Additional family resources
Crisis support services
Defence Member and Family Support - 24/7 Helpline – 1800 624 608
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – 1800 628 036
Health support line (for ADF members) – 1800 IM SICK
Employee Assistance Program – 1300 687 327
Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467
Lifeline – 13 11 14 or text line 0477 131 114
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Emergency services – 000
ADF Family Health Program - 1300 561 454
All recognised dependants of full-time ADF members are eligible to register for the National Family Health Program.
Families with special needs
Defence provides support to members who have recognised family members with special needs.
Garrison Health Centres
Garrison health is primarily responsible for the delivery and management of quality, safe, efficient and effective healthcare to ADF personnel within Australia and on non-operational postings overseas.
Military OneSource
Are you a US family posted to Australia? Did you know you can still access US Military services such as Military OneSource for support? Military OneSource services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They offer resources and support for: Financial planning, Parenting, Relationships, Education, Non-medical counselling and much more.
Posting and relocation
A mobile life is an integral part of military service, as members and families are routinely posted around Australia and overseas. The Posting and Relocation Workbooks guides families through important questions when preparing to relocate.
Childcare
Defence families can face challenges securing childcare when posting to a new location or changing work or care arrangements.
Changing schools
Finding and moving to a new school has many challenges for Australian Defence Force families. Information is provided to assist families through the process and provide support and services relevant to the family's needs.
Defence School Mentor Program
The Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP) is delivered in partnership with schools to support the wellbeing of children of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
Partner Employment Assistance Program
Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) recognises the service and sacrifices of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families, and the unique challenges ADF partners face in sustaining a career while supporting the ADF member's service.
Education Assistance Scheme
Defence recognises that some children may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting. Financial support is available to help minimise the disruption to education caused by posting.
Pay and conditions
ADF pay and conditions information from PACMAN that's easier to read and understand.
ADF Financial Services Customer Centre
The ADF Financial Services Customer Centre (ADF-FSCC) is a financial education service for transitioning members and their families. ADF-FSCC provide guides on topics, including:
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saving and goal setting
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budgeting
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problems with debt
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insurance
Information about authorised financial advisors can also be found on the ADFFSCC website.
Salary packaging
Salary packaging allows for the purchase of a range of items or services out of pre-tax salary, including:
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motor vehicles for private use by way of a novated lease or associate lease
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childcare at Defence and Commonwealth child care facilities
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laptop and notebook computers
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uniforms
Members should seek professional financial advice before salary packaging.
Superannuation
Members can access information on superannuation entitlements through the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).
Fringe benefits tax
Financial assistance and services can attract fringe benefits tax (FBT). This may affect tax concessions or government benefits. Members should seek independent financial advice to see what effect FBT will have before utilising support services.
Home ownership assistance
The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme helps members and veterans achieve home ownership by offering subsidy payments toward the interest incurred on a home loan. Members and families can find about the assistance available when buying and selling a home.
Financial assistance
For short-term financial difficulties or emergencies, members can access loans, grants or welfare services through the Relief Trust Funds.
Absence from home
Time apart due to deployment, training or other service requirements is an integral feature of Defence life for ADF members and their families.
ADF Equip Program
The ADF Equip – Children’s Group Resilience Program is a suite of facilitated workshop style sessions designed to support the social and emotional resilience and wellbeing of Defence children.