Life after Defence: transition and medical separation

Every ADF member transitions at some point, and it affects the whole family. Defence runs transition support. DVA, the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) and others help too. The earlier you start, the smoother it tends to go.

• Use the guide. Defence's ADF Transition Guide is a free app. There is also a downloadable ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF) with a step-by-step checklist.
• Start at least 12 months out. The guide's checklist suggests you start 'considering transition' at least 12 months before you leave. You must attend an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar within 12 months of your separation date. Partners and support people can come too.
• Go through a Transition Centre. All members must transition through a Transition Centre, whatever their length of service or reason for leaving. There are centres on or near most major bases – see Transition Centre contacts.
• Get a Transition Support Officer. They are your consistent point of contact and help you and your family build a personalised transition plan. Some Defence material calls this transition coaching.
• Fill in the questionnaire. Once you start transition you'll get a link to the Transition Preparedness Questionnaire. It helps you and your support people understand what you need.
• Support continues after you leave. Defence Force Transition Program services are available for 24 months after separation.

Source: Defence – Transition support for members; Defence – ADF Transition Guide; Defence – Transition seminars; Defence – Considering transition; Defence – ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF)

Several agencies help during transition. This table shows the main jobs each one does.

Source: Defence – Joint Transition Authority; Defence – Transition support for members; DVA – Transition to civilian life; Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency; CSC – ADF medical transition; Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling; Services Australia – Getting a DVA payment; DVA – Sort your finances

If an injury or illness means you can no longer meet the needs of ADF service, you may be medically transitioned. This is decided through the ADF's employment classification system, known as the MEC.

• What MEC means. The current Defence transition guide calls it the Military Employment Classification. Some DVA policy pages still call it the Medical Employment Classification. There are five categories, from MEC 1 (fully employable and deployable) to MEC 5 (separation). MEC 3 covers rehabilitation and MEC 4 covers employment transition.
• The review board. Some classifications can only be assigned by a review board (MECRB). A medical transition is one possible outcome of a MEC Determination (MEC-D). If you are classified MEC J40, Defence says it is important to understand the MEC-D process and your chances to give input.
• Rehabilitation comes first. ADF rehabilitation aims first to get you fit for your old duties, then for other ADF duties. Medical transition happens when you can't do any duties within the ADF.
• Notice period. Defence's guide says a notice period of 120 days will be considered for a medical transition after a MEC-D. You and your unit can ask to vary the date.
• Extra support. Members with complex medical conditions may get the Transition for Meaningful Engagement program, which helps you move into work or meaningful activity.
• DVA and the Agency are told. Defence tells DVA when a member separates on medical grounds. Defence may also tell the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, and a Veteran and Family Support Officer (VFSO) in your region will reach out.
• CSC gets involved. CSC is notified and gives you a dedicated case manager to work out any invalidity benefit (see the super section below).

If you didn't go through medical transition but think you should have, both Defence and CSC have retrospective processes. See Defence – Financial support and CSC – ADF medical transition.

Source: Defence – ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF); DVA CLIK – The ADF Medical Employment Classification System; DVA CLIK – The ADF Rehabilitation Framework; Defence – Employment assistance; DVA – Transition to civilian life; Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency – I am transitioning from the ADF; CSC – ADF medical transition

You don't have to wait until you've left to get DVA involved. Engaging early can make your transition easier.

• Register for MyService now. You can register as soon as you join the ADF. You use it to lodge and track claims, apply for free mental health treatment and see your Veteran Card.
• Claim as soon as you can. If your service caused or contributed to a health condition, DVA says to submit a claim as soon as possible. Current and former members can lodge an Initial Liability claim in MyService, one condition at a time. If you have a PMKeyS number, you don't need to send proof of service, as DVA already has your service history. See Making a claim.
• Since 1 July 2026, all new claims are considered under the improved MRCA (Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004).
• Talk to a DVA officer on base. These officers help serving members and families understand DVA support, use MyService and lodge claims. DVA pages call them Veteran Support Officers (VSOs); newer Defence and Agency pages call them Veteran and Family Support Officers (VFSOs). DVA suggests contacting one if you are injured or unwell, medically separating, or have been medically downgraded.
• Transition health exam. Book your Transition Health Examination about 6 months before your separation date. You'll nominate a civilian GP and dentist, and complete a mental health questionnaire. Request your medical and dental records too.
• Free mental health care for life. With at least one day of continuous full-time service, DVA can fully fund treatment for any mental health condition through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC). You don't need to prove service caused it. See NLHC (mental health).
• Treatment while you wait. Under PAMT, DVA can pay for treatment of 20 commonly accepted conditions before your claim is decided. Claims must be lodged by 30 June 2027 to use PAMT.
• Veterans' Health Check. A free, comprehensive check with your GP. If you left on or after 1 July 2019, you can have one each year for 5 years after you leave. Anyone who has left the ADF can have a one-off check. Ask for a 45-minute appointment.

