For many Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans and their families, the shift to civilian life isn’t always easy. From financial pressures to career changes and finding your place outside of service, the challenges can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why having the right support matters.
One program making a real difference is APOD (Australian Partners of Defence). Created by veterans, for veterans, APOD offers exclusive discounts, job opportunities, and a sense of connection with a community that understands. It’s more than just a discount platform — it’s a way to recognise your service and make everyday life a little easier.
Key takeaways
- APOD provides exclusive discounts and real savings across retail, travel, healthcare, dining, and more, helping veteran families reduce everyday expenses.
- Membership is open to veterans and eligible family members, with a simple registration process and easy access to benefits via the APOD website or mobile app.
- APOD goes beyond discounts, offering employment support, community connection, and a meaningful way to recognise the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
- Businesses partnering with APOD actively support the Defence community, while strengthening ties between veterans and the broader Australian public.
Understanding APOD: A Comprehensive Benefits Program
What is APOD?
APOD is a specialised benefits program exclusively designed for ADF veterans, their families, and eligible dependents. The program provides access to discounts, employment support, and recognition initiatives to help veterans thrive in civilian life.
Who Can Use APOD?
APOD membership is available to:
- Veterans registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
- Current and former ADF personnel
- Eligible family members of Veteran Cardholders
APOD ensures that not only veterans but also their families benefit from financial savings, employment resources, and community support.
The Origins of APOD
Founded in 2012 by veteran families for veteran families, APOD began with a simple mission — to offer more than just everyday savings to those who have served. Since then, it has grown into Australia’s largest online community for Defence members and their families, partnering with businesses nationwide to deliver meaningful benefits, support, and recognition to veterans and their loved ones.
Key Features of APOD
Exclusive Offers
APOD provides veterans and their families with access to over 10,000 individual offers from approximately 600 businesses across Australia. These exclusive deals help ease financial burdens and reward those who have served.
Diverse Benefits
The program extends across multiple sectors, ensuring a wide range of savings and perks, including:
- Retail: Discounts on clothing, electronics, and household essentials.
- Automotive: Savings on car purchases, servicing, and insurance.
- Dining: Exclusive meal deals and restaurant discounts.
- Entertainment: Discounted movie tickets, theme parks, and event passes.
- Travel & Tourism: Reduced prices on flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
- Service Industries: Offers on healthcare, financial services, and professional development.
Discount Ranges
APOD discounts vary, with some offers providing modest savings of 2.5%, while others can slash prices by up to 40% on select goods and services. These savings can add up significantly over time, making everyday purchases more affordable for veterans and their families.
Online Accessibility
Veterans can conveniently access and redeem these benefits through:
- The APOD website
- The APOD mobile app
APOD makes it simple for members to start saving. The user-friendly platform lets you easily browse available offers, whether you’re shopping online or in-store. You can claim discounts using promo codes, unique links, or by showing your digital or physical APOD card at participating retailers. It’s an easy way to access meaningful savings on everyday purchases, travel, dining, and more.
APOD’s Role in Veteran Employment and Community Support
Veteran Job Support
Beyond discounts and savings, APOD is expanding into the employment sector to support veterans in their transition to civilian careers. The platform is working towards providing a dedicated job listing service featuring veteran-friendly employment opportunities, helping service members secure meaningful roles after their service.
Recognition of Service
APOD is a proud part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, a national initiative that recognises the unique challenges and sacrifices of military service. It’s one of the ways Australia says thank you — not just in words, but through real, practical support. By partnering with businesses across the country, APOD helps turn that gratitude into everyday benefits.
Family Benefits
Veteran families play an important role in the Defence community, and APOD extends its benefits to eligible family members of Veteran Cardholders. By joining with a small monthly subscription, family members can access the same exclusive deals and savings, helping to ease everyday expenses and recognise the support they continue to provide.
How APOD Works
APOD is designed to be a seamless, user-friendly platform that connects ADF veterans and their families with businesses that appreciate and support their service. Here’s how it all comes together:
Business Partnerships: Collaboration with Companies to Offer Discounts and Services
APOD partners with over 600 businesses across Australia to provide more than 10,000 exclusive offers for veterans and their families. These partnerships span multiple industries, including retail, travel, automotive, dining, entertainment, and essential services.
