Rent Assistance has a new maximum rate of $215.40 per fortnight which will be implemented in September/November of 2025, giving additional assistance to low-income Australians and pensioners facing the increasing rent prices.
Who is Eligible to the $215.40 Rent Assistance Increase?
– To be provided Rent Assistance you need to be paying eligible rent (private, community housing, retirement village fees or even some boarding/lodging arrangements) and not own a home of your own.
– You have to be getting a qualifying Centrelink payment such as:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment or Allowance
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment (single partnered)
- Special Benefit, Youth allowance or ABSTUDY Living allowance.
- Base rate + the Part A of Family Tax Benefit (above the base rate).
– Maximum assistance is available to singles who spend at least $152 per fortnight in rent.
– The minimum thresholds (e.g. 246.20 per fortnight) require couples (combined) to pay with maximum rates being a little low.
Payment Details
– The highest amount that can be given as a fortnightly payment to singles is $215.40 to couples, it is only 203.00 (together).
– Payments are automatically modified to current recipients; you do not need to make a new application in case you are already receiving Rent Assistance.
– Rent Assistance is received together with your regular Centrelink payment (typically every two weeks).
How To Be Guaranteed of the Boost
– Centrelink- renew your address and rent with the Centrelink.
– To commence a new eligible Centrelink payment, Centrelink automatically determines if you are entitled to Rent Assistance.
Summary Table: Centrelink Rent Assistance $215.40 Boost
| Category | Maximum Fortnightly Payment | Rent Threshold for Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $215.40 | $439.20 |
| Couple (combined, not separated) | $203.00 | $516.87 |
| Single, sharer | $143.60 | $343.47 |
| Separated by illness/respite/prison | $215.40 | $439.20 |
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible to receive Rent Assistance in November 2025?
Any person who pays eligible rent and has a qualifying benefit with Centrelink and meets the minimums of rent.
Q2: Can I have to reapply the increase?
No, the payments will be updated automatically when you already receive Rent Assistance.
Q3: When does the new rate start?
Since September 20, 2025, when the payments are recorded in cycles starting in October or November.
