The Australian government provides Centrelink Rent Assistance to help low-income earners and eligible recipients cover rising housing costs.
This biweekly (fortnightly) payment helps Australians manage rent, lodging fees, and site costs without financial strain.
With the September 2024 indexation, Centrelink payments and Rent Assistance increased by 10%, taking effect from January 1, 2025.
This guide covers who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to claim your payment.
Centrelink Rent Assistance 2025: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Centrelink Rent Assistance |
| Purpose | Helps low-income earners cover rent expenses |
| Eligibility | Must receive certain Centrelink payments & pay rent |
| Payment Increase | 10% rise from Sep 2024 |
| Maximum Payment | Up to $211.20 (Singles) / $199 (Couples) |
| Payment Frequency | Biweekly (fortnightly) |
| Official Website | Services Australia – Rent Assistance |
📌 Why It Matters: With 1.5 million Australians relying on Rent Assistance, this support ensures affordable housing amid rising rental costs.
Who Is Eligible for Centrelink Rent Assistance in 2025?
To qualify, you must:
✔ Receive a Centrelink benefit (see list below)
✔ Pay rent, lodging fees, or site fees
✔ Meet the income threshold & rent ceiling limits
1. Eligible Centrelink Payments
You may qualify if you receive one of these payments:
✔ JobSeeker Payment
✔ Youth Allowance
✔ Austudy
✔ Age Pension
✔ Disability Support Pension
✔ Carer Payment
✔ Parenting Payment
✔ Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A
✔ Special Benefit
✔ ABSTUDY Living Allowance
✔ Farm Household Allowance
2. Eligible Housing Costs
You must pay money for any of these:
✔ Private rent or lodging
✔ Retirement village fees
✔ Board & lodging combined
✔ Site fees (relocatable home, caravan, or boat mooring)
Who Is NOT Eligible?
❌ Homeowners (except for relocatable homeowners)
❌ People receiving government housing subsidies
❌ Those whose partner already receives Rent Assistance with Family Tax Benefit
❌ People away from home for less than 1 year
📌 Tip: If your situation changes (e.g., moving, rent increase, relationship status change), update your details via myGov to avoid payment issues.
Centrelink Rent Assistance 2025: Rent Threshold & Rent Ceiling
To receive Rent Assistance, your rent must exceed the minimum threshold set by Services Australia.
📌 Updated Thresholds & Ceilings (From Sep 2024):
| Family Situation | Rent Threshold (Fortnightly) | Rent Ceiling (Fortnightly) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $149 | $340.60 |
| Single (Shared Accommodation) | $149 | $336.74 |
| Couple (Combined) | $241 | $506.74 |
| Partnered but Separated (Due to Illness) | $149 | $430.60 |
| Partnered but Temporarily Separated | $149 | $414.34 |
🔹 How It Works:
✔ If your rent exceeds the threshold, you can receive Rent Assistance.
✔ Payments increase until the rent ceiling is reached.
How Much Centrelink Rent Assistance Can You Get?
📌 Maximum Fortnightly Rent Assistance (From Sep 2024):
| Family Situation | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Single | $211.20 |
| Single (Shared Accommodation) | $140.80 |
| Couple (Combined) | $199.00 |
| Partnered but Separated (Due to Illness) | $211.20 |
| Partnered but Temporarily Separated | $199.00 |
📌 Important Notes:
✔ Rent Assistance is added to your Centrelink payment automatically.
✔ The amount depends on your rent, family status, and location.
✔ Payments adjust yearly (next update: March 2025).
How to Claim Centrelink Rent Assistance
📌 Good news! You don’t need to apply separately—Rent Assistance is automatically added if you receive an eligible Centrelink payment.
Steps to Ensure You Receive It:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
✔ Confirm that you receive a qualifying Centrelink benefit.
✔ Make sure your rent exceeds the minimum threshold.
Step 2: Report Your Rent Details
✔ Log in to myGov and update your address & rent amount.
✔ Use the Express Plus Centrelink App for quick updates.
✔ If you can’t update online, call the Centrelink Rent Assistance line at 132 850.
Step 3: Wait for Centrelink to Assess Your Claim
✔ If approved, Rent Assistance is added to your Centrelink payment automatically.
✔ If changes occur (rent increase, new partner, move to a new address), update your details to avoid disruptions.
📌 Tip: If you move or your rent changes, update Centrelink immediately to ensure you get the correct amount.
Maximizing Your Centrelink Rent Assistance Benefits
💡 Follow these strategies to make the most of Rent Assistance:
1. Ensure You’re Receiving the Maximum Amount
✔ Compare your rent to the threshold & ceiling limits.
✔ If eligible, ensure your details are updated with Centrelink.
2. Combine Rent Assistance with Other Benefits
✔ Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A can increase your rent assistance.
✔ Apply for State Housing Assistance if needed.
3. Stay Updated on Annual Adjustments
✔ Centrelink adjusts Rent Assistance rates yearly (March & September).
✔ Check for increases to maximize your support.
📌 Need Help? Visit the Services Australia website or call 132 850.
Secure Your Centrelink Rent Assistance
✔ Centrelink Rent Assistance helps low-income earners manage rising housing costs.
✔ Payments increase by 10% from September 2024 and are effective January 1, 2025.
✔ You don’t need to apply—Rent Assistance is added automatically to your Centrelink payment.
✔ Update your rent & address details on myGov to avoid disruptions.
📌 Need help? Contact Services Australia at 132 850 or visit your local Centrelink office.
