The Australian government offers financial help to citizens who have trouble paying their rent. This support is called Rent Assistance. In September, the Department of Social Services increased the amount of assistance available.
This means eligible Australians can now receive more support if they are struggling with their rent. If you want to know more about the details and how to apply, you can find all the information about Rent Assistance through Centrelink here.
Rent Assistance Centrelink
The Australian government offers rent assistance to citizens who are struggling to afford rent in a rental home. Payments are made every two weeks since rent in Australia is usually calculated weekly. This assistance helps reduce the financial stress caused by rising rent prices. It covers people living in rented houses, retirement homes, caravans, boats, relocatable homes, or units. The amount you receive depends on how much rent you pay.
In 2024, the Department of Social Services increased payments like rent assistance and the age pension to match the rising cost of living. From September 20, 2024, rent assistance payments went up, and the exact amount depends on your family situation and rent costs.
Rent Assistance Centrelink Amount
The rent assistance amount you get through Centrelink depends on the rent you pay. You must pay a minimum amount called the threshold to qualify. For every dollar you pay above this threshold, your assistance increases by 75 cents. But there is a limit to how much you can receive, and it won’t go beyond the government-set maximum.
After the increase on September 20, 2024, here are the updated rates based on family situation:
Rent Assistance for ABSTUDY and Income Support:
| Family Situation | Rent Threshold | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals (ABSTUDY & Income Support) | More than $149 | $211.20 when rent is $430.60 or more |
| Single, Sharers | More than $149 | $140.80 when rent is $336.74 or more |
| Couples, Combined | More than $241 | $199 when rent is $506.74 or more |
| Couples, Illness Separated | More than $149 | $211.20 when rent is $430.60 or more |
| Couples, Temporarily Separated | More than $149 | $199 when rent is $414.34 or more |
| Singles with 1 or 2 Children (Family Tax Benefit) | More than $195.58 | $248.22 when rent is $526.54 or more |
| Singles with 3 or More Children (Family Tax Benefit) | More than $195.58 | $280.42 when rent is $569.48 or more |
| Couples with 1 or 2 Children (Family Tax Benefit) | More than $283.50 | $248.22 when rent is $620.20 or more |
| Couples with 3 or More Children (Family Tax Benefit) | More than $283.50 | $280.42 when rent is $663.14 or more |
| Temporarily or Illness Separated Couples with 1 or 2 Children | More than $191.80 | $248.22 when rent is $526.54 or more |
| Temporarily or Illness Separated Couples with 3 or More Children | More than $191.80 | $280.42 when rent is $569.48 or more |
Eligibility Guidelines for Centrelink Rent Assistance
To get rent assistance from Centrelink, you need to meet specific rules set by Services Australia. Here is an easy breakdown of who can qualify and the conditions you must follow.
Who Can Get Rent Assistance?
You may qualify for rent assistance if you are paying rent and receiving any of these government benefits:
- Family Tax Benefit (Part A) – if you get more than the basic rate
- Parenting Payment
- Age Pension
- Special Benefit
- Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker Payment or Farm Household Allowance
- ABSTUDY Living Allowances or Youth Allowances
What Types of Housing Qualify?
You must be paying for one of these to get rent assistance:
- Lodging
- Rent for a rental property
- Board and lodging
- Retirement village fees
- Site or mooring fees for a caravan or boat if it’s your main home
If you have a lease and live in community housing or defence housing, you might also qualify for rent assistance.
Who Isn’t Eligible?
There are some situations where you cannot get rent assistance:
- If you own or are buying the house you live in (unless it’s a relocatable home like a caravan)
- If your partner gets a Family Tax Benefit, you can’t claim rent assistance for the same household
- If you live in residential aged care and the government helps pay for your care
- If your partner gets rent assistance and you’re already receiving a government benefit, you cannot apply separately
- If you rent from a State or Government Housing Authority (since these homes are already subsidized)
This guide explains who is eligible for rent assistance and the cases where you may not qualify, so you can easily understand the rules.
How to Access Rent Assistance via Centrelink?
You don’t need to do anything special to claim rent assistance. When you apply for any government payment that is eligible for rent assistance Centrelink will automatically check if you qualify.
If you are already getting payments Centrelink will check your rent assistance when your housing details change like when you move to a new place or update your accommodation info. Sometimes they may ask for documents like a rent agreement or certificate to confirm your claim.
You can easily see your rent assistance status in your myGov account. It shows if you are eligible and if rent assistance is being applied or if you need to submit rent proof.
Essential Steps to Manage Your Rent Assistance from Centrelink
Managing your rent assistance payments from Centrelink means staying updated on your situation and any changes that may affect your eligibility. Since the amount you receive depends on your specific circumstances, follow these steps to ensure timely payments.
First, report any changes in your family situation or personal circumstances to Centrelink within 14 days. This includes changes in income, new family members, changes in rent costs, or moving to a new home. Reporting on time is important to avoid payment interruptions.
Centrelink will review your eligibility for rent assistance regularly. Be ready to provide accurate and updated information about your current rent situation when you get a review letter. Include proof to support your claim, like a lease agreement or rent receipts.
If you plan to travel outside Australia, inform Centrelink about your travel plans. This applies to both short-term and long-term trips. Travelling can affect your rent assistance eligibility, so keeping Centrelink informed helps ensure you receive the right payments while you are away.
The Australian government offers rent assistance to help ease the financial burden of rising rent costs. Starting from September 20, 2024, there will be an increase in rent assistance payments and changes to rent thresholds. Australians should check these updates and estimate their fortnightly rent assistance payments to better manage their finances.
