The Local Support Adviser (LSA) provides a comprehensive service, which includes:
  • Assists Veterans, Ex-Service people, who may or may not be Members of the RSA, and Associate RSA Members and the spouses and partners of all these people with obtaining benefits, pensions, allowances and welfare assistance as required
  • Maintains records of all Members seeking assistance on pensions and welfare matters and advocates on their behalf to the Poppy Day Trust for assistance as appropriate
  • Remains familiar with the Veterans’ Support act 2014, and any other legislation that might be useful to the Support Officer’s tasks, e.g. the Social Security Acts and the Burial and Cremation Act 1964
  • Assists Veterans and Ex-Service men and women with the completion of War Disablement Pension Application, Reassessments Applications and other forms
  • Assists spouses who are potentially eligible for Surviving Spouse Pension with the completion of relevant forms and provision of supporting evidence
  • Remains familiar with the workings of Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and the Case Management system
  • Maintains a working knowledge of all relevant Work & Income Benefits, Allowances and Grants and RNZRSA Welfare application processes
  • Provides all relevant information to the person undertaking the service section of a funeral for the RSA, including obituary information, and visits the bereaved spouse/partner to ascertain any needs
  • Advocates to the Poppy Day Trust on behalf of Members seeking welfare-related financial support
  • Provides input to the budget process of the Poppy Day Trust and advice on acquisition of equipment and material to meet welfare needs
  • Visits veterans and widows, particularly those hospitalised, to ensure they maintain contact with the RSA

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