Source: DVA – Transition to civilian life; DVA – How to apply for Initial Liability in MyService; DVA – Veteran Support Office; Defence – Health and wellbeing transition; DVA – Non-Liability Health Care (mental health); DVA – Get treatment while you wait on a claim (PAMT); DVA – Veterans' Health Check

Your military super is run by CSC. Which scheme you're in depends mainly on when you joined.

• DFRDB – an older defined benefit scheme, which closed in 1991.
• MilitarySuper (MSBS) – opened 1 October 1991 and closed to new members on 30 June 2016. It includes death and invalidity benefits for serving members.
• ADF Super – the military fund from 1 July 2016. While you serve, eligible members get death and invalidity cover through ADF Cover at no extra cost. You can keep ADF Super after you leave if you had 12 months of continuous service.

If you are medically transitioning: CSC assigns a case manager, usually 3 to 4 months before your transition date. They explain the process and give you an estimate. CSC then classifies your incapacity for civilian work:

MilitarySuper and DFRDB also use Class A, B and C. Under ADF Cover, Class A and B classifications are first reviewed within 12 to 36 months. If you disagree with CSC's final decision, you can appeal.

Form DM042. If you're medically transitioning, you sign the first part of Form DM042 before seeing your Medical Officer. They send it to CSC, ideally 8 weeks and no later than 6 weeks before your transition date.

How super and DVA payments interact. DVA incapacity payments are reduced (offset) by the Commonwealth-funded part of super payments you receive, including invalidity benefits from CSC. The part that comes from your own contributions isn't counted. If CSC later pays you invalidity arrears for a period when you were also getting incapacity payments, you may have a DVA overpayment. DVA will recover it from the arrears.

Get advice. Defence says members may be able to get a $1,000 contribution towards professional financial advice. CSC also has authorised financial planners.

Source: ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre – Superannuation; CSC – MilitarySuper (MSBS); CSC – ADF Super; CSC – ADF Cover; CSC – ADF medical transition; DVA CLIK – ADF Super and ADF Cover; Defence – ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF); DVA – What are incapacity payments; DVA – How we calculate incapacity payments; Defence – Financial support

Defence's Joint Transition Authority runs the Defence Force Transition Program. Its services are available for 24 months after you leave.

• Job Search Preparation Workshop – resume writing and job applications, face to face over 2 days or online.
• Career Transition Coaching Program – intensive coaching on your skills, career options, interviews and resume.
• Career Transition Training Program – up to $5,320 towards training and upskilling, and possibly help with travel to attend.
• Personalised Career and Employment Program – 6 one-on-one coaching sessions over 3 months for some younger or shorter-serving members, including those leaving for injury or medical reasons.
• Transition for Meaningful Engagement – for members with complex medical conditions.
• Military skill recognition – getting your Defence skills recognised as civilian qualifications.

The Veteran Employment Program has resources for veterans and partners, a list of employers who have signed the Veteran Employment Commitment, and the Prime Minister's National Veteran Employment Awards.

If DVA accepts your claim, you can get DVA rehabilitation, including help to find and manage work. See Rehabilitation.

Source: Defence – Employment assistance; Defence – Transition support for members; Veteran Employment Program; DVA – Transition to civilian life

Your living costs and wages may change when you leave full-time service. Here's what may help.

• Veteran Payment. An interim payment while DVA assesses your claim for a mental health condition under the MRCA. You generally need to be unable to work more than 8 hours a week and meet income and assets tests. Your partner may be able to get it too. You can't get it at the same time as some other payments, such as JobSeeker Payment, Disability Support Pension or incapacity payments.
• Incapacity payments. If DVA accepts a condition that stops or limits your work, you may get incapacity payments. They are reduced by Commonwealth super payments, as above.
• Super. You may get a lump sum or regular payments from your super fund. Contact your fund.
• Centrelink. JobSeeker Payment is a Services Australia payment for people looking for work. Defence's checklist suggests asking about a Centrelink Employment Separation Certificate. DVA payments can affect your Centrelink payments.
• Final pay. Defence warns your final pay may have deductions, leaving you with less than normal.
• Financial information. The ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre, Services Australia's Financial Information Service and Moneysmart offer free information (not personal advice).

