UNDERSTANDING POSTING COSTS

Every posting comes with costs. Some are financial, some aren’t.

This article focuses on the money side of posting costs—what you’ll pay, what help is available, and how to manage the financial transition. For broader wellbeing support during relocation, Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) is there to help.

What Makes Posting Costs Different?

Posting costs aren’t just about moving your stuff. They’re about managing money in two locations at once.

You’re often paying rent or a mortgage in your old location while setting up in the new one. School fees, utility connections, and other costs may happen before allowances arrive.

Costs can vary dramatically between locations. What you pay for housing in Darwin may be very different from what you’ll pay in Sydney or Brisbane.

For more information about housing eligibility, processes, and related topics please see Housing Help on the DHA website.

The Timing Problem

Here’s the tricky bit about posting costs: you may have to pay them before you receive your allowances.

Common upfront posting costs include:

• Bond and rent in advance
• School enrolment fees and uniforms
• Utility connection fees

We would recommend that once you know you are going to a new posting, to set up a “new place” fund and set aside money for the upfront costs, and then “pay yourself back” when you receive any allowances. 

Research Your New Location’s Costs

Start researching posting costs as soon as you know where you’re going. The earlier you understand what things cost, the better you can plan your budget.

Where to Look

Official Defence sources first:

• Defence Housing Australia (DHA) for housing assistance information
• ADF Pay and Conditions Manual for benefits and allowances
• Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 608) for specific questions about posting costs
• Cost of Living Surveys for overseas postings

Other helpful sources:

• Real estate websites for rental prices
• School websites for fee structures
• Utility company websites for connection costs and rates
• Local government sites for rates and charges

Having a buffer in your savings helps. If that’s not possible, knowing exactly what allowances you’re eligible for, and when they’ll arrive, lets you plan around the timing gap.

Year-End Posting Costs

November-December postings add extra financial pressure. You’re managing posting costs alongside holiday expenses and end-of-year school fees.

Factors include:

• Holiday gifts and celebrations
• Final school term fees
• Overlapping housing costs
• Peak season travel costs
• Sending gifts to family (sometimes online shopping and direct delivery is cheaper)

Use our budget calculator to work out how posting costs will affect your finances.

Know Your Benefits

Understanding your benefits helps you manage posting costs effectively. Start here: https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/moving. The DHA website also covers posting benefits. The Toll Defence Relocation Guide walks you through the process.

Knowing what you’re eligible for means you won’t miss out on allowances that could offset your posting costs.

Bring Money In: Partner Employment

Partner employment can significantly offset posting costs as well as bring the other benefits that come with being employed, including connection to the new community. The Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) helps partners find work or better work in your new location.

PEAP provides up to $1,500 per financial year for employment-related costs. Partners can apply at any time during the posting cycle—you don’t have to wait until after you’ve moved.

This means you can use PEAP while planning your move, setting your partner up for employment before you even arrive at your new location.

Important: PEAP payment may create a Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) amount on the member’s record. Get financial advice about tax implications before committing.

Housing Schemes That Help

If you’re buying or selling property due to posting, three schemes can help manage the costs:

Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS)

• Ongoing subsidy to reduce mortgage costs over time.

Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS)

• One-time, tax-free payment covering upfront costs for eligible first-time buyers. Requires at least 12 months service remaining at posting location.

Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance (HPSEA)

• Reimburses stamp duty, legal fees, and agent costs when buying or selling due to posting. Must have sold previous home due to posting and be purchasing in new location.

See our guide on buying a home for more information about these schemes and how they reduce posting costs.

Get Help Managing Posting Costs

You don’t have to figure out posting costs alone.

The ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre has tools and information to help you manage your money through posting. Visit our website or contact us for guidance.

Our Employment Package Estimator helps you understand your ADF remuneration package’s true value—useful when comparing posting costs between locations or when partners evaluate job offers.

Learn From Others

Defence Families Australia connects you with families who’ve managed posting costs in your new location. They know the budget-friendly suburbs, cost-saving tips, and realistic cost of living. Visit https://dfa.org.au/

Take Action

Managing posting costs starts with three steps:

1. Research costs in your new location early

• The sooner you know what things cost, the better you can plan.

2. Understand your benefits

• Know what allowances you’re eligible for and when they’ll arrive.

3. Build a posting costs buffer if possible

• Even a small savings buffer helps manage the timing gap between paying posting costs and receiving allowances.

You’re not alone in managing posting costs. Help is available.

Key Contacts

Defence Family Helpline: 1800 624 608 (24/7)

Toll Transitions: 1800 819 167 or SMS 0488 855 796

Defence Housing Australia: 139 342

ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre: https://adfconsumer.gov.au/