3.12.4.3 Financial Counselling

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.