Ceasing Rent Allowance

Yes, you must tell us if you are planning to move out of your rental property even if you will move to another property in the same location. RA is only payable for the property you currently occupy. Your RA in the current property will need to be ceased in a timely manner so you don’t incur a debt to Defence.

Select the ‘Moved or Planning to Move’ link on your dashboard in Online Services.

Your eligibility to RA is reassessed each time you move. Please read ‘Who is eligible for RA?’ at the top of this page for more details.

If you are a member who has accompanied resident family (ARF) or recognised other persons, you must first seek a Service residence via Online Services. Please read ‘Who is eligible for RA?’ at the top of this page for more details.

If you were approved for a rent ceiling increase or approved to live in an extended housing benefit location, these approvals do not transfer to the new property. You’ll need to apply again.

Log into Online Services to view available Member Choice Accommodation or Service Residences.

If you’re evicted from your rental property due to circumstances outside of your control, call Toll Transitions on 1800 819 167. They can give you information about your removal benefits.

To view available properties, select the ‘Moved or Planning to Move’ link on your dashboard in Online Services.

If you are relocating out of your RA property with Toll Transitions you will be eligible to claim reimbursement of any rent paid after you move out. Rent paid after you moved out is automatically assessed and paid on provision of your final rent receipt which can be uploaded on your Online Services dashboard.

You cannot claim this benefit if you are purchasing a home or moving to a new residence voluntarily.

If you move out because you are discharging, we only reimburse up to 3 days after pre-pack.

Where it is necessary to break the lease for Service reasons that are beyond your control, you may be eligible to a reimbursement of administrative costs such as advertising.

Every effort should be made to give the landlord maximum notice of your intention to vacate so that the residence can be re-let. Any dispute arising in relation to your bond is a matter between yourself and the agent/owner. As you are the leaseholder, neither DHA nor Defence may enter a bond disputation.

If you need to break your lease and wish to claim other administrative costs, submit an enquiry via Online Services.

Your RA is paid until the date you plan to move out. If you use Toll, it’s paid until the date they come to pack up your belongings (pre-pack). 

Your RA is ceased within 2 pay periods of you vacating the RA property.