Home scheme now more flexible

LEGISLATION covering the Defence HomeOwner Scheme for members discharged with a compensable disability has been amended.

Previously, Defence HomeOwner Scheme subsidy payments could only start within two years of a member’s discharge, otherwise the subsidy entitlement was lost. This meant that after two years from the date of discharge, no changes could be made to the subsidy entitlement, for example a change of address.

The Act has been amended to allow personnel who have been discharged as a result of a serious physical or mental incapacity to apply for an entitlement certificate after the two-year period.

This amendment creates greater flexibility for those wishing to access the Defence HomeOwner Scheme.

Potential disabilities could include, but not be limited to, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety or a physical injury that severely restricts mobility. To determine if they are still eligible when applying for an entitlement certificate, discharged personnel must be able to: