Rent Allowance

Rent Allowance (RA) subsidises the member with the cost of renting a property in the private rental market.

How it works

On behalf of Defence, DHA administers the allocation of entitlement to RA for Defence members. Defence policy enables DHA to establish the entitlement to RA. Once your eligibility for RA is assessed and approved, you are required to find a suitable property in which you will be responsible for paying the rent to the landlord/agent. The RA subsidy will be paid to you to help cover the cost of the rent. The amount of subsidy paid is determined based on a number of criterion including:

your rank;
Defence Rent Ceilings;
Property Rent;
number of occupants; and
dependant status.

Each year, Defence obtains data on the level of rents in the residential property market across Australia. Based on that data the Rent Ceilings are set for all ranks and posting localities. The Rent Contributions required to be paid by members are also set by Defence and are reviewed annually. The ADF Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN), Chapter 7, sets out the provisions for RA as determined by Defence.

In certain circumstances it may be possible to gain approval for a Ceiling increase. This will only apply if average rental costs in a location have suddenly and unexpectedly increased, or if your dependants have recognised special needs that are not able to be met in the standard rental market.

Your entitlement to RA may vary or cease if you have a change in personal circumstances. If your entitlement to RA ceases you must contact DHA otherwise you may incur a debt to the Australian Government.

Being on RA is different to living on-base or in a Service Residence managed by DHA, and involves more responsibilities for the member.

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