Your guide to the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme
The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) assists current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to achieve home ownership. DHOAS is administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) on behalf of the Department of Defence, and is aimed at improving ADF recruitment and retention. It provides eligible current and former serving members of the ADF and Reserves with a monthly subsidy payment towards the interest of their home loan. The longer you serve in the ADF, the more entitlement you accrue under DHOAS, and the longer you can receive assistance.
If you have been considering whether a DHOAS Home Loan might be right for you, now is a great time to learn more about the scheme and see if you could benefit.
Step 1 – Check your eligibility
Your eligibility for DHOAS depends on multiple factors including, but not limited to:
- Your length and type of service
- Whether you’re serving or have discharged
- Your loan size
Australian Military Bank is unable to confirm your eligibility for DHOAS entitlements. For information on your DHOAS eligibility including potential DHOAS subsidy amount, please visit dhoas.gov au or call 1300 434 627. Also don’t forget to check out other Defence home buying support schemes such as HPSEA and HPAS.
Step 2 – Receive your DHOAS certificate
If you are eligible for DHOAS, DVA will issue you a DHOAS certificate. This is required to take out an eligible DHOAS Home Loan with a DHOAS Home Loan provider.
Step 3 – Apply for a DHOAS Home Loan
To receive the monthly DHOAS subsidy, you will need to take out an eligible DHOAS Home Loan from one of the approved home loan providers and meet the scheme conditions such as occupancy requirements.
At Australian Military Bank, we offer a wide range of low cost DHOAS Home Loans, which have been designed to suit the needs of all eligible Australian Defence Force home buyers.
Whether you are purchasing a new home or refinancing, we’re experts in finding the right loan for you. To make an appointment to speak to your local Australian Military Bank Lending Specialist about your DHOAS Home Loan options click here.
Step 4 – Receive your DHOAS subsidy
Once your home loan settles, your DHOAS subsidy will be paid directly into your DHOAS Home Loan each month. The first payment can take up to 8 weeks to be received.
The amount of the DHOAS subsidy each month depends on your subsidy tier level and the subsidised loan limit. The DHOAS subsidy amount is reviewed each month based on changes in the median interest rate. The current maximum DHOAS subsidy is up to $1,058 per month* for Subsidy Tier 3.
DHOAS explained
This video provides a clear overview of DHOAS, including how the scheme works, who may be eligible, and the type of assistance available.
DHOAS Explained: Home Ownership Support for ADF Members and Veterans
DHOAS examples
These examples of two eligible members with different DHOAS Subsidy Tiers show how much DHOAS can reduce payable interest.
| Member 1 | Member 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| DHOAS Subsidy Tier | 1 | 3 |
| Loan Amount | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Interest Rate | 6.19% p.a. | 6.19% p.a. |
| Annual Interest Payable | $30,950 | $30,950 |
| Less DHOAS Subsidy Amount | $6,348 * | $12,696 * |
| Adjusted Annual Interest Payable | $24,602 | $18,254 |
| Adjusted Interest Rate | 4.92% p.a. | 3.65% p.a. |
Questions
If you have any questions about DHOAS visit The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, call 1300 434 627 or email dhoas@dva.gov.au
If you require further information on Australian Military Bank DHOAS Home Loans visit Australian Military Bank, call 1300 132 328 or email service@australianmilitarybank.com.au
Important Information
* Estimated annual subsidy values based on the May 2026 median interest rate. These monthly subsidy values fluctuate based on changes in the median interest rate.
Lending criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.
The information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account your individual needs, objectives or financial situation. Before making a decision if a product is right for you, please read the relevant product information on our website, including the Credit Guide, Fees and Charges Schedule, Target Market Determination (TMD) and Key Facts Sheets.
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