Rent Assistance is a supplementary Centrelink payment for eligible people who pay rent in the private rental market and receive certain other Centrelink payments. This page is general information only.
Who it's generally for
Rent Assistance is typically paid alongside another eligible payment (such as JobSeeker Payment, a pension, or Family Tax Benefit Part A above a certain rate) rather than as a standalone payment — you generally need to already be receiving one of these to qualify.
How the amount is worked out
The amount is generally calculated based on how much rent you pay above a minimum threshold, up to a maximum payment rate — paying more rent doesn't increase the payment indefinitely once you reach the maximum.
What counts as eligible rent
Eligible rent generally includes private rental payments and some other arrangements like site fees for a caravan or mobile home, but typically excludes public/community housing in most cases, where rent is usually already income-linked.
Where to check current details
Because payment rates and thresholds change regularly, always check current figures and confirm your own eligibility on servicesaustralia.gov.au.