Volunteer Allowances
The AYAD Program provides a range of allowances to AYADs in order to support you while you are on assignment. These allowances are not a salary, instead they cover the cost of establishing yourself on assignment and living in-counrty.
AYAD allowances are structured to take into account the differing costs in each country and will allow volunteers to lead a moderately comfortable lifestyle while on assignment.The allowances are assessed each year and based on the cost of living in each country (so depending which country you are in you will receive a different amount). This is in response to the varied costs of living across Asia, the Pacific and Africa and to ensure that all AYADs are being properly and fairly provided for.
AYAD allowances must be paid into an Australian bank account. AYADs are responsible for the transfer of these funds overseas and for budgeting these allowances.
These allowances include:
- Settlement allowance
- Language Training allowance
- Living and accommodation allowances
- Resettlement allowance
1. Settlement Allowance
The Settlement Allowance is a once off payment at the start of your assignment. The Settlement Allowance covers expenses associated with taking up the assignment including excess baggage and costs associated with setting up accommodation in-country.
2. Language Training Allowance
Volunteers are able to fulfil the desired outcomes of their assignment when they have some understanding of the local language. The AYAD Program provides you with mandatory basic language training during In-Country Orientation. AYADs in assignments over 6 months are encouraged to apply for an additional language training allowance. To be eligible you will need to submit an application to your ICM.
3. Living and Accomodation Allowance
The living allowance is based on the average cost of living for a volunteer in each country. The amount is calculated by taking into account the costs of a number of factors including food, daily travel to and from an assignment placement, communication and other incidental costs.
The accommodation allowance is based on the average cost of safe, suitable and affordable accommodation in each country. If a Host Organisation or Host Government supplies appropriate accommodation then the volunteer will not receive the Accommodation Allowance. If the accommodation supplied by the Host Organisation is not appropriate the volunteer will receive the Accommodation Allowance and the In Country Manager will assist them in finding appropriate accommodation.
The cost of living varies greatly across (and in some cases within) the countries where AYAD operates. The AYAD allowances are structured to take these differences into account.
4. Resettlement Allowance
The Resettlement Allowance is to assist with costs associated with settling back into Australia at the end of your assignment. This allowance is not applicable to assignments equal to 6 months or less. To be eligible for the resettlement allowance you need to complete an End of Assignment Report and Post Placement Medical Assessment within four weeks of completing your assignment.