Rent Assistance Rates 2026
Current Centrelink Rent Assistance maximum rates, effective 20 March 2026. Rates are indexed twice yearly (March and September) in line with CPI.
✓ Updated 20 March 2026 — next indexation 20 September 2026
Single, no children (max)
$211.20
per fortnight
Couple, no children (max)
$199.00
per fortnight
Single, with children (max)
$280.44
per fortnight (3+ children)
Maximum Rent Assistance by Situation
These are the maximum rates. Your actual amount depends on how much rent you pay above the minimum threshold.
| Situation | Max/fn | Min rent/fn | Rent to reach max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children Most common situation for JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, DSP recipients | $211.20 | $149.00 | $430.60 |
| Couple, no children Combined rate — both partners receive equal shares of this amount | $199.00 | $241.40 | $506.73 |
| Single, 1–2 dependent children Single parents receiving Parenting Payment or Family Tax Benefit | $250.44 | $149.00 | $483.32 |
| Single, 3+ dependent children Highest available rate for large single-parent families | $280.44 | $149.00 | $523.32 |
| Couple, with dependent children Couples receiving Family Tax Benefit with children in care | $250.44 | $241.40 | $575.32 |
| Sharer (single, no children) Reduced rate for share accommodation — rent below $149/fn gets no assistance | $140.80 | $149.00 | $337.07 |
How Rent Assistance is Calculated
Rent Assistance is paid at 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate.
Payment = (Fortnightly rent − minimum threshold) × 0.75
Example — Single, no children, paying $350/fn rent:
($350 − $149.00) × 0.75 = $150.75/fn in Rent Assistance
Example — Single, no children, paying $500/fn rent:
Maximum applies → $211.20/fn (reached at $430.60/fn)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum Rent Assistance rate for a single person in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Rent Assistance rate for a single person with no children is $211.20 per fortnight. You reach this maximum when you pay $430.60 or more per fortnight in rent. If you pay less, your rate is 75 cents for every dollar above the minimum threshold of $149.00/fn.
What is the maximum Rent Assistance rate for a couple in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Rent Assistance rate for a couple with no children is $199.00 per fortnight combined. You reach this maximum when you pay $506.73 or more per fortnight in rent. The minimum rent threshold for couples is $241.40 per fortnight.
How do I calculate my Rent Assistance amount?
Rent Assistance is paid at 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate. Formula: (Your fortnightly rent − minimum threshold) × 0.75 = your Rent Assistance (up to the maximum). Example for single, no children: If you pay $300/fn rent → ($300 − $149) × 0.75 = $113.25/fn.
When were Rent Assistance rates last increased?
Rent Assistance rates are indexed twice per year — on 20 March and 20 September — in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current rates shown above are effective from 20 March 2026. The next indexation is due 20 September 2026.
Do I get less Rent Assistance if I share accommodation?
If you live in share accommodation as a "sharer", a reduced maximum rate applies — $140.80/fn instead of $211.20/fn. However, if you are in a share house but you are on the lease as the primary tenant and are not classified as a sharer by Centrelink, standard rates may apply. Contact Centrelink to confirm your situation.
Is there a maximum amount of rent I can pay?
No — there is no upper rent limit. However, Rent Assistance is capped at the maximum rate regardless of how much you pay. For a single person with no children, paying more than $430.60/fn in rent does not increase your Rent Assistance beyond $211.20/fn.
Can I get Rent Assistance if I live in a caravan park?
Yes, in most cases. Site fees at a privately-owned caravan park can count as rent for Rent Assistance purposes, provided the park is not government-owned and you live there as your principal home. Contact Centrelink to confirm your eligibility.
Does Rent Assistance count as taxable income?
No. Rent Assistance is a non-taxable supplement. It does not count as income for tax purposes and is not included in your assessable income for other Centrelink means tests.