Rehabilitation providers need to be aware of the following differences to a normal assessment process:

• This client group is more likely to be financially and psychosocially vulnerable.
• Contact must be made with the client within 3 business days of date of referral.
• An initial assessment must be submitted within 6 business days from date of referral.
• There is no return to work (RTW) pressure whilst on a Veteran Payment initiated plan.
• Consultants conducting this type of assessment must be experienced in complex cases and be sensitive to the individual client’s situation and the DVA’s intent to provide a support whilst their claim is being considered.

The rehabilitation assessment must address the client’s current situation and immediate needs, particularly in relation to accommodation, financial situation, family support and health treatment. Should this type of assessment be conducted, there is no standard template, but it must include the client's current situation and immediate needs and a recommendation as to whether they have capacity to participate in a rehabilitation program.

The full assessment report, as described in 3.8.1 The Rehabilitation Assessment Report in this library, will most likely not be appropriate at this time. The consultant's experience and judgement will need to provide them with guidance on what is most appropriate.

The standard rights and obligations must be explained to the client.

Where a client is accessing rehabilitation because they are in receipt of the Veteran Payment, development of a plan is still required. Without a rehabilitation plan that has been approved by a DVA Rehabilitation Coordinator, there is no legislative basis to make payments for rehabilitation support and services.

Veteran Payment recipients will have income and assets below the set thresholds, which means that the veteran's rehabilitation plan must include financial counselling as an activity. This is intended to assist the veteran to understand their financial situation, to cope with their changing situation and find ways to ensure basic needs can be afforded.

Financial counsellors are professionals who provide free information, advice and advocacy for people in financial difficulty. The following websites provide further information about financial counselling and how to find an accredited financial counsellor:

• National Debt Helpline: What is financial counselling? or 1800 007 007
• ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre: A Financial Counsellor can help
• MoneySmart.gov.au: Financial counselling
• Department of Social Services: Commonwealth Financial Counselling

As part of an approved rehabilitation plan, the rehabilitation provider is expected to assist the veteran and their family to find a financial counsellor in their area, and facilitate a face-to-face meeting. Should the veteran be unwilling to participate in financial counselling, the rehabilitation provider must ensure that the veteran is made aware of the available assistance, if required at a future time.

Goals and activities on the Veteran Payment initiated rehabilitation program will be focused on mostly what is needed to allow the veteran to work on overcoming immediate needs, like housing, access to appropriate health treatment, family issues and psychosocial goals. Vocational goals may also be included, but only when appropriate.

A Veteran Payment initiated rehabilitation program was mirrored on aspects of an earlier Accelerated Access to Rehab (AAR) model, including:

1. What activities can commence before liability is accepted?
2. Developing the rehabilitation plan.
3. Managing the expectations of clients and their families.