What you need to know
Alongside existing options of Single Living Accommodation and Service Family Accommodation, FAM makes living in private rented accommodation more affordable and flexible. The FAM Rental Payment gives you financial support from the MOD to rent a property and you'll pay the same wherever you're based in the country.
So, if you're eligible for FAM and choose to rent you could receive the following:
Rental payment
This is the name given to the total FAM Rental Payment. This is the monthly payment you will receive towards your rent. It is made up of the Core Payment plus a Geographic Payment:
- core Payment - A fixed sum payment of £125 per month
- geographic Payment - If you rent near a FAM base, you will also receive a geographic payment. This is a monthly payment that varies according to how expensive the area is, and also your family size. It ensures the cost of renting will be the same wherever you're based - that's because to shield you from highly priced areas the MOD will pick up the difference
You also need to make a Personal Contribution. This is the amount you will pay towards the rental cost of your property on top of the payments you receive from MOD. You will also need to budget for utility bills and to pay your council tax directly from your own bank account.
Deposit and one month's rent advance
If you choose to move into rental accommodation, you will be able to claim a Deposit and One Month's Rent Advance. This is to help you pay the deposit and first month's rent on your rental property, which is usually required before you move in. By requesting this through JPA as soon as you can, you will be able to start your property search, with everything you need to make your move.
Because you will apply for, and receive this advance before you find a rental property:
- you may have requested more money than you end up needing to cover the final deposit and one month's rent amount. If this happens, once you have paid your deposit and first months rent any extra amount will be recovered through payroll
- you may have requested less than you end up needing. If this happens, you'll be responsible for covering the shortfall upfront, but this shortfall will be addressed by an additional deposit and one month's rent amount delivered through payroll
We know that working out how much money to apply for isn't always easy. The FAM calculator can help you estimate the amount of deposit and upfront rent you're likely to need.
Rental advance
As well as the Deposit and One Month's Rent Advance you can also apply for a Rental Advance, to help with any cash flow issues associated with renting a new property - for example, if you need to pay your rent before you have received your FAM rental payment.
You can apply for anywhere between one and six months' rent.
If the landlord requires a payment instead of a guarantor, you can also apply for a lump sum of up to six months' rent equivalent. Talk to the FAM Cell at the pilot site if this applies to you to get more information and advice on what to do next.
What you need to do
Complete the Accommodation Preference form on JPA. Full instructions can be found in the JPA IN505007 FAM Accommodation Preference Form and Request for Information self user guide (DefNet access required). Talk to your FAM Cell if you have questions:
