Housing Costs in Australia: Check Official Rent Assistance Information

Housing costs can be one of the biggest pressures for families settling in Australia. Some people who receive Centrelink payments may also be able to get Rent Assistance through Services Australia.

This article explains the official Services Australia information in a simple way. It is not a decision about anyone's eligibility. Services Australia makes the final decision based on your payment, rent, accommodation, family situation, and the details you provide.

What Rent Assistance Is

Rent Assistance is an extra payment that can help with eligible accommodation costs. It is usually paid with another eligible Centrelink payment.

You do not normally make a separate application just for Rent Assistance. Services Australia checks whether you can get it when you claim an eligible payment or when you update your accommodation details.

Who May Be Able to Get It

Services Australia says you need to meet rules about both your payment and your accommodation costs.

You may be considered for Rent Assistance if:

• you receive an eligible payment, such as Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Austudy, Youth Allowance, Special Benefit, or Family Tax Benefit Part A above the base rate;
• your eligible accommodation costs are above the minimum amount set by Services Australia;
• the type of accommodation cost you pay is eligible.

Eligible accommodation costs can include:

• rent;
• lodging;
• board and lodging;
• fees in a retirement village, over 55s village, or lifestyle park;
• site or mooring fees.

Some payments and living situations have special rules. For example, Services Australia has different rules for single sharers, board and lodging, and some main payments.

How Much You Can Get

The amount depends mainly on how much rent or eligible accommodation cost you pay and your personal situation.

Services Australia explains it this way:

• there is a minimum rent amount before Rent Assistance starts;
• for rent above that amount, the payment increases gradually;
• there is also a maximum amount, so it does not keep increasing forever;
• different rates apply for single people, couples, people with children, single sharers, and some separated couples.

Services Australia updates Rent Assistance rates on 20 March and 20 September each year. Because the rates can change, it is best to check the official page before relying on any amount listed elsewhere.

Keep Your Details Up to Date

If you already get a payment from Services Australia, they can check Rent Assistance again when your details change.

You should update Services Australia if:

• you move address;
• your accommodation type changes;
• your rent amount goes up or down;
• the people you live with change;
• your contact details change;
• you plan to travel outside Australia.

Services Australia says you can tell them about some changes up to 14 days before the change happens.

They may also ask for proof of your rent arrangements, such as a rent certificate, lease, tenancy agreement, or other documents. If you think a decision is wrong, you can ask Services Australia to review it.

If You Are Between Addresses

If you are moving or are between home addresses, it is important to keep your mailing address up to date. Services Australia can only send mail to a new address from the date you tell them you will live there.

If you do not have a secure mailing address, important letters may still go to your last recorded address.

Official Starting Points

• Rent Assistance: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/rent-assistance
• Who can get Rent Assistance: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/who-can-get-rent-assistance
• How much Rent Assistance you can get: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-much-rent-assistance-you-can-get
• How to manage your Rent Assistance: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-manage-your-rent-assistance
• Rent and accommodation types: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/rent-and-accommodation-types-for-rent-assistance
• Support for Ukrainian nationals in Australia: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/support-for-ukrainian-nationals-australia

Important Reminder

Rent Assistance is assessed through Services Australia rules. It is not something UAANT can approve or guarantee, and eligibility can change when your payment, rent, or accommodation details change.

For a fuller guide, see Rent Assistance in Australia.