Australia · Independent guide
Rent Assistance — eligibility, tests and how to claim
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is an extra amount added to a qualifying payment when you pay private rent above a minimum threshold. You don't usually apply separately — you report your rent and Services Australia adds it.
Official site: Official Rent Assistance page ↗
Who it is for
people getting a qualifying payment (or more than the base rate of FTB Part A) who pay private rent.
Main eligibility factors
- You receive a qualifying payment such as Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, Parenting Payment or more than the base rate of FTB Part A.
- You pay rent, board, lodging or site fees above the threshold.
- Not usually paid for state or territory public housing.
Income and assets tests
- No separate test — your main payment's tests apply.
- Amount depends on rent paid, family situation and whether you share accommodation.
Documents and information to prepare
- Lease or rent certificate.
- Amount and frequency of rent.
How to claim
- Sign in to myGov and link your Centrelink online account (create one if needed).
- Check you meet the rules on the official Rent Assistance page.
- Start the claim online, answer every question and upload requested documents.
- Respond to any request for more information by the date given — late replies can lead to rejection.
- Track the claim status in your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus app.
Reporting and changes to check
- Tell Services Australia within the required time (usually 14 days) about changes to income, assets, relationship, address, rent or study load.
- If your payment requires fortnightly reporting, report even when you earned nothing — missed reports can pause payments.
- Keep payslips and statements; you may be asked to prove what you reported.
Common problems and next steps
- Rent not reported after moving — update it to avoid underpayment.
- Sharing accommodation can change the maximum rate.