Early eligibility for Rent Allowance Trial

Defence is working with DHA to provide greater certainty and choice with housing solutions for members and their families as per DEFGRAM 520/2024 released on 12 September 2024.

A trial providing earlier eligibility for Rent Allowance (RA) commenced on the 12th of September for a limited number of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members (Member (MBR), Unaccompanied Resident Family (URF) & Accompanied Resident Family (ARF) categorisations) posting to Sydney, Canberra or Townsville in the 2024-2025 posting cycle.

Trial locations

A list of key bases that are associated with trial locations can be found below:  

Sydney
Townsville
Canberra

Defence Plaza Sydney, NSW
Garden Island Defence Precinct, NSW
HMAS Kuttabul - Potts Point, NSW
HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, NSW
HMAS Waterhen, NSW
HMAS Watson, NSW
Lancer Barracks Parramatta, NSW
Randwick Barracks, NSW
Sydney Fleet Base East, NSW
Victoria Barracks, NSW

Lavarack Barracks, QLD
Townsville RAAF Base, QLD

 

 

 

 

Australian Defence Force Academy, ACT
Australian Defence College, Weston Creek, ACT
Brindabella Park, ACT
Campbell Park, ACT
Fairbairn RAAF Base, ACT
HMAS Harman, ACT
Headquarters Joint Operations Command, NSW
Royal Military College Duntroon, ACT
Russell Offices, ACT

How do I apply?

Steps
Description

Eligibility

 

 

 

 

 

To participate in the trial, you will need to complete the following:

  • Submit your application for relocation (AFR) with Toll
  • Request to participate in the trial by logging into Online Services
    • Select: My Account
    • Click: Member Online Enquires
    • Click: Raise an enquiry
    • Enquiry Reason: Rent Allowance (RA)
    • Enquiry RA Reason: ARF Request
    • Comments: include the main reason for wanting to participate in the trial i.e. preferred location, schooling, partner employment

 

Assessment

 

DHA will undertake an assessment of eligibility and advise an outcome within 5 business days. 

The outcome will be provided via an email confirmation.

 

Application

 

Once you have identified a property, complete the application process in Online Services ensuring you upload the required documentation.

Further information can be found here.

 

Selection

Move into your new property.

 

 

 

 

Important information

  • Monthly caps will be monitored and adjusted based on available service residences.
  • All existing Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN) requirements will remain unchanged.
  • Do not sign a lease agreement until your eligibility for rent allowance has been confirmed by DHA. 
  • Please ensure you read the eligibility criteria under PACMAN's Division 1: Member eligible for rent allowance | Pay and Conditions (defence.gov.au)
  • Participation in the trial means you will no longer see Service Residences in Online Services. Should you be unable to secure a rental property, please contact DHA to reinstate your view access.
  • If your location is not included in the trial, you may explore alternative housing options such as the Flexible Housing Trial.

Feedback

Those who participate in the trial will be invited to share their experience with Defence. Your feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of flexible housing solutions for ADF personnel.