Defence recognises and values the contribution of every Australian Defence Force (ADF) member and their family. Defence invests in its people through a comprehensive range of financial benefits designed to reflect the unique nature of service and support members throughout their career.

The following information is for members of the Permanent Forces in service categories (SERCATs) 6 and 7. Reservists performing continuous full-time service (SERVOP C) get the same benefits as members of the Permanent Forces.

Eligibility differs depending on personal and professional circumstances. Follow the links in each section to learn more.

Pay and allowances

Members receive their pay every fortnight. It includes their salary and any allowances they may be eligible to receive.

Salaries increase over time. For most roles, there is potential for increases based on period of service, training, operational postings or promotion.

Additional pay or bonuses are offered for holding specialist skills, competencies or working on certain capabilities.

Members may be eligible for allowances based on their location, the work they do or their family circumstances. These are paid on top of their salary.

More information

Higher duties allowance

Members may get higher duties allowance for carrying out duties usually performed by someone of a higher rank or position.

Further information is available on Higher duties allowance page.

Superannuation

Defence contributes to a super fund for members of the Permanent Forces, and Reserves members on continuous full-time service. Members have access to different superannuation funds, depending on when they joined.

For members who joined on or after 1 July 2016, Defence makes fortnightly contributions of 16.4% of their income.

Further information is available on Superannuation page.

Leave

Defence provides a range of leave to help members balance their personal and professional lives.

Recreation leave

Members are eligible for 25 days basic recreation leave a year.

If members are a part of a Service couple, a member may apply to transfer their recreation leave to their serving partner.

Further information is available on Recreation leave page.

Health benefits

Defence provides members with free medical and dental services including access to health specialists, rehabilitation, mental health and chaplaincy services.

Members of the Permanent Forces generally do not pay the Medicare levy and may not need private health insurance, as Defence covers all their medical needs.

Further information is available on Wellbeing and family in the Permanent Forces page.

ADF Family Health Program

The ADF Family Health Program helps members’ families with basic health costs. The allowance is $800 for eligible family members with a wide range of services available to claim. The costs of eligible GP services are unlimited.

Further information is available on ADF Family Health Program website.

Housing

Defence subsidises housing and offers financial assistance for buying and selling a home.

Housing options and assistance

Defence subsidises housing costs. The options and assistance available depend on factors like rank and family circumstances.

Further information is available on Housing options and assistance page.

Relocation benefits

Defence funds relocation for a new posting in Australia or long-term posting overseas.

There are other circumstances in which Defence may pay for relocations.

Defence covers the cost of removals and provides allowances that acknowledge the impact a relocation has on members and their families.

There are additional resources available to support long-term overseas postings, as conditions of service may differ.

More information

Buying or selling a home

The Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS) provides a one-off payment of $16,949 (before tax) to help members buy a home in their posting location.

The Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance (HPSEA) reimburses members for some of the costs involved with selling and buying a home due to a new posting.

The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) provides members a monthly subsidy towards their home loan.

Training and development

Defence funds a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities. It also provides transition support through career training, coaching and financial advice for civilian life.

More information

Travel benefits

Members and their families may have some of their travel expenses covered by Defence.

Remote location leave travel

Remote location leave travel (RLLT) allows members to take a break from living in a remote location for healthcare, family visits or other activities.

Further information is available on Remote location leave travel page.

Salary packaging

Salary packaging allows members to pay for certain items with their pre-tax salary. This reduces their taxable income.

Members can buy a range of goods including laptops and e-bikes, lease a new or used car or contribute additional payments to their super.

Further information is available on Salary packaging website.