How much Rent Assistance you can get
The amount of Rent Assistance you can get depends on how much rent you pay.
Centrepay
A voluntary bill paying service which is free for Centrelink customers. You can use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payment.
Advance payment
You may get part of your income support payment or Family Tax Benefit (Part A) early. This is an advance payment. You pay it back later out of your payments from us.
Rent Assistance
A regular extra payment we’ll automatically pay you if you pay rent and get certain payments from us.
Who can get Rent Assistance
You can get Rent Assistance if you get an eligible payment and your eligible accommodation costs are over a certain amount.
Crisis Payment for other extreme circumstances
You may get Crisis Payment if you’ve had to change where you live due to an unforeseen extreme circumstance.
Employment income reporting
We need to know the gross employment income you and your partner get so we can pay you the right amount.
Authorising a person or organisation to enquire or act on your behalf form (SS313)
Use this form to authorise a person or organisation in Australia to be your nominee so they can enquire or act on your behalf with Centrelink.
Asset types
Assets are property or items you or your partner own in full or part, or have an interest in. They can affect your payment.
Proof of rent arrangements for Rent Assistance
If you tell us you’re renting when you claim a payment, we may ask for proof. We use this to check if you can get Rent Assistance.