Payment rates

This page has information about how much Rent Assistance you can get. These payment rates are effective from 1 January 2012.

Rent Assistance rates if you do not have dependent children

Family situation	Maximum payment per fortnight	No payment if your fortnightly rent is less than	Maximum payment if your fortnightly rent is more than
Single, no children	$119.40	$106.20	$265.40
Single, no children, sharer	$79.60	$106.20	$212.33
Couple, no children	$112.60	$172.80	$322.93
One of a couple who are separated due to illness, no children*	$119.40	$106.20	$265.40
One of a couple who are temporarily separated, no children	$112.60	$106.20	$256.33

* Includes respite care and partner in prison.

If you have dependent children, you will usually get Rent Assistance with Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Family situation	Maximum payment per fortnight	No payment if your fortnightly rent is less than	Maximum payment if your fortnightly rent is more than
Single, 1 or 2 children	$140.14	$139.72	$326.57
Single, 3 or more children	$158.48	$139.72	$351.03
Couple, 1 or 2 children	$140.14	$206.78	$393.63
Couple, 3 or more children	$158.48	$206.78	$418.09

Special rules apply if you are a single sharer, pay board and lodging or live in a retirement village.

If you are getting Rent Assistance, the amount you receive may be adjusted because:

the amount you pay for your accommodation changes
a family member's or your circumstances change. This may include your income increasing, moving to a new house or separating from your partner
the maximum rate of payment changes. Rent Assistance is usually adjusted twice a year in line with the Consumer Price Index.