Getting one payment can affect another. DVA suggests getting financial advice before starting or stopping a payment.

Source: DVA – Sort your finances; DVA – Veteran Payment; DVA – What are incapacity payments; Services Australia – Getting a DVA payment; Defence – ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF)

Transition can bring a move, a new job, school changes and a change in identity and community for the whole family. Including family in planning, coaching sessions and seminars can lead to better outcomes.

• Defence Member and Family Helpline: 1800 624 608. Available 24/7, staffed by social workers and psychologists. From overseas, call +61 2 6127 1600. It can help with a crisis, relocation, schools, childcare, partner employment and access to transition coaching.
• Open Arms: 1800 011 046. Free and confidential counselling 24/7 for veterans and families, including couples and family counselling.
• Stepping Out. A free Open Arms program for members and partners who are transitioning or have transitioned. There is no time limit on when you can attend.
• Partner Employment Assistance Program. Support and funding for eligible ADF partners to improve their employability.
• All-hours Support Line: 1800 628 036. A 24/7 confidential line for ADF members and families to access ADF or civilian mental health services.
• Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency: 1800 823 922. Weekdays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Its website has a service directory and urgent help links.

More on family support: Family and kids.

Source: Defence – Transition support for families; Defence – Defence Member and Family Helpline; Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling; Open Arms – Transitioning from the ADF; Defence – All-hours Support Line; Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency

A short version of the official checklists. Not every step will apply to you – your Transition Support Officer can help you work out which ones do.

Source: Defence – ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF); Defence – Transition seminars; Defence – Health and wellbeing transition; DVA – Transition to civilian life; CSC – ADF medical transition

• Start early. Many steps take longer than expected, especially health exams, records and super paperwork.
• Keep copies of your service record, medical and dental records, and every claim or letter in one safe place.
• Lodge DVA claims for each service-related condition while you're still serving if you can. Documents from Defence, such as your medical records, can support your claim.
• If you're medically transitioning, talk to both CSC and DVA before you choose between options. Payments can offset each other, so get financial advice.
• Bring your partner or a support person to seminars and appointments. Transition affects the whole family.
• Find a civilian GP before you leave, and book a long appointment for your Veterans' Health Check.
• A free trained advocate from an ex-service organisation can help with claims.
• Save the support numbers in your phone now: Open Arms 1800 011 046 and the Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608.

• defence.gov.auDefence – ADF Transition Guide
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• defence.gov.auDefence – ADF Member and Family Transition Guide (PDF)
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Transition support for members
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Transition seminars
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Considering transition
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Transition Centre contacts
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Employment assistance
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Financial support
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Health and wellbeing transition
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Transition support for families
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Defence Member and Family Helpline
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• defence.gov.auDefence – All-hours Support Line
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• defence.gov.auDefence – Joint Transition Authority
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Transition to civilian life
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Veteran Support Office
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Sort your finances
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Relationship with Defence
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• dva.gov.auDVA – How to apply for Initial Liability in MyService
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Veterans' Health Check
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Non-Liability Health Care (mental health)
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Get treatment while you wait on a claim (PAMT)
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• dva.gov.auDVA – Veteran Payment
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• dva.gov.auDVA – What are incapacity payments
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• dva.gov.auDVA – How we calculate incapacity payments
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• clik.dva.gov.auDVA CLIK – The ADF Medical Employment Classification System
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• clik.dva.gov.auDVA CLIK – The ADF Rehabilitation Framework
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• csc.gov.auCSC – ADF medical transition
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• csc.gov.auCSC – ADF Super
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• csc.gov.auCSC – ADF Cover
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• csc.gov.auCSC – MilitarySuper (MSBS)
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• clik.dva.gov.auDVA CLIK – ADF Super and ADF Cover
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• adfconsumer.gov.auADF Financial Services Consumer Centre – Superannuation
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• veteranwellbeing.gov.auVeteran and Family Wellbeing Agency
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• veteranwellbeing.gov.auVeteran and Family Wellbeing Agency – I am transitioning from the ADF
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• dva.gov.auDVA – New wellbeing agency opened on 1 July 2026
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• openarms.gov.auOpen Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
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• openarms.gov.auOpen Arms – Transitioning from the ADF
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• veteransemployment.gov.auVeteran Employment Program
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• servicesaustralia.gov.auServices Australia – Getting a DVA payment
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All links opened and checked 2026-10-03.