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Posting Information

Posting time can be very stressful. Let us help you plan your posting, particularly in relation to your family’s special needs. A Posting Plan looks at everything that your family may need and together we work through each area, what to do and how to access. Starting from when you receive a posting order, we look at what services you may need in your new location. Depending on the special needs, this may cover things like therapy, early intervention, medical and allied services, equipment, post school options and education. It may cover respite, personal care and medications and housing, or even what to think about when you are travelling to your new place. We take you through step by step, help you with any Recognition of Special Needs or Assessment of Assistance on Posting applications for Defence, referrals and linking you in with the relevant people in the new location, check up with you along the way and when you arrive at your new destination, we will call you to see how you are going. You may be unaware of the independence of Defence Special Needs Support Group.

The group was formed under the patronage of the Chief of Defence Force and the Minister responsible for Defence personnel (1993), but as a specialised support organisation external to Defence. We are an external Not For Profit organisation that works closely with ADF special needs families. DSNSG does not have access to PMKEYS, posting information, changes in family details or contact information, so we rely on the families to advise us of any changes. Some Families are still under the impression that we may have access to this information.

It is also important to note that DSNSG National Committee Members meet annually, as a minimum, with the Minister for Defence and Chief of Defence Force.

DSNSG is not a part, nor under the umbrella of DFA, we are a complete different entity.

It is important for the families to contact DSNSG when they are being posted or if any circumstances have changed. Contact the National Coordinator on 1800 037 674 or via email at 

To assist you with your posting you may need one or more of the following:

  • Application for Recognition of Special Needs

  • Assessment of Assistance on Posting
  • Application for Assistance with Respite, Therapy Services,
  • Personal Care or Equipment Hire

Note: Changes to the Defence Recognition of Special Needs Application Process – Support to Families with Special Needs

As of 01 July 2010, you now do not need to see a Defence Social Worker to undergo the ‘Recognition of Special Needs Process’ or the ‘Assessment of Assistance on Posting’. Instead, whether applying for special needs recognition, assessment of assistance on posting or therapy services, families will now send their application forms and supporting documentation directly to Defence Community Helpline () for processing. The process brings only the administrative side of the program into DMFS HQ. Professional social work will still be available to special needs families if required.

  • An information flyer providing broad information on the Program

  • Application forms
  • A copy of the Member with Dependants with Special Needs determination that provides families with important details regarding the program including eligibility criteria, the roles and responsibilities of DMFS staff and definitions.