DHA Annual Report 2012

Rent Allowance

In addition to its core business of supplying and managing housing for Defence members, DHA has been contracted by Defence to administer the payment of Rent Allowance (RA) to Defence members who are accommodated in the private rental market. DHA is not responsible for helping members find private rental accommodation but rather become involved when members seek approval for the arrangements they have negotiated with agents and landlords.

In the normal course of events, administration of RA involves approving the commencement of a housing-related allowance, conducting an annual review to confirm a continuing entitlement to RA and administering the cessation at the end of an approved arrangement. While this generally applies to the more stable tenancies entered by Members With Dependants, the administration of RA for single members can be more complex, often involving frequent changes to payment as members’ circumstances change, e.g. because of deployment on operations, sharing arrangements, or movement to or from, Defence schools and courses.

Of particular note, single members receiving RA may apply for Defence approval of a de facto relationship or notify a marriage, and consequently, they will be re-categorised as a Member With Dependants. This shift in categorisation may involve a cessation and commencement of RA, often without a change in accommodation. Currently one third of Members With Dependants receiving RA are a result of this.

In 2011–12, DHA focused on the improvement of RA administration including implementing an online facility to enable members to complete the annual RA review electronically. Member response has been positive and has helped DHA to reduce the time taken on this process. The online facility is being further developed to include applications for, and cessation of, RA entitlements. These enhancements are expected to be available in 2012–13.

In 2011–12, DHA administered the payment of RA to an average of 3,400 Members With Dependants and an average of 11,600 singles (or Members Without Dependants) on a monthly basis.