Defence Recognition

Next of Kin

The ADF requires members to list a family member as Next of Kin (NOK). In the event of an emergency during regular employment, exercise or deployment, the ADF will contact the Next of Kin. Relevant support services will be offered to the Next of Kin during deployments and emergencies.

Ensure your son or daughter has updated their Next of Kin details including phone numbers and addresses in the Defence human resources system PMKEYS, particularly before a deployment or after a change in personal circumstances such as a marriage.

Recognised Dependants

A full range of support services and entitlements are extended to Recognised Dependants of ADF Members. Usually the standard definition of Recognised Dependants refers to de facto partners, spouses and children.

Parents can be classified as Recognised Dependants in certain cases with the approval of the Chief of the Defence Force. For example, a person acting as a guardian or housekeeper may be approved under the recognition process if the member has a dependent child and no spouse or interdependent partner. Approval may also granted if the spouse or partner is an invalid or absent for service reasons.

A parent may also be considered to be recognised as a Dependant where the parent lives with the member, receives substantial financial support from the member and/or personal care from the member.