Rent Assistance

Rent Assistance gives extra financial help for those who rent privately and receive a payment from Centrelink or the Family Assistance Office.

If you are paying rent and receiving a payment from Centrelink or the Family Assistance Office, you may be able to receive Rent Assistance. Rent can include private rent, lodging, board and lodging, site fees, fees to moor a vessel or service and maintenance fees in a retirement village.  If you pay your rent directly to a state or territory housing authority, it is unlikely you would be able to get Rent Assistance but to make sure you should contact Centrelink to discuss your eligibility.

You do not need to lodge a separate claim to get Rent Assistance. We will assess if you can receive it when you make a claim for another payment.

The amount of your Rent Assistance depends on:

• the type and amount of rent you pay for the home you usually live in
• your living arrangements—whether you are single or have a partner, whether you have dependent children living with you or whether you share your accommodation with others

To receive Rent Assistance, you will need to give details of your rental situation.