If you get subsidised housing through Defence, the contribution amount you pay towards it will change on 30 July 2026 as part of the annual Group Rent Scheme (GRS) adjustment process.
You’ll see the new amount reflected in your pay from 13 August 2026.
Under the GRS, Defence subsidises housing costs at below-market rates to support you and your family during your postings.
Each year, Defence reviews your housing costs, contribution amount and rent ceiling, and adjusts them to reflect changes in the rental market and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Types of subsidised housing and housing assistance affected by the GRS include:
If you live in one of these types of housing, you usually need to pay a fortnightly contribution towards it. The amount you contribute is based on factors such as your rank, living situation, and type of housing.
If you pay a contribution, the amount will change each year as part of the annual GRS adjustments.
Defence subsidises the cost of housing for ADF members through a policy known as the Group Rent Scheme (GRS).
Under the GRS, Defence aims to subsidise 50% of the combined total of housing costs for all members. Member contributions cover the remaining 50%. This is known as the 50/50 split.
Since 2022, members have been paying less than 50% of the combined total of housing costs. To gradually return to the original 50/50 split, Defence has included an additional increase in the annual GRS adjustments since 2024. The additional increase will be included each year until contributions return to the 50/50 split, which is expected to take several years.
Your fortnightly contribution amounts will be automatically updated on 30 July 2026.
If you live in a Service residence, your contribution will increase by an average of 5.61%.
Find out what your fortnightly contribution amount will be.
If you get rent allowance, your contribution will increase by an average of 5.61%.
Your rent ceiling, which is the maximum fortnightly amount that Defence pays towards your rent based on your location, is also increasing. This means you may get more rent allowance.
Find out what your fortnightly contribution and rent ceiling amounts will be.
If you stay in living-in accommodation (LIA), your contribution will increase by 3.8%.
Find out what your fortnightly contribution amount will be.
For more details about the GRS and how it’s calculated, visit our Annual housing contribution adjustments page.
To learn more about Defence subsidised housing or housing assistance, go to:
