What is 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 a minimum amount of rent to private landlords.
How much is Rent Assistance?
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 will depend on the amount of rent you pay, your family's circumstances and, in some cases, the amount of income and maintenance you receive.
The easiest way to work out how much you could receive is to use the Centrelink / Family Assistance / Child Support Estimator. You can use the estimator to work out how your payments might change if you have a change in circumstances.
To check the current Rent Assistance rates, visit Family Assistance Rates.
How can I get paid Rent Assistance?
You can choose to receive your Rent Assistance as:
- Fortnightly payments, or
- As a lump sum, or
- As a combination of fortnightly and lump sum
Can I get Rent Assistance?
You may be able to get Rent Assistance if you receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A and pay rent in the private rental market. If you have regular care of your child and you are no longer entitled to receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, you may still be eligible to receive the Rent Assistance component of Family Tax Benefit as long as you pay private rent.
You may also be able to get Rent Assistance if you pay:
- Lodging, or board and lodging
- Site fees (eg. caravan, mobile home), or
- Mooring fees for a boat or vessel that you live in
You will not be paid Rent Assistance if you:
- Pay rent to a government housing authority (such as a Housing Commission)
- Own or are buying the home in which you live (except for mobile and relocatable homes)
- Are getting an Incentive Allowance, or
- Pay less than the threshold amount of rent
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 do I claim Rent Assistance?
Rent Assistance is paid along with your Family Tax Benefit. To claim Rent Assistance you need to give us a copy of your current written lease or tenancy agreement.
If you do not have a written lease or tenancy agreement you will need to complete a Rent Certificate. The Rent Certificate must include 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 contact us to get more information about claiming Rent Assistance and getting a Rent Certificates.