Reservists are an integral part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and provide a considerable contribution to protecting Australia and its national interests. A range of financial benefits and support is provided to ensure reservists are recognised and supported during service.
The following information is for members of the Reserves in service categories (SERCATs) 3, 4 and 5. Reservists performing continuous full-time service (SERVOP C) are eligible for the same benefits as members of the Permanent Forces.
Eligibility differs depending on personal and professional circumstances. Follow the links in each section for further information.
Pay
ADF reservists receive tax-free pay and allowances. Pay is calculated per day of attended duty and is paid fortnightly.
Reserve pay rates vary with each job and increase as reservists advance in rank and experience.
Defence provides reservists with allowances depending on their work and circumstances.
More information
Health benefits
Reservists may be eligible for the health support allowance of $600 per financial year to help maintain the required health standards for serving in the ADF.
Defence provides free medical and dental care to reservists while on exercise or deployment.
SERCAT 4 members may be able to claim some private health insurance costs (up to a maximum of $2500, adjusted to $1900 if the health support allowance has already been received in a financial year) through the health support capability at short-notice allowance.
More information
- Health support allowance for members of the Reserves
- Health support capability at short-notice allowance
- Wellbeing support for Service categories 3-5
Buying a home
The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) provides members a monthly subsidy towards their home loan.
Reservists are eligible for DHOAS after a minimum of 4 years of effective Reserve service of at least 20 paid days per financial year (on or after 1 July 2008).
Further information is available on Defence Home Ownership Assistance scheme page.
Employer Support Payment Scheme
The Employer Support Payment Scheme provides financial assistance to self-employed reservists and employers of reservists, when the reservist is absent from their civilian workplace on eligible periods of Defence service.
Further information is available on Employer Support Payment Scheme page.