Living in a Service Residence

Your ‘domestic circumstances’ are the grounds by which SR benefits and calculations are determined. Any changes need to be notified to DHA to determine your continued eligibility for a housing benefit.

Whilst in receipt of a subsidised housing benefit you are required to advise DHA of any changes to your domestic circumstances as soon as practicably possible after the change has occurred. Supporting documentation may be required and must be submitted promptly after notifying of a change. This will ensure that any assessment of your housing benefit can be completed in a timely manner.

When you or any of your recognised dependants purchase a property, we need to conduct an assessment of the property and review its suitability. This applies regardless of whether you wish to reside in the property or not. 

Housing assistance will be determined against the considerations outlined in PACMAN in line with your current housing benefits. We require a minimum of 28 days’ notice to determine the property’s suitability and any impacts on contributions or allowances.

Contact DHA immediately after signing the contract to purchase the property by logging into Online Services and select ‘My Account’ then ‘My Profile’ to add the details of the Owned Property to your account.

If you would like to make any changes to the property, you must seek prior approval from DHA by submitting an Online Services enquiry.

Include the below information in your enquiry:

• proposed property modification,
• details of the location to be modified,
• reason(s) for requesting the modification, and
• details on who will perform the modification(s) (professional tradesperson, or occupant).

Installation of swimming pools and spas

Before considering installation of an above-ground swimming pool or spa and any necessary fencing, you must obtain written approval from DHA and the local council.

If you have not gained the necessary approvals, you are in breach of your DRA and will be asked to immediately reduce the volume of water to less than 30cm depth until such approvals are obtained.

NOTE: Even if approval is obtained, you will be responsible for returning the property back to its original condition.

For further information please visit- Your maintenance responsibilities