WARNING: As ADF grows to 100,000, thousands of members risk losing hundreds of thousands in super

Each year, approximately 900 to 1,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are medically discharged due to physical or psychological health issues. For many, that discharge marks not just the end of a military career, but the beginning of an uncertain and overwhelming chapter.
 

According to veteran advocate and financial specialist Wayne Bemet, too many medically discharged service members leave the ADF without clarity about their financial entitlements, long- term support options or how to navigate the complex systems designed to assist them.
 

"Medical discharge is rarely planned," Bemet said.
 

"It can come suddenly, often during a period of illness, injury or emotional distress. People are exhausted, overwhelmed and trying to process what has happened to them. Financial planning is the last thing on their mind, yet it's one of the most critical things they need support with."
 

An uncertain transition at the most vulnerable time
 

Bemet said many medically discharged members feel lost after leaving the ADF. The structure, routine and certainty of service disappear overnight, replaced by unfamiliar systems, paperwork and decisions that feel impossible to tackle alone.
 

"For some, their identity, purpose and confidence are already shaken by injury or illness," he said.
 

"Then they're handed forms, acronyms and processes with little explanation and expected to navigate it while unwell. That's where people fall through the cracks."
 

He said many veterans wrongly assume they are not entitled to significant support or they delay engaging because the process feels too complex or emotionally confronting.
 

"The reality is many medically discharged members are entitled to substantial financial support, compensation, income protection, superannuation benefits and long-term planning assistance," Bemet said.
 

"But if you don't know what exists, or you don't know how to access it, those benefits can remain unused or misunderstood."
 

A system that feels impossible to navigate alone
 

Bemet said one of the biggest challenges for medically discharged veterans is trying to manage multiple agencies, assessments and obligations at the same time.

"You might be dealing with DVA, super funds, insurance providers, Centrelink, medical specialists and legal processes all at once," he said.
 

"Each system has its own language, timelines and expectations. For someone already dealing with pain, PTSD, anxiety or cognitive fatigue, it can feel insurmountable."
 

He said many veterans delay seeking help because they believe they should be able to handle it themselves.
 

"Military culture teaches self-reliance," Bemet said.
 

"But transition is not a failure and asking for help is not weakness. You don't have to navigate this alone."
 

Financial stress compounds health and recovery
 

Bemet warned that financial uncertainty can significantly worsen health outcomes for medically discharged members.
 

"When people don't know how they're going to pay their bills, support their family or plan their future, it adds another layer of stress to an already fragile situation," he said.
 

"That stress slows recovery, increases anxiety and can deepen feelings of isolation."
 

He said early financial guidance can reduce pressure, restore a sense of control and help veterans focus on healing.
 

"Clarity creates calm," Bemet said.
 

"When someone understands what support is available and has a plan, the emotional weight lifts. They breathe differently. They sleep better. They start to see a future again."
 

Understanding trauma is essential, not optional
 

Bemet said supporting medically discharged veterans requires far more than technical expertise. It requires an understanding of trauma, mindset and the invisible impacts of service.
 

"Many of the people we support are dealing with chronic pain, sleep deprivation, hearing loss, hypervigilance or PTSD," he said.
 

"You cannot rush them, overwhelm them with jargon or expect them to absorb complex information in one sitting."
 

He said frustration, withdrawal or difficulty concentrating are often misunderstood by civilian systems.
 

"These are not behavioural problems," Bemet said.
 

"They are normal responses to injury and service. Support must adapt to the veteran, not force the veteran to adapt to the system."

Why early support changes everything
 

Bemet said the earlier medically discharged members engage with specialist support, the better their long-term outcomes.
 

"Waiting too long can mean missed entitlements, poor financial decisions or unnecessary stress," he said.
 

"Early guidance helps people make informed choices, protect their future and avoid mistakes made under pressure."
 

He urged ADF members approaching medical discharge, or those already discharged, to reach out as soon as possible.
 

"You don't need to understand everything before you ask for help," he said.
 

"You just need to take the first step."
 

A clear message to medically discharged ADF members
 

Bemet's message to medically discharged veterans is simple and direct.
 

"You are not alone," he said.
 

"You are not expected to figure this out by yourself and you are not failing because you need support."
 

He said financial clarity is not just about money, it's about rebuilding confidence and stability.
 

"Service doesn't end when the uniform comes off," Bemet said.
 

"The responsibility to support our people doesn't end there either."
 

A call to action for the ADF community
 

With hundreds of members medically discharged each year, Bemet said greater awareness is urgently needed.
 

"We need to normalise reaching out," he said.
 

"We need to make it clear that help exists and that navigating transition with support is the smart option, not the weak one."
 

For medically discharged ADF members facing uncertainty, his advice is unequivocal.
 

"Don't try to carry this alone," Bemet said.
 

"Reach out, ask questions and get support. Your future is worth protecting."
 

About National Service Financial
 

National Service Financial is a veteran-founded financial advisory firm dedicated to supporting current and former Australian Defence Force members through personalised financial planning, transition guidance and long-term wealth strategies. Founded by Wayne Bemet, a medically discharged veteran, the business brings lived experience to every client relationship. With a deep

understanding of military life and the challenges of civilian transition, National Service Financial helps clients regain control, clarity and confidence. Now operating nationally, the firm also supports high-performing civilian professionals seeking structured, strategic financial advice delivered with integrity. Since leaving the ADF, Wayne has expanded his experience and expertise in financial management through study. He is also undertaking a Masters in Applied Finance with the Griffith University, Griffith School of Business. This year he was appointed to the VetX Board as Treasurer, where he will play a key role in strengthening VetX's capabilities to empower veteran entrepreneurs nationwide. Learn more at www.nationalservicefinancial.com.au.
 

Wayne and his team's mission is to: help our mates in need, discover life after service and give back to a community that has given us such wonderful experiences and opportunities in life.