Remote Area Allowance

Remote Area Allowance gives you extra financial help if you receive certain income support payments and live in a remote area.

You are eligible for Remote Area Allowance if you usually live in a remote area in a Qualifying Tax Zone and receive an income support payment such as:

• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension
• Newstart Allowance
• Parenting Payment (single)
• Youth Allowance

You do not need to make a claim for Remote Area Allowance. You are automatically assessed when you get your income support payment if you are living in a qualifying tax zone, or when you move permanently to a qualifying tax zone.

If you are eligible to receive the Remote Area Allowance, you will be sent a letter advising when your payment starts and how much you will get. 

Qualifying tax zones

Qualifying tax zones for the Torres Strait Islands, Lord Howe Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island include:

• Tax Zone A
• Special Zone A (with some exceptions)
• Special Zone B

You cannot receive Remote Area Allowance if you live in Tax Zone B and some regions within Special Zone A—for example, Norfolk Island.