This domain is about safe, secure and suitable housing, whether you are renting, buying, living in community housing, at risk of homelessness, or planning for aged care.
It explains how Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) housing-related supports, such as home modifications and Veterans Home Care, can help you live independently, and how national systems like My Aged Care and state government housing services fit in.
If you are at risk of homelessness or dealing with a housing crisis, it links you to immediate homelessness support. It also covers the steps to access government subsidised home care and residential aged care, and how your veteran status can be recognised through supplements and veteran-aware providers.
Families can access support to help the veteran navigate housing, aged care, home modifications and crisis services.
This mirrors the veteran pathway but includes tools to help carers plan and advocate.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Website: Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Phone: 1800 838 372 (1800 VETERAN)
What they do: Veterans Home Care, home modifications and supports to help you stay at home.
Veterans SA
Website: Veterans SA
Phone: (08) 7133 9333
What they do: Links to South Australian veteran housing, homelessness and local support services.
My Aged Care
Website: My Aged Care
Phone: 1800 200 422
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (closed Sunday and national public holidays)
What they do: Entry point for government subsidised home support, home care packages and residential aged care.
Andrew Russell Veteran Living
Website: Andrew Russell Veteran Living
Phone: 0488 137 570
What they do: Provides support emergency accommodation and affordable housing support to Veterans and their families.
If you are sleeping rough, sofa surfing, or at immediate risk of losing your housing, priority services are available to provide immediate support and safe shelter.
The DVA Homelessness and Crisis Supports are a central point of contact for veterans in crisis, offering immediate needs assessment and rapid referral to relevant crisis accommodation providers across SA. This is a critical first step for urgent assistance.
DVA Homelessness and Crisis Support (24/7)
Website: DVA Homelessness and Crisis Support (24/7)
Phone: 1800 838 372 (1800 VETERAN)
SA Homelessness Gateway
Website: SA Homelessness Gateway
What they do: Provides initial assessment and referral to emergency and short-term accommodation options, as well as assistance with rental applications.
Andrew Russell Veteran Living
Website: Andrew Russell Veteran Living
Phone: 0488 137 570
What they do: Provides support emergency accommodation and affordable housing support to Veterans and their families.
Safety in your living environment, especially in situations involving domestic violence or threat, is paramount. You need immediate, confidential resources that can provide security and alternative accommodation.
If you feel unsafe due to domestic or family violence, contact 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website immediately for counselling, safety planning, and referral to secure emergency accommodation.
South Australia crisis accommodation and support is also available.
Finding affordable, secure rental housing can be challenging, particularly in competitive markets. Knowing where to look for assistance and advocacy can help you secure a place to live.
Veteran-focused ex-service organisations (ESOs) may provide advocacy and financial relief to help secure bonds or initial rent payments.
For more information, contact:
RSL (SA Branch)
Website: RSL (SA Branch)
What they do: Connection to local sub-branches for potential crisis financial assistance for bonds or rent.
SA Housing Authority
Website: SA Housing Authority
What they do: Information about public housing and affordable rental schemes in South Australia.
Understanding veteran-specific grants, loans, and financial assistance can help you secure your future housing.
South Australian Veterans can access standard federal and state grants like the First Home Owners Grant however some may also be eligible for specific financial support related to their service.
Your first step should be to speak with an accredited mortgage broker or financial adviser who understands government schemes for current and former ADF members.
See the Defence Service Homes (DSH) Loans website.
Veterans may also be eligible for rental and income-support-linked housing assistance, or for subsidised home loans depending on their service history.
Additional information and resources to support buying a house are available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (SA), and First Home Owners Grant (FHOG).
Home modifications may be necessary to ensure safety and accessibility, especially if you have service-related injuries or age-related conditions.
Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) funds aids, equipment, and home modifications to assist veterans to remain independent in their homes. Your GP or a DVA-approved occupational therapist (OT) is the key to initiating this process.
Legal disputes, rental disputes, or issues with home safety and maintenance require professional guidance to resolve fairly and effectively.
For legal advice concerning rental disputes, tenancy rights, or eviction, the Legal Services Commission (SA) is the primary resource for free legal advice.
If you have an accepted service injury, DVA may assist with safety-related modifications or upgrades through the RAP program (via an OT referral).
You can also contact:
Legal Services Commission SA
Website: Legal Services Commission SA
Phone: 1300 366 424
What they do: Free legal advice line for tenancy and other matters
South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Website: South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
What they do: Information about your rights and responsibilities as a renter.
Transitioning into aged care is complex, involving decisions about home assistance (in-home care) or moving to residential care (nursing homes). Veterans and their partners have access to the national system but may also be eligible for specific DVA support.
The first essential step is contacting My Aged Care to undergo an assessment, which determines eligibility for Home Care Packages (HCP) or residential care funding. Eligible Veteran Gold Card holders may also access the DVA's Veterans Home Care (VHC) program for basic home support (cleaning, gardening) without a full My Aged Care assessment.
The Financial Information Service (FIS) provides free, independent advice on the financial impact and fees related to residential aged care.
Veterans in South Australia can access support to find housing and aged-care services, apply for home modifications, and get help to stay independent.
These services often include advocacy and advice to navigate DVA and aged-care systems.
For more information, you can contact:
RSL Care SA
Website: RSL Care SA
Phone: (08) 8379 2600
What they do: Provides aged care, retirement living, and affordable veteran housing (ARVL).
RSL SA & NT
Website: RSL SA & NT
Phone: (08) 8100 7300
What they do: Help with DVA claims, appeals, housing, and accommodation
Military Advocates SA
Website: Military Advocates SA
Phone: (08) 7117 5357
What they do: Independent advocates for housing, wellbeing, and DVA support.
National Aged Care Advocacy (OPAN)
National Aged Care Advocacy (OPAN)
Phone: 1800 700 600
What they do: Independent aged-care advocacy.