Rent Assistance in Australia: How Much You Can Get and How to Claim It

Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is a regular payment made by Services Australia (Centrelink) to help cover the cost of private rental accommodation. It is not a loan — it is a fortnightly payment made on top of other eligible Centrelink payments.

To receive Rent Assistance, you must already be receiving an eligible base payment from Centrelink. The most common qualifying payments include: JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, and ABSTUDY.

If you are receiving any of these and are paying rent in private accommodation, you are likely eligible.

The maximum Rent Assistance rates as of 2026 are indexed to CPI and adjusted in March and September each year. Approximate rates:

You receive the maximum rate only if your rent exceeds a threshold amount. Below that threshold, you receive a portion proportional to your actual rent. The thresholds and maximum amounts are updated regularly — check the Services Australia website for the current figures.

You cannot receive Rent Assistance if you live in public housing, rent from a family member, or are paying a mortgage.

• Singles without children: up to approximately $188/fortnight
• Couples without children: up to approximately $177/fortnight
• Singles with one or two children: up to approximately $221/fortnight
• Couples with children: up to approximately $221/fortnight

If you are already on a qualifying Centrelink payment, Rent Assistance is often added automatically when you update your rent details. To make sure you are receiving it:

If you have recently moved or your rent has increased, updating your rent details promptly ensures you receive the correct amount from the right date.

1. Log into your myGov account and link to Centrelink
2. Update your accommodation details — confirm your rent amount and frequency
3. Upload proof of your tenancy: a current lease or a rent receipt showing the weekly or monthly amount
4. Centrelink will assess your eligibility and begin payments in your next fortnight

Rent Assistance is tied to your actual rent amount, so if your landlord increases your rent, your Rent Assistance may also increase — up to the maximum. You must update Centrelink with the new rent amount.

Many renters do not do this after a rent increase, meaning they continue receiving Rent Assistance calculated on their old rent amount and miss out on additional entitlement. Always update your Centrelink accommodation details within 14 days of a rent change.

In addition to the Commonwealth payment, several states and territories offer their own rental assistance programs for people in private rental stress:

Eligibility for state programs is typically based on income and housing need. Contact your state housing authority or a community organisation for specific details.

• NSW: Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) — available through Housing NSW for those at risk of homelessness
• VIC: Bond Loan and Utility Relief Grant Scheme — interest-free bond loans and utility bill assistance
• QLD: RentConnect and RentAssist — bond loans and short-term rent assistance
• WA: Bond Assistance Loan — interest-free loans for bond payments