Rent assistance in Australia: how to qualify and apply

Housing costs in Australia have been steadily rising, making rental payments a significant financial burden for many individuals and families. To support low-income renters, the Australian government provides Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), a financial supplement aimed at reducing rental stress.

Unlike public housing, which offers subsidized accommodations, rent assistance does not provide housing directly. Instead, it helps eligible recipients cover part of their private rental costs. This means that individuals receiving Centrelink benefits who pay rent may be entitled to additional financial support.

How rent assistance works

The rent assistance program is not a fixed amount, and the payments vary depending on:
The amount of rent you pay – Assistance is only given if your rent exceeds a set threshold.
Your household type – Singles, couples, and families receive different payment amounts.
Whether you have dependents – Households with children may qualify for higher payments.
The type of accommodation – Eligible rental situations include private rentals, boarding houses, and community housing.

Where rent assistance applies

Rent assistance is available for Australians who rent privately, live in community housing, or reside in a retirement village. It does not apply to those in public housing, as rent is already subsidized by the government.

Who is eligible for rent assistance?

To qualify for rent assistance, you must already be receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment and be paying rent above the government’s minimum threshold. The benefit is designed to assist pensioners, unemployed individuals, students, and families facing rental stress.

Eligibility requirements

To receive rent assistance, you must be:
Receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment, such as:

• Age pension
• JobSeeker payment
• Disability support pension
• Carer payment
• Youth allowance
• Austudy or Abstudy
• Family tax benefit (if renting privately)

Paying market rent or accommodation fees for:

• A private rental (house, apartment, unit, or room rental)
• Community housing
• A retirement village
• A caravan park or boarding house

Who is not eligible?

Public housing tenants – Since their rent is already subsidized by state governments.
Homeowners – Even if they are still paying a mortgage.
People living rent-free – You must pay rent to qualify.

To confirm your eligibility, use Centrelink’s payment calculator at Services Australia.

How much rent assistance can you receive?

The amount of rent assistance you receive depends on how much rent you pay. Payments are calculated as 75 cents for every dollar of rent paid above a certain threshold, up to a maximum amount.

Current rent assistance payment rates

Note: These amounts are adjusted annually based on inflation.

How to apply for rent assistance

Applying for rent assistance in Australia is a straightforward process if you are already receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment. While the government may automatically assess your eligibility, in some cases, you may need to submit additional documents to prove that you are paying rent.

Step-by-step guide to applying for rent assistance

1. Check your eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
You are receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment.
You are paying rent above the minimum threshold.
You are not living in public housing.

Use the Centrelink payment estimator at Services Australia to check if you qualify.

2. Gather supporting documents

Centrelink requires proof of rental payments before approving your application. Accepted documents include:

• A lease agreement signed by both you and your landlord.
• Recent rental receipts or bank statements showing rent payments.
• A Centrelink Rent Certificate (SU523 form) if you don’t have a formal lease agreement.

Download the Rent Certificate form at Services Australia.

3. Submit your application online

The easiest way to apply for rent assistance is through myGov, the official government portal that connects to Centrelink.

Steps to apply via myGov:

1. Log in to your myGov account.
2. Select Centrelink from the services menu.
3. Go to Manage Payments & Claims > Apply for Payment.
4. Choose Commonwealth Rent Assistance and follow the prompts.
5. Upload your supporting documents.

4. Wait for assessment

Centrelink will review your application and may contact you for additional information. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Once approved, rent assistance payments will be automatically added to your existing Centrelink benefit. You do not need to reapply unless your circumstances change.

For detailed application instructions, visit Services Australia.

Tips to maximize your rent assistance benefits

While rent assistance can help ease the financial burden of renting in Australia, many recipients do not receive the maximum amount because they don’t take full advantage of the available support. By understanding how payments work and making strategic adjustments, you can ensure that you get the most out of your rent assistance.

1. Keep your rental records updated

Centrelink periodically reviews rent assistance payments, and failing to update your rental details can result in lower payments—or even loss of eligibility.

Report any rent increases to Centrelink immediately.
Submit a new rent certificate (SU523 form) if you move to a new property.
If your landlord changes, update your rental agreement details.

2. Consider how your household setup affects your payment

Rent assistance payments depend on whether you:

• Live alone or with a partner.
• Have dependent children.
• Share accommodation with other renters.

If you share accommodation, your rent assistance is split among tenants, which may reduce the amount you receive. Ensure Centrelink calculates your payment based on your individual share of the rent rather than the full rental price.

3. Combine rent assistance with other benefits

Rent assistance is often combined with other Centrelink payments, such as:

• Family tax benefit – If you have children, you may qualify for extra financial support.
• JobSeeker payment – If you are unemployed, you may be eligible for additional allowances.
• Austudy or Youth Allowance – Students can receive both study benefits and rent assistance.

Check for additional payments at Services Australia.

4. Understand how income affects your payment

Some Centrelink benefits are income-tested, meaning earning above a certain threshold can reduce your payment amount.

If your income increases, your rent assistance may be adjusted, so it’s important to monitor how much you’re earning while receiving the benefit.

Use the Centrelink income test calculator at Services Australia.

5. Look for state-based rental grants

In addition to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, some Australian states offer additional rental subsidies for people facing financial hardship.

• Queensland RentConnect – Helps people find and maintain private rentals.
• Victoria Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) – Offers short-term financial aid for rental costs.
• NSW Rent Choice Assist – Supports those in urgent need of rental assistance.

Check state-specific rental support at Housing Australia.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for rent assistance

Many Australians who apply for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) face delays, reduced payments, or even rejections due to avoidable mistakes. Understanding these common errors can help ensure you receive the correct amount without unnecessary complications.

One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to provide accurate rental documents. Centrelink requires clear proof that you are paying rent, but many applicants submit outdated lease agreements, incomplete rental receipts, or bank statements that do not clearly indicate rental payments. To avoid this, always submit a Centrelink Rent Certificate (SU523 form) along with a copy of your latest lease agreement or recent rental receipts.

Another common error is not reporting rental changes promptly. If your rent increases or decreases, failing to update this information can result in incorrect payments. Centrelink regularly reviews rent assistance eligibility, and any discrepancies may lead to underpayment or overpayment, requiring you to repay the extra amount later. To avoid this, log in to myGov and update your rental information as soon as your rent changes.

Some applicants assume they are eligible for rent assistance without checking Centrelink’s rules. Not all Centrelink recipients qualify for CRA, and many misunderstand the eligibility requirements. Rent assistance does not apply to mortgage payments, and public housing tenants are ineligible because they already receive government-subsidized rent. Additionally, those living in shared accommodation might not receive the full benefit if other tenants contribute to the rent. Always check your eligibility using Centrelink’s payment estimator before applying.

Many renters also fail to combine rent assistance with other benefits. If you are a low-income family, you may qualify for the family tax benefit (FTB), which can further ease financial burdens. Unemployed renters may be eligible for JobSeeker Payment, while students and apprentices can receive Austudy or Youth Allowance alongside their rent assistance. Exploring all available government support can significantly increase your financial stability.

Another overlooked resource is state-based rent assistance programs. While CRA is a federal benefit, some states provide additional housing support for low-income renters, short-term housing aid, or emergency rental relief. Many applicants fail to research these programs and miss out on extra financial assistance. It is advisable to check for state-level rental grants and support programs through Housing Australia or your state’s housing department.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your rent assistance application is processed smoothly, without unnecessary delays or reductions in payments. Staying informed about eligibility requirements, regularly updating your details, and exploring additional benefits can maximize the financial support available to you.