Commonwealth Rent Assistance increases by 15% from 20 March 2025, delivering up to $31 extra per fortnight to eligible rental households. This builds on previous increases to provide maximum support of $187 per fortnight for families.
New payment rates
The September 2025 Rent Assistance increase represents the most significant boost to rental support in over a decade. The 10% increase applies on top of the usual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments, providing meaningful relief for renters facing ongoing housing affordability pressures.
The increase takes effect from 20 September 2025, appearing in payments from that date forward. This timing aligns with the bi-annual indexation schedule used for most Centrelink payments, ensuring consistent administration across the social security system.
Old vs new maximum rate
The new maximum fortnightly rates from 20 September 2025 are:
- Singles: $184.80 (up from $168.00)
- Couples combined: $173.60 (up from $157.80)
- Families with 1-2 children: $190.50 (up from $173.20)
- Families with 3+ children: $215.20 (up from $195.60)
Families with three or more children receive the biggest dollar increase, reflecting the government's recognition that larger families face particular housing affordability challenges. This group sees a $19.60 fortnightly increase, equivalent to over $500 annually.
Who's eligible?
Rent Assistance eligibility depends on receiving a qualifying primary payment from Centrelink, plus paying rent above certain thresholds. The increase maintains existing eligibility criteria while boosting payment amounts for all qualifying recipients.
Primary payment requirements
You must receive one of these primary payments to be eligible for Rent Assistance:
- Age Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment (Single or Partnered)
- Carer Payment
- Special Benefit
- Farm Household Allowance
Rent Assistance is paid as a supplement to these primary payments, not as a standalone benefit. This means you can't receive Rent Assistance if you're not eligible for or receiving a qualifying payment.
Rent threshold requirements
Your rent must exceed minimum thresholds before Rent Assistance begins. These thresholds are also indexed regularly:
Rent threshold vs assistance
Rent Assistance amount by weekly rent paid (single rate)
What counts as rent?
Rent Assistance covers various accommodation costs, not just traditional rental leases:
- Private rental: Standard residential leases with private landlords or real estate agents
- Boarding arrangements: Room and board payments, including meals if included in accommodation cost
- Site fees: Caravan park or mobile home site fees
- Retirement village fees: Certain ongoing accommodation fees in retirement villages
- Share accommodation: Your portion of rent in shared housing arrangements
However, some accommodation costs don't qualify:
- Public housing rent (separate schemes apply)
- Mortgage payments
- Hotel or motel accommodation
- Staying with family or friends rent-free
How to update Centrelink
If you're already receiving Rent Assistance, the September increase will apply automatically. However, you should ensure your rent details are current to receive the correct amount.
Updating Your Details
Log into myGov
Access your myGov account and select Centrelink services.
Update circumstances
Navigate to "Update circumstances" then select "Accommodation" or "Rent details".
Provide current details
Enter your current rent amount, lease details, and accommodation type.
Upload documentation
Upload lease agreement or rent certificate if requested for verification.
Required documentation
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide:
- Lease agreement: Current signed rental lease showing rent amount and lease terms
- Rent certificate: Completed by your landlord confirming rent amount and arrangement
- Rent receipts: Recent receipts showing actual rent payments
- Boarding arrangement letter: Documentation of board and lodging arrangements
Timing and back pay
Important timing considerations:
- Report promptly: Changes should be reported within 14 days for optimal timing
- Back pay available: Rent Assistance can be back-dated up to 13 weeks from when you report the change
- Automatic increases: The September 2025 10% increase applies automatically to existing recipients
- New applications: First-time applicants receive the increased rates from their start date
Share house arrangements
Share house tenants have specific considerations:
- Individual leases: If you have your own lease, claim your full rent amount
- Joint leases: If you're on a joint lease, claim only your portion of the total rent
- Head tenant arrangements: If you pay rent to another tenant, you may still be eligible if proper documentation exists
- Evidence requirements: Centrelink may require additional evidence for informal arrangements
Regular review schedule
Rent Assistance rates are reviewed twice yearly:
- March indexation: Usually increases rates in line with CPI
- September indexation: 2025 includes the special 10% boost plus regular CPI adjustment
- Automatic application: Increases apply automatically to existing recipients
- Threshold updates: Rent thresholds are also indexed at the same time
Key Changes Summary
The 2025 Rent Assistance increase provides meaningful relief for renters at a time when housing costs remain a significant burden for many Australians. While the increase helps, it's important to ensure your rent details are current in myGov to receive the correct payment amount. The September increase will be automatic for existing recipients, but new applicants and those with changed circumstances should update their details promptly to access their full entitlement.
Renters may also benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Rebate for electricity bill credits, and families should explore Child Care Subsidy increases to reduce childcare costs.