2010
June
New Subsidised Loan Limits for 2010-11
The Subsidised Loan Limits in each of the three subsidy tiers have been amended for 2010-11 and will be used to calculate subsidies that commence from July 2010. The limits are reviewed each year to ensure DHOAS continues to provide subsidies that are relevant to today's housing market.
May
DHOS to Close 30 June 2010
Ex-service personnel (and Standby Reserves) who have any outstanding entitlement to the old Defence HomeOwner Scheme (DHOS) are advised to submit an application for a DHOS Entitlement Certificate before the Scheme closes on 30 June 2010. Important: This notice refers to DHOS. DHOAS is NOT closing.
April
Review of Reservists' Service 2009-10
A review will soon be conducted into the service of Reserve members who have received DHOAS subsidy payments during the 2009-10 financial year. This is to determine if you have completed the Scheme's effective service requirements, which can affect your DHOAS entitlement.
2009
November
Provide Service Records with DHOAS Application
Defence has released a Signal announcing that from 4 January 2010 DHOAS applicants must submit service records with their DHOAS application.
Insurance Scheme Extended to DHOAS-Eligible Members
Economical home and contents insurance is now available to DHOAS-eligible members, following amendments to the Defence Service Homes Act 1918. You can access the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme (DSHIS) as an additional benefit, if you choose.
July
DHOAS Act Amendments Now Apply
Amendments to the DHOAS Act take effect from today, 22 July 2009. They include changes to the rejoining member provisions, lump sum payment conditions and multi-party loan arrangements.
June
DHOAS Act Amendments
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
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.
May
Annual Subsidised Loan Limit Review
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
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.
March
Proposed Amendments to DHOAS Act 2008
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.
2008
October
Change in Subsidy Values
The median interest rate used to calculate DHOAS subsidy values has decreased from 8.95% to 8.54%. This will reduce the subsidy amount paid into members' DHOAS home loans in November, and will reduce maximum monthly subsidy values.
September
12 Month Occupany Rule - Change in Advice
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).
August
Reserve Eligibility - Change in Advice
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.