Rent Assistance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
If you receive certain government payments and pay rent, you may be eligible for this fortnightly supplement to help with housing costs.
Rent Assistance is a supplement provided to people receiving certain government payments to help cover the cost of living in rented housing.
Who it's for
You may qualify for this support if you are already a recipient of certain Centrelink payments and you pay rent for your home. This is designed to assist those who are already receiving government assistance and are facing the ongoing costs of renting a place to live.
What you get
If you are eligible, you receive a non-taxable supplement that is added to your fortnightly payment. Because it is non-taxable, this extra money is provided to help with your costs without increasing your taxable income. This supplement is paid out on a regular fortnightly basis to help manage your ongoing housing expenses.
What it costs you
There is no monetary fee to apply for this assistance. However, you will need to provide documentation to prove your living situation. Specifically, you must provide a copy of your current lease agreement to the relevant government body to confirm your rental arrangements.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that this scheme only applies to formal rent. It does not cover costs associated with board or lodging, so it is only intended for those who have a formal rental agreement in place.
How to apply
- Ensure you have a copy of your current, valid lease agreement ready to show as proof of your rental status.
- Contact the agency that manages your existing Centrelink payments to notify them of your rental situation.
- Follow the instructions provided by the agency to submit your lease documents and complete the application for the supplement.