To be eligible for rent assistance there is a minimum amount of rent you need to be paying currently. For every $1 above this amount, Centrelink will pay you 75 cents up to a maximum limit.
The tables below outline the current rent assistance available. These rates get updated on 20 March and 20 September every year in line with CPI.
Rent assistance rates for people without dependent children
| If you’re | Min rent* | Min rent* for max payment |
Max fortnightly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| single | $140.40 | $350.00 | $157.20 |
| single, sharer |
$140.40 | $280.14 | $104.80 |
| couple, combined |
$227.40 | $424.74 | $148.00 |
| 1 of a couple separated due to illness |
$140.40 | $350.00 | $157.20 |
| 1 of a couple temporarily separated |
$140.40 | $337.74 | $148.00 |
Rent assistance rates for people with dependent children
| If you’re | Min rent* | Min rent* formax payment | Max fortnightlypayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| single, with 1 or 2 children |
$184.38 | $430.97 | $184.94 |
| single, with 3 or more children |
$184.38 | $462.70 | $208.74 |
| a couple, with 1 or 2 children |
$272.44 | $519.03 | $184.94 |
| a couple, with 3 or more children |
$272.44 | $550.76 | $208.74 |
| 1 of a couple
separated due to illness or temporarily separated, with 1 or 2 children |
$184.38 | $430.97 | $184.94 |
| 1 of a couple
separated due to illness or temporarily separated, with 3 or more children |
$184.38 | $462.70 | $208.74 |
For the most up-to-date information, I recommend visiting the official Australian Government websites or contacting Services Australia directly. They will be able to provide you with personalized guidance and instructions based on your situation.