Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

Can I join the RSA?

Who can apply for RSA welfare assistance?

Is the RSA able to provide financial assistance to war veterans?

Where can I find out about War Pensions?

Where can I obtain information about my Service Record?

Who do I contact about medal enquiries?

When is the annual Poppy Day Appeal?

How are Poppy Day funds utilised?

Where is the nearest RSA to my home?

Who may wear the RSA badge?

Can anyone subscribe to RSA Review?

How can I get involved with the RSA?

Answers:

Can I join the RSA?

New Zealand and Commonwealth citizens can apply for RSA membership even if they have no direct Service history or family connections to the Services. See Who May Join? for more details.

Who can apply for RSA welfare assistance?

All ex-services personnel, spouses and partners of ex-services personnel, dependants of ex-services personnel and widows/ers of ex-services personnel in need are eligible to apply for RSA welfare assistance. See RSA Welfare Services for more information on the type of assistance available and how to apply for help.

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Is RSA able to provide financial assistance to war veterans?

Local RSAs and RNZRSA are able, in some circumstances, to provide financial assistance to veterans in need. Contact an RSA Welfare Officer or RNZRSA Senior Advisory Officer for a confidential discussion.

Where can I find out about War Pensions?

There is an overview of the War Disablement Pension, Veterans Pension and Spouses/Partners Pensions on this site. Further detailed information is available on-line from the War Pensions Services, or free phone 0800 553003. RSA provides assistance with every stage of the application process, and a free advocacy service for pensioners taking decisions to appeal. See How RSA Can Help for more information.

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How can I obtain details of my Service Record?

For contact details, please visit Personnel Archives on the New Zealand Defence Force website.

Who do I contact about medal enquiries?

For contact details, please visit Medals Section on the New Zealand Defence Force website.

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When is the annual Poppy Day Appeal?

The Poppy Day Appeal is held on the first Friday falling within the eight (8) days prior to ANZAC Day (25 April).

How are Poppy Day funds utilised?

Donations made to the Poppy Day Appeal are used to support RSA welfare services for returned servicemen and women in the locality in which the funds were raised. Recipients need not be members of an RSA to benefit from Poppy Day Appeal assistance, but must be returned services’ personnel or their dependants in need.

Where is the nearest RSA to my home?

Find an RSA near your home by searching the Find an RSA page on this site.

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Who may wear the RSA badge?

All financial members of the RSA are entitled to wear the Returned, Service or Associate member badge, which ever is appropriate for their membership category. No one else is entitled to wear these badges.

Can anyone subscribe to RSA Review?

Everyone with an interest in our military past and present and the RSA today is welcome to subscribe to RSA Review. All financial RSA members are entitled to receive RSA Review as part of their membership package.

How can I get involved with the RSA?

Everyone is welcome to get involved with the RSA by applying for membership of a local RSA, subscribing to RSA Review, making a gift to the RNZRSA, or telling a wartime story to help us create a record for future generations.