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Cost of posting allowance

Who can get the allowance

Work out how much you can get

  1. Find the Essential links section on the left-hand side of the intranet homepage

  2. Select the Pay and benefits information link

  3. Scroll down and select the Long term overseas posting page

  4. Select the Financial and personal administration page from the right-hand side menu

  5. Scroll down until you find the Overseas living allowances section of the page

  6. Click the Overseas conditions of service estimation tool (XLS) link in this section to download it

Example

You’re a Captain (or equivalent) and your partner is living with you at the posting location.  

You earn an annual salary of $122,193 pay grade 2 increment 03-3. 

Your rate will be 28% of a Major’s salary, because your salary is less than a Major’s salary of $130,007. 

You’ll get $36,401.96 a year COPA in addition to your usual salary and any other allowances. 

Example

You’re an unaccompanied Major (or equivalent).  

You earn an annual salary of $141,624 pay grade 3 increment 04-0.  

Your rate will be 18% of your own salary because your salary is between the salary for a Major and a Colonel.  

You’ll get $24,492.32 COPA a year in addition to your usual salary and any other allowances. 

The allowance is considered a fringe benefit but not FBT reportable. It may affect your tax assessable income. 

When the allowance starts and stops

If your family makeup or living arrangements change while you’re overseas, you need to inform your Commanding Officer and your Overseas Administration Team (OAT) Case Manager within 14 days of the change.

If you leave the posting location temporarily

If you need to leave your posting location for more than 28 days, you need to inform your Commanding Officer and your OAT Case Manager before you leave or within 14 days of leaving your posting location.

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