Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS)
The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme is a home loan subsidy scheme for eligible ADF members.
A major objective of the DHOAS is to improve current ADF retention and recruitment rates.
This is supported by providing:
- Home ownership assistance that reflects the contemporary housing and home finance markets; and
- Progressively higher levels of assistance for eligible members serving beyond critical career points.
Members who have served on or after 1 July 2008, and have completed a qualifying period of service and accrued sufficient entitlement to gain a Service Credit, can access the DHOAS benefits.
Members in the Permanent Force need to complete four consecutive years of service to qualify, and then complete at least one month of service to accrue entitlement to DHOAS.
Reservists need to complete eight consecutive financial years of effective service to qualify, and then complete at least another 20 days of Reserve service within a financial year to accrue entitlement.
Check out the DHOAS eligibility calculator and other resources on this website to help you find out more about the Scheme.
DHOAS Subsidy Tiers 2008-2009
Subsidy Tier Level | Minimum Permanent Service | Minimum Reserve Service | Maximum Loan Limit | Maximum Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 years | 8 years | $187,159 | Up to $199 |
2 | 8 years | 12 years | $280,738 | Up to $299 |
3 | 12 years | 16 years | $374,318 | Up to $399 |
- Monthly subsidy values are valid as at June 2009. Subsidy payments will fluctuate in line with changes in home loan interest rates.
- The maximum loan limits are reviewed annually, as required under the DHOAS Act. Please see 2009-2010 Subsidy Tiers in table below.
DHOAS Subsidy Tiers 2009-2010
Subsidy Tier Level | Minimum Permanent Service | Minimum Reserve Service | Maximum Loan Limit | Maximum Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 years | 8 years | $171,629 | Up to $183 |
2 | 8 years | 12 years | $257,444 | Up to $274 |
3 | 12 years | 16 years | $343,258 | Up to $366 |
- This table shows the anticipated Subsidised Loan Limits for 2009-2010. They are subject to the making of a determination under Section 52 of the DHOAS Act 2008.
- These anticipated limits will apply to new DHOAS subsidy payments which are first received after 1 July 2009. This means they will apply to home loans drawn down in June 2009, as payments start in August to cover the month of July.
- Monthly subsidy values shown here are calculated on current interest rates. These monthly subsidy values may change in July 2009, and in other months, based on fluctuations in the median interest rate.
For further information, contact DVA on 1300 4 DHOAS. If calling from overseas, ring +61 +7 38159450
Latest News
DHOAS Act Amendments
26-June-2009
Amendments to the DHOAS Act have received royal assent, and will take affect 28 days from 25 June 2009. The amendments address some unintended outcomes of the DHOAS, around breaks in service of members who rejoined the ADF before 1 July 2008; multi-loan arrangements and lump sum conditions.
2009-2010 Subsidised Loan Limits Released
15-June-2009
The anticipated 2009-2010 Subsidised Loan Limits have been released, subject to the making of a determination under Section 52 of the DHOAS Act 2008. These limits will apply to new DHOAS subsidy payments which are first paid after 1 July 2009.
Annual Subsidised Loan Limit Review
13-May-2009
Subsidised loan limits in the three DHOAS subsidy tiers will be reviewed for 2009-10. This may result in a change in the amount of the loan limits and maximum subsidy values, potentially a decrease, from 1 July 2009. The revised limits will be published as soon as they are available.
Reservists Eligibility Requirement 2008-09
8-May-2009
On 29 August 2008 Defence released a Signal advising Reservists they had to complete effective service within 2008/09 to retain eligibility for DHOAS. DVA has sent letters to Reserve members who are DHOAS clients to advise them their service will be audited as at 30 June 2009.
Proposed Amendments to DHOAS Act 2008
26-March-2009
The Defence Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2009, introduced into Parliament on 18 March, proposes amendments to the DHOAS Act 2009, to correct a number of unintended outcomes and improve the administration of the DHOAS.
12 Month Occupany Rule - Change in Advice
26-September-2008
Members who owned their home - or had a contract to buy, build or renovate a home - on 1 July 2008, and who receive a posting before 31 December 2008 which will take effect before 30 June 2009, may be eligible for DHOAS (even though they can't meet the 12 month occupancy requirement).
Reserve Eligibility - Change in Advice
29-August-2008
Reserve members are no longer required to first complete 20 days of Reserve service within 2008-09 before they can access DHOAS assistance. To be eligible, they must have completed their eight year qualifying period, completed effective service in 2007-08 and have accrued a service credit.
Eligibility Calculator
Find out your eligibility and entitlement for DHOAS!
Apply for DHOAS
Fill out your DHOAS application form and post to DVA.
