Retention of accommodation by MWOD and MWD(U) on deployment for six months or longer

Policy has been changed so that members without dependants (MWOD) who elect to retain their accommodation when deployed for six months or more are no longer required to pay a contribution. This new policy commences 3 September 2009 with retrospective effect from1 July 2009.

A new Deployment Housing Retention form is available for MWOD and members with dependants (unaccompanied) (MWD(U)) to use in making an election to keep their accommodation while they are deployed for 6 months or longer.

New Policy on MWOD Contributions

Under an interim policy arrangement that commenced on 15 October 2008, MWOD who proceeded on deployment for six months or longer were able to elect to retain their accommodation but were required to continue to make their contribution for that accommodation.

Under the new policy members who are deployed for six months or longer who have elected to retain their accommodation will no longer be required to make a contribution for their accommodation during the deployment.

This policy will apply retrospectively to 1 July 2009.  MWOD who are currently deployed for six months or longer who have not previously made an election to retain their accommodation are required to complete an election form to facilitate a retrospective reimbursement of contributions.

There is no change to policy regarding (MWD(U)) deployed for 6 months or longer.  These members remain exempt from making a contribution when electing to keep their accommodation.

Election Form

MWOD and MWD(U) who are deployed for 6 months or longer may elect to keep their accommodation assistance while they are deployed. They must make the election in writing, and a Deployment Housing Retention form is provided for this purpose. The election form is available here:

Deployment Housing Retention Form

and is also available on the DHA website at: www.dha.gov.au.

Living-in Accommodation

Members who wish to retain their LIA while they are deployed must notify their Commanding Officer or Officer Commanding in writing using the Deployment Housing Retention form.

Members must provide a copy of their completed form to their relevant accommodation administration cell and their relevant pay administration cell.

Members in LIA may still be directed to vacate their accommodation for operational reasons.

Rent Allowance and other living-out accommodation

MWOD and MWD(U) who wish to retain their RA accommodation while deployed must provide their local DHA Housing Management Centre with a completed Deployment Housing Retention form that has been authorised by the unit Commanding Officer/Officer Commanding or a person authorised by the Commanding Officer.

The same process applies to members occupying a surplus Service residence, MWOD choice accommodation in Darwin, or a managed RA residence in a remote location.

Members who retain their accommodation should check with their insurance company to ensure they have adequate contents cover during their absence. Members in rental accommodation should also check with their landlords whether there is any clause in their tenancy agreement which may limit the period for which the premises may be left unoccupied.

Last updated: 7 September 2009