Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.
When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.
Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin. These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice.
From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya and select European and rest of the world locations, administered by the Global Support Organisation, have been able to opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.
This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for receipts.
The GMA Calculator gives a realtime, tailored value of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit. More information can be found in the Defence Instruction Notice 2025DIN01-056.
PLANNING MADE SIMPLE
If you’re preparing for an overseas assignment the new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool calculates personalised allowance estimates. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.
It removes the need for time consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress during what can be a challenging relocation period.
DISTURBANCE EXPENSES RATE UPLIFT
In the past AFF has pressed for eligible personnel moving to the UK from overseas to be able to claim the same, higher overseas rate for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK, or overseas to overseas, because evidence showed the costs involved were similar.
That change was made in July when the updated rate was announced.
Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect and you can find out about the different allowances at aff.org.uk
Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk to access the Families Hub and information on what’s included in your offer.