Rent Assistance Rates 2026: How Much Can You Get?

Updated April 2026 · General information only

TL;DR

Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is an add-on payment for Australians who already receive a qualifying Centrelink payment — such as Age Pension, JobSeeker, or Family Tax Benefit Part A — and who rent privately. It is not a standalone payment and cannot be claimed on its own. If you pay rent above a minimum threshold and meet the eligibility criteria, CRA may reduce the portion of your income that goes toward housing costs.

What Is Rent Assistance?

Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a non-taxable supplementary payment administered by Services Australia. It is designed to help eligible Australians cover private rental costs. Rather than being a separate benefit you apply for independently, CRA is automatically calculated and added to your qualifying payment once you provide your rent details.

The amount you receive depends on your family situation (single, couple, with or without children) and how much rent you pay per fortnight. CRA uses a tiered formula: you receive nothing until your rent exceeds a minimum threshold, then you receive 75 cents for every dollar of rent above that threshold, up to a maximum rate. This means renters paying higher amounts generally receive more assistance, but only up to the cap for their situation.

Since September 2024, the Australian Government increased maximum CRA rates by 10%, and a further 10% increase took effect from September 2025. These increases were introduced in response to rising rental costs across Australia and represent the largest boost to Rent Assistance in over three decades (source: DSS, Australian Government).

Who Is Eligible?

Not everyone who rents qualifies for Rent Assistance. You must meet all of the following conditions:

How Much Can You Get?

CRA rates vary by your household situation. All figures below are per fortnight and current as of 20 March 2026 (source: PDD, Services Australia). These rates reflect the 10% increases applied in September 2024 and September 2025.

Singles Without Children

Singles With 1 or 2 Children

Singles With 3 or More Children

Couples Without Children

Couples With 1 or 2 Children

Source: Services Australia,
, current as of 20 March 2026 (PDD). Rates are subject to indexation and may change.

How to Apply

You do not apply for Rent Assistance separately. It is assessed automatically as part of your qualifying payment. Here is how to make sure you receive it:

1. Claim or already receive a qualifying payment — If you are not yet receiving a Centrelink payment, you will need to lodge a claim for a qualifying payment first (e.g., JobSeeker, Age Pension, FTB Part A).

2. Provide your rent details — When you claim your qualifying payment, you will be asked about your accommodation. Provide accurate details including your address, how much rent you pay, and how often you pay it.

3. Update via myGov — If your circumstances change (new rental, rent increase, or you move), update your details through your
linked to Centrelink, the Express Plus Centrelink app, or by calling Services Australia on 136 150.

4. Provide verification if requested — Services Australia may ask for a copy of your lease agreement or a Rent Certificate (SU523) completed by your landlord or real estate agent.

Rent Assistance will appear as part of your fortnightly payment once your details are processed. You can check your current CRA amount in your myGov Centrelink online account under "Payment details."

Tips to Get the Most From Rent Assistance

Always update your rent details promptly. If your rent increases, your Rent Assistance may also increase (up to the maximum). Failing to update means you could miss out on additional payments you are entitled to. Likewise, if you move to a cheaper property, updating promptly avoids an overpayment that you may need to repay.

Sharers can each claim separately. If you share a rental property with someone who is not your partner (e.g., housemates), each person who receives a qualifying payment may be eligible for Rent Assistance based on their individual share of the rent. Make sure each person reports their own portion of the rent.

Check your FTB Part A rate. If you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, Rent Assistance is only available when your FTB exceeds the base rate. If your family income increases and your FTB drops to the base rate, your Rent Assistance through FTB may stop. In some cases, you may be eligible for CRA through a different qualifying payment — it is worth checking with
.

Related Government Benefits

Rent Assistance is just one of several government payments that may help reduce your household costs. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for:

•
— Fortnightly payment for Australians who have reached Age Pension age and meet income and assets tests.

•
— Income support for people aged 22 to Age Pension age who are looking for work or unable to work due to illness or injury.

•
— Per-child payment for families to help with the cost of raising children, income-tested.

•
— State and territory concessions that may reduce your electricity and gas bills if you hold a concession card.

For a full overview of government rebates and concessions you may be eligible for, visit
.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Rent Assistance if I live in public housing?

No. Rent Assistance is not available to tenants in state or territory public housing (also known as social housing provided by a state housing authority). However, tenants in community housing managed by not-for-profit organisations may be eligible in most cases. Check with Services Australia for your specific situation.

Is Rent Assistance taxable?

No. Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a non-taxable payment. You do not need to include it as income in your tax return.

How often is Rent Assistance paid?

Rent Assistance is paid as part of your qualifying Centrelink payment, which is typically paid fortnightly. It is not a separate payment — it is added to your existing fortnightly amount.

Can both housemates receive Rent Assistance?

Yes, if each housemate individually receives a qualifying Centrelink payment and pays their own share of the rent, each person may be eligible for Rent Assistance based on their portion of the rent. Couples are assessed together, but unrelated sharers are assessed individually.

What happens if my rent changes?

You should update your rent details with Services Australia as soon as your rent changes. If your rent increases, your Rent Assistance may increase (up to the maximum rate). If your rent decreases and you do not update, you may be overpaid and required to repay the difference.

Explore government benefits you may be eligible for at
.

General information only, not personal financial advice. Rent Assistance rates and eligibility criteria are determined by the Australian Government and are subject to change. All figures sourced from Services Australia Payment and Demographic Data (PDD) as of 20 March 2026 and are subject to indexation. For the most up-to-date information, visit
. If you need advice about your personal circumstances, consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser or contacting Services Australia directly on 136 150.