish to support our Veteran Community. 

Successful candidates must be willing to contribute their time and experience. The Committee will meet on a monthly basis at ANZAC House Veterans Centre on the second Tuesday of the month at 1600 (4 pm).

Applications should include a brief letter outlining the skills and experience the candidate would bring to the position. Applications should be typed and no more than 300 words.

Applications should be sent to the Chairman, RSLWA Nominations Committee,

The 2021-22 rounds of the Veteran and Community Grants and Supporting Younger Veterans Grants are now open for applications.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the grants deliver valuable funding to local community organisations providing activities and services that support the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

“Recent grant funding has gone to a wide variety of support programs including wellness weekends and care packages for Defence members, fishing and sporting activities and even off-road racing,” Minister Gee said.

“I recently had the opportunity to catch some waves with veterans from previous grant recipient, the Veteran Surf Project at Gerroa in New South Wales, and saw firsthand the truly remarkable positive impact it’s having for local veterans.

“Their program brings veterans together, gets them talking, gets them active and gives them something to look forward to each week. It can be literally life changing for some of those who participate.

“With this latest round of funding, I hope we can support many more groups like this.

“We want to see applications for practical projects and activities that support safe, accessible environments for veterans and their families to enable social connections and improve wellbeing.

“These grants will help improve and expand existing services, build capacity for future projects, and raise awareness of the issues facing local veterans.

“I meet regularly with many ex-service organisations and have enormous respect for the critical role they play in providing mateship, advocacy and support.”

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities. A small number of grants of up to $150,000 are also available for projects that deliver wellbeing support services and activities of broad scale benefit to the veteran community.

The Australian Government is investing $32 million this financial year alone in grant programs to help the many groups that provide complementary services to our veterans.