Factors that affect Rent Assistance
On this page- How much Rent Assistance do I get?
- Do I receive the sharers rate of Rent Assistance if I live in boarding style accommodation?
- What happens if I pay rent to a State or Territory Housing Authority?
- Can I get Rent Assistance for hostel or nursing home fees?
- More information
How much Rent Assistance do I get?
Rent Assistance is paid at a rate of 75 cents for each dollar of rent you pay above the relevant rent threshold, up to a maximum rate.
The maximum rates and rent thresholds vary, depending on your family circumstances, that is, whether you are single or partnered and the number of dependent children in the family. If you are single without children, the maximum rate also varies according to whether or not you share accommodation with others.
Rent thresholds and maximum rates are adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index in March and September each year.
For more information about how much Rent Assistance you receive, refer to the Rent Assistance section.
Do I receive the sharers rate of Rent Assistance if I live in boarding style accommodation?
If you are single and you live in boarding style accommodation such as a hostel or boarding house, you can claim the single rate of Rent Assistance.
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What happens if I pay rent to a State or Territory Housing Authority?
If you pay rent to a State or Territory Housing Authority, you do not qualify for Rent Assistance. If you are a sub-tenant in public housing, you cannot get Rent Assistance unless the principal tenant is paying market rent or has notified the housing authority that you are living there and the housing authority has considered your income when assessing the rental amount for the property.
Can I get Rent Assistance for hostel or nursing home fees?
If you live in a Commonwealth funded aged care hostel or nursing home, you do not qualify for Rent Assistance for your hostel or nursing home fees.
More information
For more information, contact your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
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