Rent Assistance Calculator
Calculate your estimated fortnightly Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) payment.
Ready to Estimate
Adjust your rent payment, family status, and Centrelink type on the left, then click the Calculate Rent Assistance button to view your estimated fortnightly subsidy.
Understanding Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)
The 75% Rule
CRA pays exactly 75 cents for every dollar of rent you pay above the minimum rent threshold, up to the maximum capped payment limit set for your specific household type.
Income Test Impact
Rent Assistance is added to your primary Centrelink payment. If your assets or earnings reduce your base payment (e.g. JobSeeker or Age Pension) to $0, you will also lose your Rent Assistance.
Public Housing Rule
State public housing tenants do not qualify for CRA since their rent is already subsidized to 25% of household income. However, community housing tenants renting from registered non-profits can claim CRA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is Rent Assistance paid?↓
Rent Assistance is not a standalone payment. It is added as a supplementary component to your primary fortnightly Centrelink payment (such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, or Family Tax Benefit Part A).
What documents do I need to claim Rent Assistance?↓
To claim, you must submit a copy of your tenancy lease agreement or a completed Rent Certificate signed by your landlord or agent. This documents your rent amount, address, and rental frequency.
Can I claim Rent Assistance if I live with parents?↓
Generally, no. If you live with your parents, you cannot claim Rent Assistance unless you are paying rent under a formal, arm’s-length commercial lease agreement, or you are over 22 and receive an eligible benefit.
What happens if my rent increases or decreases?↓
You must update your rental details in your MyGov account within 14 days of any rent change. Centrelink will recalculate your Rent Assistance. If your rent goes down, your subsidy may decrease; if it goes up, your subsidy may increase up to the maximum capped limit.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance based on current Services Australia rates. Actual eligibility and payment amounts depend on your primary Centrelink benefits, rent verification, income, and asset assessments. AussieSalary is not affiliated with Centrelink or Services Australia. For official calculations, please consult Services Australia.