Commonwealth Rent Assistance is one of the most underclaimed payments in the Australian welfare system. If you receive a qualifying Centrelink payment and are renting privately, follow these steps to check your eligibility and apply.
Check your eligibility first
You are eligible for Rent Assistance if:
If you are receiving any of the above and paying market rent, you almost certainly qualify for at least some Rent Assistance.
- You receive a qualifying base Centrelink payment: JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, or Family Tax Benefit
- You pay rent in private accommodation (not public housing, not a family member's property)
- Your rent exceeds the minimum threshold for your payment type and family situation
Step 1: Log into myGov and access Centrelink
Go to my.gov.au and sign into your myGov account. If you do not have one, create one and link your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN).
From the myGov home page, select Centrelink.
Step 2: Update your accommodation details
In Centrelink online services:
If you share a property, enter only your share of the rent — not the total property rent.
- Go to 'My Profile' or 'Update details'
- Select 'Accommodation details' or 'Rent details'
- Enter your current rent amount (weekly or fortnightly)
- Select the type of accommodation (private rental)
- Enter your landlord's details
Step 3: Upload proof of rent
You will need to provide evidence of your rent amount. Acceptable documents include:
Upload these through the Centrelink online portal or via the Express Plus Centrelink app.
- A current lease agreement (showing the rent amount)
- A recent rent receipt from your landlord or agent
- A letter from your property manager confirming your current rent
Step 4: After you apply
Centrelink will assess your eligibility and the amount you are entitled to. Processing typically takes 1–5 business days.
Once approved, Rent Assistance is paid as part of your regular Centrelink payment each fortnight. The amount will appear as a separate line item in your payment.
If you update your rent details after a rent increase, the new amount will be reflected from the date you update — so do this promptly after any rent increase.
If you're rejected or underpaid
If your Rent Assistance application is rejected or you believe the amount is incorrect:
Common reasons for underpayment include using the total rent rather than your share, or not updating after a rent increase. These are usually fixable through a simple update.
- Ask Centrelink to explain the decision in writing
- Request a review of the decision through Centrelink's internal review process
- If the internal review does not resolve it, apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for an independent review