Rent Assistance Rates 2026
Rent Assistance is a non-taxable payment added on top of most Centrelink payments to help with the cost of renting privately. It is not a standalone payment — you must already receive an eligible Centrelink payment. From 20 March 2026, the maximum rate for a single person with no children is $211.20 per fortnight.
Current Rent Assistance Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single, no children (maximum) Minimum rent: $149.00/fn. Maximum reached at $430.60/fn rent. Effective 20 March 2026. | $211.20 | $5,491 |
Couple, no children (maximum) Minimum rent: $241.40/fn. Maximum reached at $506.73/fn rent. Effective 20 March 2026. | $199.00 | $5,174 |
Single, with 1–2 children (maximum) Higher rate for single parents with children. | $250.44 | $6,511 |
Single, with 3+ children (maximum) Highest rate for single parents with 3 or more children. | $280.44 | $7,292 |
Couple, with children (maximum) For couples with dependent children. | $250.44 | $6,511 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must already receive an eligible Centrelink payment (such as Age Pension, JobSeeker, DSP, or Youth Allowance), be renting privately (not in public housing), and pay rent above the minimum threshold.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must already receive an eligible Centrelink income support payment
- Must be renting privately — from a private landlord, real estate agent, or community housing provider
- Must not be in public housing (state/territory government housing)
- Must pay rent above the minimum threshold ($149.00/fn for single with no children)
- Must provide proof of rent (rental agreement or letter from landlord)
- Retirement village fees may count as rent in some circumstances
Key Facts at a Glance
About Rent Assistance
Rent Assistance is one of Australia's most important housing supplements, helping around 1.4 million Centrelink recipients with the cost of private rental. It is paid automatically on top of your existing Centrelink payment — you do not need to make a separate claim.
Who is eligible? You can receive Rent Assistance if you: • Already receive an eligible Centrelink payment (Age Pension, JobSeeker, DSP, Carer Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, etc.) • Pay rent to a private landlord, real estate agent, or community housing provider • Pay rent above the minimum threshold • Are not in public housing (state or territory government housing)
How is Rent Assistance calculated? Rent Assistance is paid at 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate. For example, a single person with no children: • Pays no Rent Assistance if rent is below $149.00/fn • Receives 75 cents for every dollar above $149.00/fn • Reaches the maximum of $211.20/fn when rent is $430.60/fn or more
Shared accommodation If you share accommodation with others, you receive Rent Assistance based on your share of the rent. If you live in a share house, you report your share of the total rent.
Rent Assistance and the housing crisis With Australian rental prices at record highs, Rent Assistance has become increasingly important. However, the maximum rates have not kept pace with rising rents in major cities. The government increased Rent Assistance by 15% in 2023 and a further 10% in 2024 to help recipients with the cost-of-living crisis.
What counts as rent? Rent includes payments to a private landlord, real estate agent, or community housing provider. It also includes fees paid to a retirement village (provided the government is not already paying a subsidy to the facility). Board and lodging payments may also count. Mortgage repayments do not count as rent.
How to Apply
Rent Assistance is assessed automatically when you claim an eligible Centrelink payment. Tell Centrelink about your rent when you claim or update your details through myGov.
- When claiming an eligible Centrelink payment, provide your rental details
- If you are already receiving Centrelink, update your rent details through myGov
- Provide a copy of your rental agreement or a letter from your landlord
- Notify Centrelink if your rent changes — this can increase or decrease your Rent Assistance
- Review your Rent Assistance amount when rates are indexed (March and September)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Rent Assistance in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Rent Assistance for a single person with no children is $211.20 per fortnight. For couples with no children, the maximum is $199.00 per fortnight. Higher rates apply for families with children: up to $250.44/fn for single parents with 1–2 children, and up to $280.44/fn for single parents with 3 or more children.
How is Rent Assistance calculated?
Rent Assistance is paid at 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate. For a single person with no children: the minimum threshold is $149.00/fn, and you reach the maximum of $211.20/fn when you pay $430.60/fn or more in rent. For example, if you pay $300/fn in rent, you receive 75% × ($300 − $149) = $113.25/fn in Rent Assistance.
Can I get Rent Assistance if I live in public housing?
No. Rent Assistance is only available to people who rent privately — from a private landlord, real estate agent, or community housing provider. People in public housing (state or territory government housing) are not eligible, as their rent is already subsidised by the government.
Does Rent Assistance count as income?
No. Rent Assistance is a non-taxable payment and does not count as income for tax purposes or for the income test of other Centrelink payments. It is added on top of your existing Centrelink payment without affecting your eligibility for that payment.
What if my rent changes?
You must tell Centrelink if your rent changes. If your rent increases, your Rent Assistance may increase (up to the maximum). If your rent decreases, your Rent Assistance will decrease. Update your rent details through myGov, the Express Plus Centrelink app, or by calling Centrelink on 136 240.
Do I need to apply separately for Rent Assistance?
No. Rent Assistance is assessed automatically when you claim an eligible Centrelink payment. When you claim, you will be asked about your rent. If you are already receiving Centrelink and start paying rent (or your rent changes), update your details through myGov.
Can I get Rent Assistance if I share accommodation?
Yes. If you share accommodation, you receive Rent Assistance based on your share of the total rent. For example, if you share a house and your share of the rent is $200/fn, Rent Assistance is calculated on your $200/fn share, not the total rent for the property.
What counts as rent for Rent Assistance purposes?
Rent includes payments to a private landlord, real estate agent, or community housing provider. Retirement village fees may also count (if the government is not already paying a subsidy to the facility). Board and lodging payments may count. Mortgage repayments do not count as rent.
Can I get Rent Assistance if I live in a caravan park?
Yes, in some circumstances. If you pay site fees at a caravan park and you live there as your principal home, the site fees may count as rent for Rent Assistance purposes. The caravan park must not be government-owned. Contact Centrelink to confirm your eligibility.
What is the maximum rent I can pay and still get Rent Assistance?
There is no upper limit on rent for Rent Assistance purposes. However, Rent Assistance is capped at the maximum rate regardless of how much rent you pay. For a single person with no children, the maximum is $211.20/fn — this is reached when rent is $430.60/fn or more. Paying more rent than this does not increase your Rent Assistance.
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