Support under the Acute Support Package (the Package) is not ongoing. It is limited to certain time periods.

14.6.1 Widowed partners

Widowed partners without children can access support under the Package for a two year continuous period.

In addition, widowed partners with children have access to a specific amount of support for those children each year, until they enter high school.

The commencement of the support period is from when a widowed partner is accepted as eligible for the Package.

14.6.2 Veterans and their families

Families of living veterans without children can access support under the Package for up to two years. The period of support does not have to be continuous and will depend on the assessed needs of the family. A family could access support for six months, then not need support for another year. They would still be eligible for 18 months of support in future if they needed it. However, they only have 48 months total in which to access their total support (See Pausing a plan).

Support for counselling extends beyond two years. Four sessions a year are available to families for a further three years.

In addition, families with children have access to a specific amount of support for those children each year, until they enter high school.