Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS)

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Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS)

Serving members of the Australian Defence Forces may be eligible for the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS), which superseded the Defence Home Owner Scheme. This scheme allows for a subsidiary of the interest payable for approved loans up to $343,258.

The aim of the Scheme is to improve ADF retention rates, by making home ownership easier for members in today's competitive housing market. Members are given an incentive to remain in the ADF through access to progressively higher levels of subsidy assistance the longer they serve.

Your length and type of service will determine your eligibility and entitlements under DHOAS.

Eligibility

The applicant must first complete a qualifying period and accrue a Service Credit to access the Scheme. The qualifying periods differ for Permanent and Reserve members. The years of service required for members to progress up to higher tiers also differ.

There are also a range of variables that can impact on DHOAS eligibility and entitlement. They include warlike service, lateral service, taking a break in service and separating from the ADF.

Amount of the Subsidy

The subsidy varies depending on length of service and the amount of loan applied.

As shown in this table, the higher your eligible tier, the greater your benefits under DHOAS.

DHOAS Subsidy Tiers 2008-2009

Subsidy Tier Level	Minimum Permanent Service	Minimum Reserve Service	Subsidised 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 amounts are valid as at June 2009.
Subsidised loan limits are valid as at 2008-09.

DHOAS Subsidy Tiers 2009-2010

Subsidy Tier Level	Minimum Permanent Service	Minimum Reserve Service	Subsidised 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

Conditions of DHOAS

A DHOAS home loan can only be used for the purpose of buying a home, land to build on or for construction, renovating or doing other home improvements.

Generally, you are required to live in the home for at least 12 months from the time you start receiving DHOAS. Your subsidy payments cannot start until you occupy the home (except for construction loans).

Except in the circumstances detailed in the Defence Signal below, if you have received your posting order and you know you will not be able to meet the 12 month occupancy requirement, you cannot receive the DHOAS subsidy.

However, if you start receiving your DHOAS subsidy in good faith you will be able to live in your home for 12months, and then subsequently you receive a posting order, your subsidy will continue to be paid.

In September 2008, Defence released a Signal about the 12 month occupancy requirement. If you owned, or entered into a contract to buy, build or renovate, a home on 1 July 2008, and if your posting order comes through before 31 December 2008, you may still be able to access DHOAS.

If you have discharged or transferred to the reserves, you may still be eligible for the scheme. For more information on whether you qualify or not, or about the scheme in general, contact the Defence Housing Authority on:

For further information, contact DVA on 1300 4 DHOAS (34627).

If calling from overseas ring +61 +7 3815 9450.

or visit their website at
www.dhoas.gov.au