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 12 September 2024 for a limited number of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families posting to Sydney, Canberra or Townsville in the 2024-2025 posting cycle.

From 3 July 2025, the trial will expand to additional service locations for the 2025-26 posting cycle. There are a limited number of places in the trial. To see the updated locations and how to apply, refer to DEFGRAM 360/2025 (or see below).

Trial locations

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

State/Territory	Service Location	Defence Establishment
ACT	Canberra	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
NSW	Glenbrook	Glenbrook, RAAF Base, NSW Orchard Hills, Defence Establishment, NSW
NSW	Liverpool	Holsworthy Barracks
NSW	Sydney	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
QLD	Canungra	Kokoda Barracks, QLD
QLD	Ipswich	Amberley, RAAF Base, QLD
QLD	Townsville	Lavarack Barracks, QLD Townsville, RAAF Base, QLD
TAS	Hobart	Anglesea Barracks, TAS Derwent Barracks, TAS
WA	Perth	Campbell Barracks, WA Irwin Barracks, WA Palmer Barracks, WA

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.