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 whilst supporting the ADF members' service.
The program aims to assist in optimising their career opportunities and support them to pursue employment commensurate with their skills and experience. The program is available to eligible ADF partners located within Australia.
The program allows partners to claim reimbursement for a variety of employment services.
Eligibility
To be eligible for PEAP, the ADF member and partner must meet all of the following criteria.
ADF Member:
- A member of the permanent forces or a member of the reserves on continuous full-time service.
- Posted to a location within Australia.
Partner:
- They are listed on the members PMKeyS as resident family.
- They are not a member of the permanent forces or a member of the reserves on continuous full-time service.
- They are located within Australia.
Funding
An eligible partner may be reimbursed up to $1,500 in a financial year for services or products provided under any of the following categories:
- Career support and coaching.
- Professional licensing, checks and registration.
- Employment related training.
The $1,500 can either be divided between the service categories or allocated to a single service.
Partners will be able to request reimbursement for eligible costs as they are incurred and are not required to use the full benefit balance in a single transaction.
If this amount is unused at the end of a financial year, it does not carry over to future financial years.
Career support and coaching
Services designed to help individuals navigate their employment pathways and achieve career goals such as:
- development of a personalised resume
- employment options and job placement advice
- interview techniques and presentation coaching
- professional networking events and conferences.
Professional licencing, checks and registration
Administrative processes related to ensuring that individuals meet the requirements, qualification and standards to legally practice in the field such as:
- Working with children’s checks or state/territory based equivalent.
- Police checks.
- Industry licences.
- Professional registration such as state/territory teacher registration.
Employment related training
Programs, courses or activities that meet the following:
- An accredited course or module/s of an accredited course.
- Delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or TAFE.
Search for accredited courses and RTOs on the My Skills website.
Fringe Benefits Tax
Payment of this benefit may result in a Reportable Fringe Benefit Tax Amount (RFBA) being recorded against the ADF member.
A RFBA will not be included as taxable income, however a RFBA may be included for income testing purposes relevant to some government payments and entitlements that require income testing.
Registration
To register for PEAP, complete an online registration form. Program registration is only required once.
When the form has been submitted, a PEAP Customer Number will be provided.
Review the program guidelines to determine eligibility.
Partner Employment Assistance Program Guidelines (PDF, 223.77 KB)
Reimbursement
Requests for reimbursement should be submitted via email to partner.employment@defence.gov.au. Requests must include the following in supporting documents:
- approved PEAP Customer Number
- correctly rendered tax invoice
- proof of payment (receipt).
Important information:
- Applicants must be registered for the program to claim reimbursements.
- Costs must be incurred on or after the date of registration to be eligible for reimbursement.
- Requirements of a correctly rendered tax invoice is available on the Australian Taxation Office, Tax invoices page.
- An applicant must apply for reimbursement within 12 months of the services or products being provided.
- Applicant’s circumstances must remain relevant and aligned with their approval in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Defence will confirm applicants circumstances are the same at the time of request for reimbursement. If circumstances have changed please contact the program to enquire about any impacts on program approval.
- If approved, funds will be deposited into the ADF members bank account registered on the Defence accounts payable system (subject to benefit balance).
Financial hardship support
Financial hardship can create significant stress for ADF partners, particularly when seeking employment or pursuing career development opportunities. For any financial difficulties, support is available to help navigate these challenges.
ADF partners can access financial assistance under PEAP via the Defence service provider offering tailored support at no upfront cost to the individual.
BUSY Group currently provides a range of services, including:
- Career advice and job search assistance.
- Career coaching with an advisor.
- Development or adaption of online employment profiles.
- Personal brand development.
- Resume writing and Cover Letter development.
- Application and selection criteria coaching.
- Interview skills.
Virtual and face-to-face options are available.
To discuss options and to be connected to these services, email partner.employment@defence.gov.au