Rent Assistance Rates (from March 2026)
| Situation | Max RA (per fortnight) | Min Rent to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | ~$219 | ~$139/fn |
| Couple, no children | ~$207 | ~$226/fn (combined) |
| Single with 1–2 children | ~$258 | ~$187/fn |
| Couple with 1–2 children | ~$258 | ~$271/fn (combined) |
Who Qualifies
You can get Rent Assistance if you:
- Receive a qualifying Centrelink payment (JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Age Pension, DSP, FTB Part A with more than the base rate, etc.)
- Pay rent (including board and lodging) above the minimum threshold
- Don't live in public housing (state/territory housing authority property)
How It's Calculated
Rent Assistance pays 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate. For example, a single person paying $300/fortnight in rent would receive: 75% × ($300 − $139) = $120.75/fortnight.
How to Claim
You don't apply separately for Rent Assistance. When you claim your main Centrelink payment, provide your rental details (address, landlord, rent amount). If you move or your rent changes, update your details through myGov within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for Rent Assistance?
No. It's automatically assessed when you provide your rental details as part of your Centrelink claim. Just make sure your rent details are up to date.
Can I get Rent Assistance if I share a house?
Yes. Your portion of the rent counts. If you pay $200/fortnight for your share of a share house, that's the amount used to calculate your RA.
Does Rent Assistance cover my full rent?
No. It covers a portion of your rent above the minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate. It's a supplement, not a rent payment.