Who can get the allowance
Work out how much you can get
You’re a Captain (or equivalent) and your partner is living with you at the posting location.
You earn an annual salary of $109,470 pay grade 2 increment 03-3.
Your rate will be 28% of a Major’s salary, because your salary is less than a Major’s salary of $116,470.
You’ll get $32,611.60 a year COPA in addition to your usual salary and any other allowances.
You’re an unaccompanied Major (or equivalent).
You earn an annual salary of $126,878 pay grade 3 increment 04-0.
Your rate will be 18% of your own salary because your salary is between the salary for a Major and a Colonel.
You’ll get $22,838.04 COPA a year in addition to your usual salary and any other allowances.
The allowance is considered a fringe benefit but not FBT reportable. It may affect your tax assessable income.
When the allowance starts and stops
If your family makeup or living arrangements change while you’re overseas, you need to inform your Commanding Officer and your Overseas Administration Team (OAT) Case Manager within 14 days of the change.
If you leave the posting location temporarily
If you need to leave your posting location for more than 28 days, you need to inform your Commanding Officer and your OAT Case Manager before you leave or within 14 days of leaving your posting location.
