How do I Qualify for a Remote Area Allowance?

You qualify for Remote Area Allowance if:

you receive income support, that is, a payment like Newstart Allowance, Age Pension, Parenting Payment (Single), Youth Allowance or Disability Support Pension, and
you usually live in ordinary Tax Zone A (including, with certain exceptions, Special Tax Zone A) and Special Tax Zone B.

You must actually live in the remote area. You cannot get Remote Area Allowance if you:

move permanently outside the qualifying Tax Zones, or
live in ordinary Tax Zone B.

What are the nominated Tax Zones?

The remote areas are Tax Zone A, Special Zone A and Special Zone B. These include the Torres Strait Islands, Lord Howe Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. If you live in Tax Zone B and some regions within Tax Zone A, such as Norfolk Island, you are not entitled to the allowance.For details about whether you live in an area covered by Remote Area Allowance contact your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

For more information, go to Factors Affecting Payments and Eligibility.

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How do I Qualify for a Remote Area Allowance?

What are the nominated Tax Zones?

Individuals