Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) recognises the service and sacrifices of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families, and the unique challenges ADF partners face in sustaining a career while supporting the ADF member's service.

PEAP enables eligible partners to claim reimbursement of up to $1,500 for eligible costs associated with employment, per financial year.

PEAP is only available for an ADF member's partner within Australia. ADF members and families overseas can contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline for support and information on available services.

Eligibility

Service category types

The $1,500 per financial year can be used across different service categories or fully allocated to a single service. However, any unused portion does not carry over to the next financial year. If the cost of service/s exceeds $1,500, the applicant is responsible for any extra cost.

Costs must be associated with a service category listed below.

Category A: Career support and coaching

Cost for career support and coaching that relate to any of the following services by a provider with a registered Australian Business Number.

• creation and maintenance of a personalised resume or cover letter
• job search, placement and matching services
• development of an online employment profile
• career coaching (1:1 session/s with a coach to support individual development such as identifying career goals and direction, exploring new career paths for job search and interview presentation).

Partners wishing to access Category A support may:

• select their own provider and apply for reimbursement following delivery of service
• use the Defence provider (BUSY Group) and pay no upfront cost for services.

BUSY PEAP - Career coaching support services (PDF, 5.14 MB)

Category B: Industry licensing, suitability employment checks and registration fees

Costs for industry licensing, suitability employment checks and registration fees that the CDF or decision maker is satisfied that all of the following requirements are met:

1. The service is provided by a provider with a registered Australian Business Number
2. the costs relate to one or more of the following:
   
   • Industry licences
   • Suitability employment checks such as Police Checks and Working with Children Checks
   • Registration fees incurred through obtaining recognition to legally practice in a profession, as required under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation such as Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) and Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)

Other costs mandated by a registration board, such as indemnity insurance, memberships, employment medical exams, employment exams or processing fees, are not eligible for reimbursement under PEAP.

Category C: Employment-related vocational training

Costs for employment related training provided to an eligible partner are eligible for reimbursement if the CDF or decision maker is satisfied that the training meets all of the following requirements:

1. Any of the following apply.
   
   1. It is delivered by a registered training organisation or TAFE
   2. It is delivered or endorsed by a professional governing body.
2. Any of the following apply.
   
   1. It is vocational training for qualifications recognised up to Australian Qualification Framework level 6 (Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree)
   2. It is a short course that is designed to deliver specific skills that are relevant to the eligible partner’s current or future employment prospects

Application and reimbursement

Note: The eligible person must register for the Partner Employment Assistance Program before they access services under this Part.

Process

1. Applicant submits an application via the online application form.
   Note: If additional information is required, all reasonable attempts will be made to contact applicants. The registration may be rejected if the applicant does not provide the necessary information. If the registration is rejected, applicants will need to re-apply.
2. Applicant advised of outcome within 5 business days of receipt of completed application.
3. Once written approval is provided, the applicant can engage and use services from the approved service categories.
4. To apply for reimbursement, select either:
   
   1. I want to apply for PEAP for the first time and seek reimbursement (I don’t have a PEAP Customer Number already)
   2. I already have a PEAP Customer Number and I want to seek reimbursement.
5. Information required for reimbursement:
   • applicant name and details of ADF partner
   • existing PEAP Customer Number
   • details of the services accessed
   • cost incurred
   • correctly rendered tax invoice - requirements of a correctly rendered tax invoice is available on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Tax invoices page.
   • proof of payment (receipt).
     
     Note: Claims for reimbursement must be made within 3 months of the costs being incurred. Card and administration fees are not reimbursable. Applicants must provide a rendered itemised tax invoice in accordance with the ATO – Tax invoices page and proof of payment receipt.

If reimbursement is approved, funds will be deposited into the ADF member’s bank account registered within the Defence accounts payable system or an account nominated by the applicant when applying for reimbursement.

If circumstances change, please email partner.employment@defence.gov.au to enquire about any impacts on approval.

Fringe Benefits

As the employer, fringe benefit tax (FBT) is paid by Defence. However, this type of payment will be shown on the ADF member’s payment summary if the total of all reportable fringe benefits received over the financial year exceeds $2,000. The FBT amount shown on the payment summary can be considered as income for certain government benefits and obligations.

Please contact the Defence Tax Hotline for further assistance on 1800 806 053.

Financial hardship

For ADF members and their families experiencing financial hardship, contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline for support, information and connection with community services.