By participating in APOD, businesses have the opportunity to:
- Show their support for the veteran community.
- Gain loyal customers from the Defence family network.
- Contribute to the broader recognition of military service in Australia.
Redemption Process: How Veterans and Families Access Benefits
APOD’s simple and convenient redemption process ensures that members can easily access their discounts and benefits in two key ways:
- Online: Members log into the APOD website or mobile app to browse offers and redeem them via unique links and promo codes.
- In-Store: Veterans can present their digital or physical APOD card at participating businesses to access discounts and deals instantly.
Why APOD Matters for Veterans
APOD isn’t just a discount platform. It’s a way to recognise service and build stronger connections between the veteran community and businesses across Australia. Here’s why it continues to make a meaningful difference:
Real Savings That Help Ease the Transition
Moving from military to civilian life can come with financial pressure. APOD offers discounts on everyday essentials, travel, healthcare, and more — helping veterans and their families manage costs while still enjoying a good quality of life.
Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and the Community
APOD helps veterans feel seen and appreciated. By connecting them with businesses that genuinely value their service, the program supports a smoother transition into civilian life and strengthens their connection to the wider community.
Giving Businesses a Way to Give Back
Through APOD, businesses have a clear and meaningful way to support those who’ve served. By offering exclusive deals, they not only welcome new customers but also show that they stand behind the Defence community.
How to Join APOD
Joining APOD is a straightforward process, ensuring that eligible veterans and their families can start enjoying benefits quickly.
Eligibility Criteria for Veterans and Families
APOD membership is available to:
- Veterans registered with DVA.
- Current and former Australian Defence Force personnel.
- Eligible family members of Veteran Cardholders.
Step-by-Step Guide on Registration and Membership Options
Step 1 — Visit the APOD website – Navigate to apod.com.au.
Step 2 — Create an account – Sign up using personal details and proof of eligibility (such as a DVA Veteran Card).
Step 3 — Choose a membership option – Monthly or annual subscriptions available.
Step 4 — Access discounts instantly – Once registered, members can log in, browse offers, and start saving via the website or mobile app.
If we are assisting you with your claims and need help setting up your account, just ask our team, and we can assist!
A Simple Way to Give Back to Those Who’ve Served
APOD is more than just a benefits program—it’s a meaningful way to support and acknowledge Australia’s Defence community. By providing financial relief, employment opportunities, and business partnerships, APOD plays a vital role in improving the lives of veterans and their families.
For veterans, the program offers recognition and tangible benefits. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to show gratitude and give back. And for families, it’s a chance to ease financial burdens and access valuable services.
If you’re an eligible veteran or family member, joining APOD is a no-brainer—it provides instant access to thousands of exclusive offers.
👉 Explore APOD today at apod.com.au and start enjoying the benefits you’ve earned
Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation if you suffered an injury while serving in the ADF. Reach out to our team today to find out how we can help you get the recognition and compensation you deserve. |
FAQs
We’ve gathered our most commonly asked questions here, so you can feel informed, at ease, and ready to take the next step toward the support and benefits you deserve.
Who is eligible to join APOD?
APOD membership is open to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, veterans registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), and eligible family members of Veteran Cardholders.
How do I sign up for APOD?
You can register online at apod.com.au. Simply create an account, provide proof of eligibility (such as a DVA Veteran Card), and choose a monthly or annual subscription. Once registered, you’ll have instant access to thousands of offers.
What kinds of discounts are available through APOD?
APOD partners with over 600 businesses to provide more than 10,000 offers. Discounts cover a wide range of categories, including retail, travel, dining, automotive, healthcare, entertainment, and professional services.
How much can I save with APOD?
Savings vary by offer. Some discounts are modest, while others can reduce costs by up to 40%. Over time, these savings add up, easing everyday expenses for veterans and their families.
How do I access and use the discounts?
You can browse and redeem offers through the APOD website or mobile app. Discounts can be accessed using promo codes, unique links, or by showing your digital or physical APOD card at participating businesses.
Is APOD only about discounts?
No. APOD also supports veterans with employment opportunities, community connection, and recognition initiatives. It’s designed to make life after service more affordable and more manageable.
What makes APOD different from other discount programs?
APOD is created by veterans, for veterans. It’s backed by the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant and works directly with businesses that want to support and recognise the Defence community.
