How much is Remote Area Allowance?

$18.20 a fortnight if you're single, $15.60 a fortnight each if you're a member of a couple, plus an extra $7.30 a fortnight for each dependent child.

Is Remote Area Allowance indexed?

No. Unlike most other Centrelink rates, Remote Area Allowance has not been indexed since July 2000 — the rates above have stayed the same for over two decades.

Do I need to pass an income or assets test for Remote Area Allowance?

There's no separate income or assets test for the allowance itself, but it only pays on top of an existing income support payment — you need to already qualify for that payment, and live in an area covered by the ATO's tax zone list (Zone A, Zone B or a Special Area).

Does Remote Area Allowance affect my tax?

Remote Area Allowance itself is non-taxable, but receiving it reduces your ATO zone tax offset dollar-for-dollar at tax time — so it isn't simply extra money on top of the offset.

Remote Area Allowance Calculator

Work out Remote Area Allowance by household type and children, and check the tax zone rules that go with it.

Last verified: 26 July 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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