General information and indexes: Part 1 : Department of Defence

Part 1: General information and indexes

7.1.1 Overview

This Part gives an overview of the assistance that an eligible member may get for their housing and meals. It defines key terms and concepts. An index helps the member find information quickly based on their family type.

7.1.2 How it assists

Housing assistance helps a member handle the hardships caused by the need to move location regularly or at short notice.

7.1.3 Types of housing assistance – contributions and choices

This table sets out the types of housing assistance an eligible member may get. The member may also have to contribute towards the cost.

Housing assistance
Assistance	Description
Housing	The Commonwealth makes available *living-in accommodation* and *Service residences* for a member to occupy. See: Part 4, Living-in accommodation Part 6, Service residences
Temporary accommodation allowance	A member who cannot live in suitable accommodation for a short time may be given an allowance to pay for a stay in a serviced apartment or hotel. See: Part 5, Temporary accommodation allowance
Rent allowance	A member who lives in a rented home may be able to get an allowance to assist with the rent. See: Part 8, Rent allowance
Meal costs	A member who has to live in may be provided with meals in the mess. See: Part 9 Division 1, Contribution for meals
Meal costs	Some members who live out may be given an allowance to pay for meals. See: Part 9 Division 2, Food allowances for certain members who live out
Utility costs	The Commonwealth may pay part of the cost of utilities, such as water, gas and electricity. See: Part 10, Utilities

Housing assistance does not provide all the cost of the housing, meals and utilities. The member may have to pay some of the cost. The payment is called a contribution. In some cases, the contribution is reduced or not charged to the member.

See: The relevant Parts in this Chapter for contributions for different kinds of accommodation.