Defence regularly updates pay and conditions for ADF members through official changes called amending determinations. These updates ensure pay rates, allowances, and conditions of service stay fit for purpose under the Defence Act 1903.

Each month, we’ll keep you informed about the latest amendments to pay, conditions, allowances, or other entitlements that may affect you and your family.

You can find all previous amendments on the Federal Register of Legislation.

The most up-to-date policy inclusions are reflected in the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN).

What’s changed this month

On 12 March 2026, a new Determination introduced changes that:

  • improve support for members transitioning from full-time service
  • clarify storage entitlements for members posted to a remote location
  • expand removal benefits to include pet relocation if a member dies
  • add transfer allowance rates for members moving within an overseas location
  • update overseas locations and approved facilities for members and their families.
     

Your updated benefits explained

Here’s a breakdown of the policies affected by the Determination and what’s changed.

Extended medical support after ending continuous full-time service

Members are now eligible for reimbursement of any medical, psychological and dental services they pay for within 4 months of ending continuous full-time service (CFTS) under certain conditions:

  • The services couldn’t be provided before the member ended CFTS.
  • There are exceptional circumstances that allow for the benefit.

Learn more about the benefits available to members after they transition.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 2 Pt 3 Div 4 of PACMAN.

Extended housing benefits after ending service in the Permanent Forces

Members of the Permanent Forces are eligible for housing benefits for up to an extra 4 months after their service has ended if there are exceptional circumstances.  

The extension only applies to members who were getting one of the following housing benefits before their service ended:

  • They occupied living-in accommodation.
  • They lived in a member’s choice accommodation.
  • They lived in a Service residence.
  • They got rent allowance.

Learn more about additional transition period benefits.

This policy information has been moved from Chapter 2 of PACMAN. Find the updated details in Ch 7 Pt 1 Div 1 of PACMAN.

Storage of furniture and effects for remote location postings

If a member is posted to a remote location, Defence will pay to store the furniture and effects the member doesn’t take with them. However, this doesn’t apply if the member chooses to stay in living-in accommodation at the remote location.

Learn more about performing duty in a remote location.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 6 Pt 5 Div 7 of PACMAN.

Pet relocation if a member dies

If a member dies while posted in Australia, Defence may pay to relocate the member’s pet with their family or to their legal caretaker.

Learn more about the family assistance available if a member dies.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 6 Pt 5 Div 11 of PACMAN.

Transfer allowance for members moving within an overseas location

Defence has updated the conditions under which members and their accompanying family are eligible for transfer allowance.

New rates have been added for members moving from living-in accommodation in an overseas posting location to a new residence in the same location.

Learn more about moving benefits when you’re posted overseas.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 14 Pt 3 Div 3 of PACMAN.

Club memberships during overseas postings

Defence may pay for club memberships for members and their dependants to help them play sport and keep fit in some overseas posting locations.

The following updates have been made to the approved clubs list:

  • Fitness Zone in Beirut, Lebanon, has been added to the list.
  • Vanuatu has been removed from the list due to club closure.

Members who were posted to Lebanon between 17 September 2025 and 12 March 2026 are eligible for reimbursement of any club membership costs during that period, up to the benefit amount they would have received had the club been approved during it.

Learn more about overseas fitness and recreation club memberships.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 15 Pt 8 of PACMAN.