Use the support available

Defence’s transition support is there for you throughout your career and for up to 24 months after your transition date. Through the Defence Force Transition Program you can work with a Transition Coach, attend an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar (you’ll need to attend within 12 months of your transition date), and access support such as career transition training and funding towards financial advice. Permanent and continuous full-time members may also be able to use transition absence days to prepare for civilian life.

Speak with your Transition Coach early – they can explain what you are eligible for and the approval process.

1. Understand your superannuation

Your military super is likely to be one of your largest assets, and some of the decisions you make at discharge can’t be undone. Find out which scheme you belong to – DFRDB, MSBS or ADF Super – what benefit you are entitled to, and what options are open to you when you leave. Some options have strict time limits.

Read our guide: Military superannuation at a glance.

2. Review your insurance before you leave

• While you are serving (and under 60), you are covered for death and invalidity by ADF Cover, provided by CSC.
• Your cover changes when you leave the ADF. Check exactly what will and won’t continue, and consider replacement life, TPD and income protection cover before you discharge – it can be harder to obtain once you have left, particularly if you have health conditions.
• ADF Super offers insurance for eligible former members, and your new employer’s super fund may include some default cover. Compare these carefully.

3. Get your DVA claims in

• You can lodge claims for service-related injuries and conditions through MyService while you are still serving – and doing so before you transition is encouraged.
• Anyone with at least one day of continuous full-time service can access treatment for any mental health condition through Non-Liability Health Care, using a Veteran White Card – you don’t need to prove the condition is related to service.
• If you have lodged a claim for a mental health condition that hasn’t yet been decided, you may be eligible for Veteran Payment, an interim income support payment.

4. Plan for your final pay

Your final pay may include payouts of unused annual leave and long service leave. These can be taxed differently to your normal salary, depending on when the leave was accrued and the reason you are leaving. Plan ahead for the tax, and think about how you will use any lump sum.

5. Build a transition budget

• Map out your income and expenses for the first 12 months after you leave, including any gap between your final ADF pay and your first civilian pay.
• Allow for new costs – such as health insurance, medical and dental costs, and work clothing or equipment.
• Build an emergency fund of at least three to six months of expenses.

6. Housing and home ownership

If you are eligible for the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS), you stop accruing additional entitlement once you leave, but you may still be able to access subsidy payments based on the entitlement you have built up. Special rules apply to members who are medically separated. Check your position before you discharge.

Read our guide: DHOAS explained.

7. Get your affairs in order

• Update your will, and check your superannuation death benefit nominations.
• Put enduring powers of attorney in place.
• Make sure your partner knows where key documents and accounts are.