Defence requires a Rent Allowance (RA) review be undertaken every year. This is to make sure everyone who receives RA is getting the amount they are eligible for. We manage the review through Online Services.
The review is undertaken in the first half of the year with an email sent to all participants outlining the start date and due date of the review.
The review should only take minutes to complete with 8 questions to answer. Online Services will prompt you if any supporting documentation is required.
The receipt or payment history must show the:
- address of the rental property
- amount and period of rent payment
- name of the agent or owner you pay rent to
If you rent privately, you can upload a signed statement from the owner or landlord. It must show all the details above. Or, complete a Member/Owner statement form (PDF 487KB).
If further documents are required to support your RA review, these will be displayed on your Online Services dashboard.
Policy relating to the RA Review is outlined on the ADF Pay and Conditions site.
Who needs to participate?
You must take part in the review, unless:
- you moved into your RA property not long before the RA Review
- you will move out of your RA property within 2 weeks after the review starts
Can I ask someone else to complete it for me?
You can authorise another person to complete the review for you. Log in to Online Services and click 'Nominate a delegate'
What if my rent amount has changed?
If your rent amount has changed, upload a receipt or tenant ledger that shows the new amount. DHA will assess your review to determine if your rent allowance needs to be recalculated.
You also need to upload 1 of these:
- A copy of your signed lease with the new amount
- A signed letter from your landlord or agent with the rent change details and when it started (to cover increase and decreases in rent).
What if I make a mistake in my review questions?
If you make a mistake, raise an enquiry via Online Services'.
What happens if I do not complete the review?
If you do not provide the information by the due date, we may suspend your RA.
What happens after I complete the review and upload my documents?
After we receive your completed review and supporting documents, we will assess your RA within 12 weeks. We will email you the outcome of your review including any changes to the RA amount you receive, if applicable.
Will changes in my personal circumstances affect the amount of RA I receive?
Generally, the following changes can affect your RA amount or eligibility:
- Change in categorisation
- Property purchase
- Move to a new location
- Change in how many people share with you
You can use the Rent Allowance Calculator to estimate your new RA amount.
I will be away for the period of the RA Review. Who do I inform?
If you know you’ll be away during the review, let us know by submitting enquiry via Online Services. We’ll arrange for you to do it before you leave.