Remote area allowance
Purpose
To help meet additional costs associated with residence in remote areas. It recognises that many income support recipients who do not pay tax, or pay very little tax, do not receive the full benefit of tax zone benefits. Remote Area Allowance makes a contribution towards some of the higher costs associated with living in particularly remote areas.
Eligibility
Remote Area Allowance is payable to recipients of a social security pension, allowance or benefit in Ordinary Tax Zone A (including, with certain exceptions, Special Tax Zone A) and Special Tax Zone B.
Rates
Remote Area Allowance is paid fortnightly along with the relevant pension or payment.
Remote Area Allowance may be payable for up to 8 weeks of temporary absence outside of the Tax Zone – either within Australia or overseas.
It is not payable if a person moves permanently outside the Tax Zone.
Remote Area Allowance reduces, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount of the Income Zone Tax Offset that would otherwise be received.
Further information
For further information about Remote Area Allowance please contact Centrelink on 13 2300 or visit the Remote Area Allowance section of the Department of Services Australia website.
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