Member's Guide to ADF Pay and Conditions in Australia – see Disclaimer – check PACMAN for full details

 

8.6 Benefits on marriage breakdown

 

A non-Service spouse or non-Service interdependent partner may be entitled to benefits on the breakdown of their marriage.

 

This will not apply if they are also a member. It also will not apply if these benefits have been paid on marriage breakdown before.

 

As a general rule, ADF conditions of service for dependants are paid to the member. Only members can apply and it is up to them to use the payments to take care of their dependant's needs. For a spouse or interdependent partner in Australia, these conditions are different. The spouse or interdependent partner of an ADF member may apply for the condition. If approved, the spouse or partner is entitled to the benefit, not the member.

 

The spouse or partner will have to show that the relationship has broken down. They may then be eligible for a range of travel and removal benefits.

 

·          Removal of furniture and effects.

·          Travel for them and their dependants to the new home (in Australia).

·          A car removal.

·          Pet relocation.

·          Several other removal conditions.

 

What is not included?

This is not a standard removal, and some things are not included. Temporary accommodation, rent, and disturbance allowances are not paid. Your spouse or interdependent partner will not be eligible for any Service accommodation. Storage and insurance may be at their own expense.

 

Other issues

Before a removal can take place you must both agree on a division of your furniture and effects. This can be done through a Family Court consent order. Alternatively you can give written consent for the items to be removed. Only then can the uplift and removal of the items take place.

 

A spouse or partner may contact the Defence Housing Australia on 1800 249 711 to ask about these conditions.

 

Your spouse or partner will need to complete the removal within 12 months of telling Defence that your relationship has broken down. It may be possible to extend this time limit.

 

Removal and travel assistance when your relationship has broken down will only be granted once. If you are both reconciled and another breakdown happens, your spouse or partner will not be granted a second removal.

 

Application to Reservists:  No, except for Reservists on continuous full-time service.

 

Reference: ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 6 Part 6 Division 10