Below is a breakdown of what's changed and how it may affect you.
Residential rules expanded for guardians who are Recognised Other Persons
A recognised other person (ROP) is someone who lives with you but is not part of your recognised family, such as a live-in carer or elderly parent you support.
The rules now allow a ROP who is a live-in guardian for your child to live with either:
- you and your child in the housing benefit location
- your child in the home you lived in at your previous housing benefit location.
You may be eligible if you’re a single parent or if your partner:
- has a chronic illness or disability
- is serving at a different primary service location
- is living away from the family home.
You’ll need to add the guardian as a recognised other person before you can get the benefit.
Find the updated policy details in Ch 1 Pt 3 Div 1 of PACMAN.
Partner Employment Assistance Program
The Partner Employment Assistance Program helps partners of ADF members claim up to $1,500 each financial year towards eligible professional employment and training costs.
Information about the program is now included in Ch 8 Pt 8 of PACMAN.
Find out how to apply and check your eligibility.
Bereavement payment extended to families of Reserve members
If a member dies while on Reserve service, or while scheduled to be on Reserve service, a financially dependent person may be eligible for a bereavement payment.
The payment is made over 4 fortnights and is equal to the Reserve daily rate multiplied by 56. This is around 8 weeks of pay if they worked one full day a week.
To learn about the support available when a member dies in service, visit the Defence Members and Families website.
If you need support and would like to talk to someone, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 to speak with counsellors and staff who understand veteran and military culture.
Find the updated policy details in Ch 11 Pt 3 of PACMAN.
Overseas commuting costs threshold increased
If you’re on a long‑term overseas posting and you travel to work on public transport, you may be eligible for assistance with your travel costs for up to 213 days each year.
Once annual public transport expenses exceed $1,452.66, members can claim the remaining costs. The threshold increased from $1,434.24 to $1,452.66 on 7 May 2026.
Find out more about help with commuting costs for members on long-term posting overseas.
Find the updated policy details in Ch 15 Pt 3 Div 2 of PACMAN.
