Disturbance Allowance Explained

Disturbance Expenses — still widely called Disturbance Allowance — is a flat payment towards the costs of a move you're ordered to make for service reasons.

It's a fixed rate rather than a reimbursement of what you actually spent. From 1 April 2024 that's £103 for UK single living accommodation, £1,041 for UK family accommodation or private housing, £371 and £1,882 for the overseas equivalents, plus £109.41 for each eligible child.

It's meant for the things a move throws up: preparing the new place, redirecting mail, disconnecting and installing appliances, and setting equipment back up.

The catch worth knowing before you plan around it: you generally can't claim it when you're leaving the Services. The exceptions are Final Tour of Duty provisions, redundancy, and medical discharge.

Who is eligible?

Personnel ordered in writing to move to a new place of duty for a permanent assignment after Phase 1 training, or on a subsequent qualifying move. Moves to and from an Alternative Work Address count if you're working remotely.

You can't claim it for joining your Phase 1 training unit, and you can't claim it alongside Insurance Allowance.

On discharge it's only available if you're entitled to Final Tour of Duty provisions, being made redundant, or being medically discharged.

Claims can go in up to 45 days before the move, through JPA or on Form F018 to your unit HR. Worth doing early rather than after you've moved.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Financial Support: Disturbance Allowance offers financial assistance to cover the costs associated with moving due to a new posting or relocation after leaving the military.
  • Relocation Costs: It helps offset expenses such as packing, transportation, and temporary accommodation, easing the financial burden of moving.
  • Family costs: The allowance covers your family's relocation costs, not just your own.
  • Flexibility: Available to both single service members and those with families, providing flexibility to accommodate different personal circumstances.
  • Ease of Transition: By alleviating financial stress, it allows service leavers to focus on settling into their new environment and roles.
  • Eligibility: Open to regular personnel required to move as part of a new assignment. Check the current criteria with your unit's admin office.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for Disturbance Allowance, typically available to service leavers relocating due to discharge or reassignment.
  • Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents such as proof of relocation, service records, and any other required forms.
  • Complete Application Form: Obtain and fill out the Disturbance Allowance application form, available through your unit's administration office or online military portals.
  • Submit Application: Submit the completed form and supporting documents to your unit's administration or the designated office handling allowances.
  • Follow Up: After submission, follow up with the relevant office to confirm receipt and processing of your application.
  • Await Decision: Wait for the decision, which will be communicated through official channels. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date for any correspondence.
  • Appeal if Necessary: If your application is denied, inquire about the appeals process and submit any additional information required.

Common questions

What is Disturbance Allowance in the armed forces?

A payment towards the incidental costs of a move you are required to make for service reasons, whether within the UK or overseas.

What does Disturbance Allowance cover?

The costs around relocating, such as packing and unpacking your belongings and temporary accommodation. It is paid where the move is a service requirement, not for a move you arrange for your own reasons.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO