This month’s update includes increases to shared housing options for members and changes to the Early Eligibility for Rent Allowance Trial, overseas education assistance, and location allowance rates.

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 or the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal website (for amending determinations related to Military Factor allowances and Salary).

Our site reflects the most up-to-date policy inclusions in the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN).

What’s changed this month

On 10 September 2026, a new Determination introduced changes that:

  • increase the number of members who can share Member Choice Accommodation
  • update the definition of ‘child’ as it relates to benefits in PACMAN
  • clarify disturbance allowance removal benefits
  • add a new location to the Early Eligibility for Rent Allowance Trial
  • add a new benchmark school for education assistance in Guam
  • increase location allowance rates, commencing 5 November 2026.

Your updated benefits explained

Below is a breakdown of what’s changed and how it may affect you.

More members can now share Member Choice Accommodation

Member Choice Accommodation (MCA) is a type of accommodation available for single members or those living away from their families. MCA is an alternative to a rent allowance and living-in accommodation, and it's usually an inner-city apartment or townhouse.

You can now share your MCA with up to 2 other members instead of just one.

If you live in MCA, instead of paying rent, you'll need to pay a fortnightly contribution to Defence for your accommodation, which is based on your rank and the number of people you're sharing with.

You can go to our Paying for your Service residence page to check your MCA contribution amount.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 7 Pt 7 Div 1 and Ch 7 Pt 7 Div 3 of PACMAN.

Updated definition of 'child' in PACMAN

To help you understand your benefits and conditions of service, PACMAN includes definitions of specific terms and phrases used throughout its chapters.

The definition of 'child' has been updated, which may affect the benefits you can get.

It now clarifies that once your child turns 21 years old, they will only be considered your child if:

  • they live with you
  • an invalidity or disability stops them from living independently
  • you, a resident family member or recognised other person cares for them.

If your child moves out of your home and lives independently, Defence will no longer consider them as a child.

If your child is over 21 and still lives with you, but can live independently, they may be categorised as a recognised other person instead.

Learn more about family categorisations and how they affect your benefits.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 1 Pt 3 Div 4 of PACMAN.

Clarified what counts as one removal under disturbance allowance benefits

Moving from location to location is a typical part of life in the ADF. To help make it easier, members may be eligible for allowances and benefits each time they move. One such allowance is disturbance allowance.

You may get disturbance allowance when you're posted to a new location and need to move. The allowance amount usually increases each time you get it, so it's important to know when you're eligible and what counts as a single removal.

To make this easier, Defence has now clarified what counts as one removal if you're posted overseas.

Learn more about how disturbance allowance is calculated.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 6 Pt 1 Div 1 of PACMAN.

New location added to Early Eligibility for Rent Allowance Trial

The Early Eligibility for Rent Allowance Trial lets members find a rental property at their new posting location sooner.

If you're being posted to one of the trial locations, you can apply for rent allowance as soon as you get your posting order instead of waiting to see if a Service residence is available.

Ross Island Barracks has now been added as a trial location.

Learn more about the Early Eligibility for Rent Allowance Trial.

Find the updated policy details in Ch 7 Pt 8 Div 1 of PACMAN.

New benchmark school added for overseas education assistance in Guam

Education assistance helps you cover any higher costs for your child’s education if they accompany you to an overseas posting location. Approved benchmark schools set the standard and expected costs for education in an overseas location, which affects your benefit amount.

A new benchmark school has been added for the United States Territory of Guam.

Learn more about education assistance for your child when you’re overseas.

Find the updated policy details in Annex 15.6.A of PACMAN.

Upcoming increases to location allowance rates

From 5 November 2026, you’ll see increases to some rates of the following location allowances:

  • ADF district allowance
  • Antarctic allowance
  • Antarctic common duties allowance
  • Port Wakefield allowance
  • Scherger allowance.

These changes will be reflected in PACMAN from 5 November 2026. You’ll see the increased amount in your pay from 19 November 2026.

Read more about the new location allowance rates.