Renting can be a significant financial burden for aged pensioners, especially with rising living costs. Thankfully, Commonwealth Rent Assistance can provide much-needed relief.
This article will cover everything you need to know about rent assistance for aged pensioners, including eligibility, rates, and how to apply.
Understanding Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a non-taxable payment provided by the Australian government to help pensioners, including those receiving the Age Pension, cover their rental costs.
This support can make a significant difference in managing everyday expenses.
Need more answers? Soho’s guide on Centrelink and Rent Assistance will answer every question you have!
Eligibility for Rent Assistance
To qualify for rent assistance, you must be paying rent and receiving an eligible income support payment, such as the Age Pension. Here are the basic eligibility criteria:
- Receive the Age Pension: You must be a recipient of the Age Pension or other qualifying pensions.
- Pay Rent: You must be paying rent, which can include private rentals, community housing, retirement villages, or similar accommodations.
- Meet Rent Thresholds: Your rent must exceed certain thresholds to qualify for assistance.
Rent Assistance Rates for Aged Pensioners
The amount of rent assistance you can receive depends on how much rent you pay and your specific living arrangements.
The rent assistance rates are updated twice a year, in March and September, to reflect changes in the consumer price index.
Current Rent Assistance Rates (as of March 2024)
Here’s a look at the current rent assistance rates:
Rent Assistance for Those Without Dependent Children
| If you’re | Your fortnightly rent is more than | To get the maximum payment your fortnightly rent is at least | The maximum fortnightly payment is |
|---|---|---|---|
| single | $146.00 | $396.94 | $188.20 |
| single, sharer | $146.00 | $313.29 | $125.47 |
| couple, combined | $236.60 | $472.87 | $177.20 |
| one of a couple separated due to illness, partner in respite care or prison | $146.00 | $396.94 | $188.20 |
| one of a couple temporarily separated | $146.00 | $382.27 | $177.20 |
Rent Assistance for Those With Dependent Children
| If you’re | Your fortnightly rent is more than | To get the maximum payment your fortnightly rent is at least | The maximum fortnightly payment is |
|---|---|---|---|
| single, with 1 or 2 children | $191.80 | $486.74 | $221.20 |
| single, with 3 or more children | $191.80 | $525.00 | $249.90 |
| a couple, with 1 or 2 children | $283.50 | $578.44 | $221.20 |
| a couple, with 3 or more children | $283.50 | $616.70 | $249.90 |
| one of a couple separated due to illness, partner in respite care or prison, or temporarily separated, with 1 or 2 children | $191.80 | $486.74 | $221.20 |
| one of a couple separated due to illness, partner in respite care or prison, or temporarily separated, with 3 or more children | $191.80 | $525.00 | $249.90 |
Special Rules for Rent Assistance
Certain situations may affect your eligibility for rent assistance or the amount you can receive. These include:
- Board and Lodging: If you pay for both board and lodging, only the lodging component is considered.
- Site or Mooring Fees: If you live in a caravan park or on a boat with site or mooring fees, these may be included in your rent calculation.
- Retirement Villages: Residents in retirement villages can also be eligible for rent assistance, depending on their rental costs.
Situations Where You Can’t Get Rent Assistance
Not everyone is eligible for rent assistance. Here are some situations where you cannot receive rent assistance:
- Owning or Buying Your Home: If you own or are buying the home you live in, except relocatable homes, you are not eligible.
- Travelling: If you’re traveling away from your owned home for less than 12 months.
- Government-Subsidized Aged Care: If the government pays a subsidy to the approved residential aged care facility where you live.
- Partner’s Rent Assistance: If your partner gets rent assistance with the Family Tax Benefit.
- State or Territory Housing: If you’re leasing from a state or territory housing authority.
If You Live in a Retirement Village
Living in a retirement village comes with special rules regarding rent assistance:
- Homeowner Status: Your status as a homeowner or non-homeowner in a retirement village is determined by the entry fee paid. If the entry fee is up to the full market value of the unit, you might be assessed as a homeowner and be ineligible for rent assistance.
- Non-Homeowner Status: If assessed as a non-homeowner, rent assistance is based on the ongoing fees paid to the operators of the retirement village.
- Assets Test: Rent assistance is subject to the assets test, impacting your eligibility and the amount you can receive.
How to Apply for Rent Assistance
Applying for rent assistance is straightforward if you’re already receiving the Age Pension. Follow these steps:
- Log in to myGov: Access your Centrelink account through the myGov website.
- Complete the Rent Assistance Form: Provide details about your rent and living situation.
- Submit Proof of Rent: You might need to submit a rent certificate or lease agreement to verify the rent you pay.
For any questions or assistance with your application, contact Services Australia directly. They can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the correct amount of assistance.
Conclusion
Rent assistance is a vital support for aged pensioners facing high rental costs. By understanding the eligibility criteria and current rates, you can better manage your expenses and maintain a comfortable living situation.
If you think you might be eligible, don’t hesitate to apply and get the support you need.
Soho also has a guide on home loans for pensioners on Centrelink – check it out!
FAQs on Rent Assistance for Aged Pensioners
1. What is Commonwealth Rent Assistance?
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a non-taxable payment from the Australian government to help pensioners, including those on the Age Pension, cover their rental costs.
2. Who is eligible for rent assistance?
You must be receiving the Age Pension or another qualifying pension and paying rent that exceeds certain thresholds.
3. How often are rent assistance rates updated?
Rent assistance rates are updated twice a year, in March and September, to reflect changes in the consumer price index.
4. What documents do I need to apply for rent assistance?
You’ll need to provide proof of the rent you pay, such as a rent certificate or lease agreement.
5. How do I contact Services Australia for help with my application?
You can contact Services Australia through their website, by phone, or by visiting a service centre. They offer assistance with applications and can answer any questions you might have.
