Allowances and benefits
The benefits offered to teachers in many country schools in NSW are paid over and above annual salary, and can include:
- isolation from goods and services allowance
- hot and cold climate allowance
- vacation travel allowances, for up to three vacation periods per year
- allowances for your dependants
- reimbursement of certain medical or dental expenses related to treatment. If eligible, you can claim travel and accommodation expenses for yourself and a dependant to obtain certain services
- motor vehicle allowance to compensate for motor vehicle depreciation
- enhanced leave provisions to enable you to attend to personal and family commitments
- additional training and development days
- one week’s additional summer vacation for schools in the western division of NSW.
A full list of schools attracting extra allowances and benefits is available here where you can see exactly which benefits apply to each school.
Relocation benefits
Depending on the location of your first permanent appointment, you may be entitled to a relocation subsidy when you take up a new residence which is more than 150km from your existing residence.
Eligible teachers subsequently transferring in and out of rural schools may also receive benefits to assist with the cost associated with moving to your new school and buying and/or selling your home as a result of your move.
Teacher housing
The Teacher Housing Authority (THA) currently owns or manages some 1,500 houses and villa units throughout the State. These are leased to teachers at market rental. In many areas, the Department subsidises this rent by up to 90 percent. For example, if you were appointed to teach at Lightning Ridge Central School, you would receive a rental subsidy of 90 percent. That means that if you are renting a house or unit for $150 a week, you would be paying just $15 a week in rent, an annual saving of $7,020 which goes straight back in your pocket.
Where THA accommodation is not available, teachers may be eligible to receive the same rental subsidy for private rental accommodation. On your appointment, teachers at your new school will also be happy to assist you with accommodation advice.
Teachers are welcome to contact the Authority during normal business hours to enquire about available accommodation in rural areas. Toll Free: 1300 137 343 Internet: www.tha.nsw.gov.au.
