ADF members receive more than just a base salary and can also be eligible for a range of allowances that recognise the demands of military service.
Some allowances are well known. Others may be overlooked because you have to apply for them, they only apply for short periods or because the eligibility criteria has changed.
Understanding which allowances are available can help ensure you’re across the full range of benefits available to you.
Allowances depend on your circumstances
Most allowances are linked to what you do, where you serve, the conditions under which you work, where you live and your family circumstances.
This means your eligibility can change throughout your career.
Members of the same rank, pay grade and increment may receive different total remuneration at different times.
Allowances may start or stop when:
- your role changes
- you move to a new posting location
- your service conditions change
- you undertake temporary or operational duties.
It’s important to check your benefits whenever your circumstances change.
Find out which allowances may apply to your current circumstances and learn how to get them.
Military Factor allowances
Military Factor allowances compensate ADF members for the impacts associated with service in specific environments above and beyond what is covered by military salary.
You may be eligible for allowances when undertaking certain duties, including sea service, flying duties and field exercises. Eligibility varies by role and duration of duties, not by service, and you don’t have to apply for them.
Learn more about these Military Factor allowances, as well as the rates.
Employment-based allowances or payments
You may be eligible for allowances or payments based on the type of work you do or the employment category you’re in.
These allowances or payments recognise the impact of operational service, including disruption to your personal life and demanding work conditions. Some allowances are applied for a defined period of time, such as while you're deployed, while others may apply only while you're in a specific employment category or performing a specific task.
Find out more about allowances based on your work, including how to apply for them.
Location‑based and hardship allowances
Where you're posted can affect what allowances you may get.
If you're posted to certain locations, you may be eligible for allowances that help offset:
- higher living costs
- limited local services
- challenging living conditions.
Eligibility depends on your posting location and personal circumstances, such as whether you have dependants.
Discover how posting location can affect allowances and learn which allowances you may be eligible for.
Temporary and short‑term allowances
Some allowances apply only while you're:
- performing temporary duties in a different location
- travelling for Defence
- undertaking specific tasks or exercises.
Because these entitlements may apply for short periods, they can be easy to miss out on. Speak with your Unit Admit Team or review the ADF pay and conditions website on a regular basis to make sure you’re not missing out on any entitlements.
Did you know?
You can become eligible for an allowance without changing rank or pay level — for example, when you start a new duty, exercise or posting.
Stay informed about allowances
Allowances may be overlooked because some need to be reimbursed or only apply for short periods, and eligibility can change frequently.
Regularly reviewing your pay advice can help you identify what is being paid to you and why.
What you can do
Help ensure you receive the allowances you're eligible for by:
- signing up to our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with the latest updates to ADF pay and conditions
- reviewing PACMAN when your circumstances change
- checking your payslip after exercises or deployments
- speaking with your chain of command or admin support staff if you’re unsure.
