Seeking Support

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If you require any assistance or help with attending medical appointments, shopping or for any other reasons please feel free to contact our Local Support Advisor, Gail Kennett, on 021 446 011 or [email protected] 
Local Support Advisor - Gail Kennett
Our Local Support Adviser (LSA) provides a comprehensive service, which includes:
  • Assisting 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
The Poppy Foundation of Auckland - Claims Process
The Poppy Foundation provides financial assistance to veterans, ex-service persons and their dependents for welfare associated costs eg: glasses, hearing aids, dental and medical costs.
To be eligible for grants from The Poppy Foundation a person must be:
  • a returned, ex-serviceman or woman or their spouse/dependent,
  • who at the time of making an application for a welfare grant are ordinarily a resident in the Auckland region and have belonged to the Devonport RSA for three months or more at the time of claim,
  • and are entitled to the New Zealand Defence Service Medal: or is a member of any commonwealth or Allied Service with service similar award.

Individuals who would like to submit a claim are to complete an Individual Grant Application Form (scroll down for form links) and then submit to our Devonport RSA Manager for processing (your form will be submitted to the Poppy Foundation on your behalf).  The Poppy Foundation Trust Grant Committee will review the Grant request and summary form submitted by participating RSAs every 6 weeks (or as needed for urgent cases).  Approved claims are paid on 25th of the month.   If a claim is declined or further information is required the Participating RSA will be notified.

NOTES:
  • Please submit all claims on occurrence to the Devonport RSA Manager ([email protected]), using the claim form or give Gail, our LSA, a call and she will come and pick up the documentation.  
  • The date on the receipt should be no older than three months prior to the date of the 'Poppy Foundation of Auckland Trust' meeting that it is intended for, hence it is important that you submit your claims when you incur the cost (and have the receipt).  If your claim is more than three months old, you could run the risk it being declined.  If there are extenuating circumstances for the delay, please ensure that you include a covering note with your explanation. ​
Poppy Foundation Claim Form:
Use the Word version if you would like to complete/type the form on a computer.  You will need to save the completed form onto your computer and then attach to an email (send the email to the DSRA Manager).
Use the PDF version if you would like to print out the form and complete it by hand.  You will need to scan in the completed form and email it to the DSRA Manager.  Alternatively, give our LSA (Gail) a call and she will pick it up from you.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing the form, please contact our LSA (Gail: 021 446 011 or [email protected]).

Need help, or want a visit by the LSA?