Australian Government Family Assistance Office

Family Assistance Office

Rent Assistance

Rent Assistance gives extra help to you if you receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A, and pay rent to private landlords.

Can I get Rent Assistance?

Rent Assistance gives extra help to eligible people receiving more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A who pay rent in the private rental market. From 1 July 2008, parents who have regular care of their children (that is care levels between 14 to less than 35 per cent) and who are no longer entitled to receive Family Tax Benefit Part A may still be eligible to receive the Rent Assistance component of Family Tax Benefit as long as they pay private rent.

You may also be able to get help if you pay:
Rent Assistance is generally not paid to people who:
Rent Assistance may also be payable during temporary absences from Australia of up to 13 weeks if you are still receiving more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A.

How much can I get?

Rent Assistance is paid at the rate of 75 cents for each dollar of rent paid above the rent threshold, up to specified maximum rates. The rate of Rent Assistance depends on how many children you have, and whether you are partnered or single.

These figures are effective from 20 September 2008 to 19 March 2009.

Rent Assistance
Family Type Maximum payment per fortnight No payment if your fortnightly rent is less than Maximum payment if your fortnightly rent is more than
Single *, 1-2 children $129.36 $128.94 $301.42
Single *, 3 or more children $146.30 $128.94 $324.01
Couple, 1-2 children $129.36 $190.82 $363.30
Couple, 3 or more children $146.30 $190.82 $385.89


* includes a person who is partnered (partner in goal), a member of an illness separated couple or a respite care couple and a member of a temporarily separated couple.

This information is a guide only. The rate of Rent Assistance you receive will be affected by the amount of rent you are paying, your family circumstances and, in some cases, the amount of income and maintenance you receive. For an estimate of how much you may be able to get, use the secure online Family Assistance Estimator or contact us to work out your possible entitlement. To get an accurate assessment of your entitlement you will need to lodge a claim.

How can I get paid?

Rent Assistance is paid along with your Family Tax Benefit. You can choose to get your Rent Assistance as fortnightly payments even if you choose to defer all of your Family Tax Benefit until after the end of the income (financial) year. Rent Assistance cannot be paid through the tax system.

To claim Rent Assistance you need to give us a copy of your current written lease or tenancy agreement.

You can choose to receive your payment through the Family Assistance Office in the following ways:

If you don't have a written lease or tenancy agreement.

You need to complete the Rent Certificate and be sure to give all the details of how much you pay in rent and who you pay it to. Your landlord will need to sign the Rent Certificate. You can obtain a Rent Certificate from us or by calling 13 6150*.

Contact us for more information and to lodge a claim.

*Calls to 13 numbers cost 25 cents from anywhere within Australia. Calls to 1800 numbers are free of charge. Calls from public pay phones or mobile phones will be charged at a higher rate.

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URL: http://www.familyassist.gov.au/content/payments-ra
This page last modified on 19/09/2008.
This page accessed on 21/11/2008.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2008