Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) recognises the service and sacrifices of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families, and the unique challenges ADF partners face in sustaining a career while supporting the ADF member's service.
PEAP enables eligible partners to claim reimbursement of up to $1,500 for eligible costs associated with employment, per financial year.
PEAP is only available for an ADF member's partner within Australia. ADF members and families overseas can contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline for support and information on available services.
Partner Employment Assistance Program Guidelines (PDF, 223.77 KB)
Eligibility
For an ADF member's partner to be eligible to apply for PEAP, the ADF member must be:
- a member of the permanent forces (SERCAT 7, SERCAT 6), or a member of the Reserves on continuous full-time service (SERVOP C).
- posted to a location within Australia at the time of approval.
If the ADF member criteria is met, the ADF member's partner (applicant) must meet the following:
- be listed on the member's PMKeyS record as a recognised partner
- be located within Australia
- not be a member of the permanent forces (SERCAT 7, SERCAT 6), or a member of the Reserves on continuous full-time service (SERVOP C).
Service category types
The $1,500 per financial year can be used across different service categories or fully allocated to a single service. However, any unused portion does not carry over to the next financial year. If the cost of service/s exceeds $1,500, the applicant is responsible for any extra cost.
Costs must be associated with a service category listed below.
Category A: Career support and employment coaching
Expenses related to the following services rendered by a provider with a registered Australian Business Number (ABN) will be considered for reimbursement:
- creation and maintenance of a personalised resume or cover letter
- job search, placement and matching services
- development of an online employment profile
- career coaching (1:1 session/s with a coach to support individual development such as identifying career goals and direction, exploring new career paths for job search and interview presentation).
Partners wishing to access Category A support may:
- select their own provider and apply for reimbursement following delivery of service
- use the Defence provider (BUSY Group) and pay no upfront cost for services.
BUSY PEAP - Career coaching support services (PDF, 5.14 MB)
Category B: Mandated professional licensing, checks and registration
Expenses relating to the following services will be considered for reimbursement. Services must be provided by an Australian Government body or a provider with a registered ABN.
This category includes administrative processes related to ensuring an applicant can meet the requirements, qualifications and standards required to legally practice in their professional role such as:
- professional industry licences
- professional checks such as Police Checks and Working with Children Checks
- registration fees for legal recognition to practice professionally, such as Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration or state/territory teacher registration.
Other costs mandated by a registration board, such as indemnity insurance, memberships or processing fees, are not eligible for reimbursement under PEAP.
Category C: Employment-related vocational training
Expenses for employment-related programs, courses or activities that meet the following requirements will be considered for reimbursement:
- vocational training, modules or accredited courses for qualifications recognised up to Level 6 (advanced diploma/associate degree)
- delivered by a registered training organisation, TAFE or professional governing body.
Application and reimbursement
Note: If services are accessed prior to written approval being obtained from Defence, the applicant may be liable for the full cost or services.
Process
- Applicant submits an application via the online registration form.
Note: If additional information is required, all reasonable attempts will be made to contact applicants. The registration may be rejected if the applicant does not provide the necessary information. If the registration is rejected, applicants will need to re-apply. - Applicant advised of outcome within 5 business days of receipt of completed application.
- Once written approval is provided, the applicant can engage and use services from the listed service categories.
- Request reimbursement via email partner.employment@defence.gov.au (once services are accessed and paid for).
Note: Claims for reimbursement must be made within 12 months of the costs being incurred. Card and administration fees are not reimbursable. Applicants must provide a rendered itemised tax invoice in accordance with the Australian Taxation Office, Tax invoices page and proof of payment receipt.
If reimbursement is approved, funds will be deposited into the ADF member’s bank account registered on the Defence accounts payable system.
If circumstances change, please contact PEAP to enquire about any impacts on approval.
Fringe Benefits
As the employer, fringe benefit tax (FBT) is paid by Defence. However, this type of payment will be shown on the ADF member’s payment summary if the total of all reportable fringe benefits received over the financial year exceeds $2,000. The FBT amount shown on the payment summary can be considered as income for certain government benefits and obligations.
Please contact the Defence Tax Hotline for further assistance on 1800 806 053.
Financial hardship
For ADF members and their families experiencing financial hardship, contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline for support, information and connection with community services.