Member's Guide to ADF Pay and Conditions in Australia – see Disclaimer – check PACMAN for full details
7.7 Rent allowance
Rent allowance subsidises the cost of rented housing in the private rental market.
If you have dependants and are eligible for a Service residence (see 7.5), rent allowance can be paid. It will not be paid if there is a suitable Service residence available.
If you have no dependants or are a member with dependents (unaccompanied) (see 8.1, What category are you in?), you will be eligible for rent allowance if you are not required to live in. Some members will receive a lower rate of allowance if they have done less than 5 years' service and living-in accommodation is available.
You cannot get rent allowance if you own a suitable home at the location of your posting unless you are a member with dependents (unaccompanied). You will not have to make a contribution.
If you a member with dependents (unaccompanied) you may also be entitled to food and utilities allowances.
You have to find somewhere to live and you will be responsible for paying the rent. Rent allowance is paid to help you with the cost. It is worked out as the amount of the rent up to a set limit, less your contribution. The amount you have to pay depends on these things.
· Your rank.
· The number of bedrooms in the home.
· Whether you have dependants.
· If you do not have dependants, whether you are sharing.
You can choose to rent accommodation costing any amount, but there is a limit to how much allowance you can get. A rent ceiling is set depending on your rank and location. If you rent something that costs more than the rent ceiling your allowance will be worked out as if it cost the ceiling amount.
Sometimes it may be possible to get a higher rent ceiling. This may happen if rents at a location increase by a large amount in a short time, or if you have a dependant with special needs, such as a disability.
Application to Reservists: No, except for Reservists on continuous full-time service.
References: ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 7 Part 6
Amounts for rent ceilings are in ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Annex 7.B
Rates of contribution are in the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Annex 7.A3
Defence Housing Australia Ready Reckoner at http://www.dha.gov.au, then select rent allowance and follow the prompts.