Commonwealth Rent Assistance CRA is a non taxable fortnightly payment from the Australian Government. It helps eligible people and families who are renting privately or in community housing. To qualify you must already be receiving a Centrelink payment or Family Tax Benefit Part A above the base rate. CRA is assessed automatically when you make or update a Centrelink claim so no separate application is required.
Eligibility Rules
You Receive an Eligible Payment
You must be on one of the following
- Age Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Parenting Payment single or partnered
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Farm Household Allowance
- Family Tax Benefit Part A above the base rate
- Special Benefit
- Veterans payments including Service Pension or Income Support Supplement
You Pay Rent Above a Threshold
You need to be paying rent or fees such as lodging retirement village fees boarding or mooring that exceed the minimum rent limit.
Not Eligible If You
- Live in public housing managed by a state or territory authority
- Own the home you live in
- Live in an approved aged care facility with government subsidised rent
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How Much You Can Get
CRA pays 75 cents for every dollar of rent you pay above the set threshold until you reach the maximum cap. The threshold and maximum vary depending on your household type such as single couple or family with children.
CRA rates are updated twice a year in March and September to match the consumer price index.
Recent Increases
- September 2023 saw a 15 percent rise in the maximum CRA rate
- September 2024 added another 10 percent rise funded by a 1.9 billion federal package
- By 2025 total rent assistance increases reached about 45 percent since 2022
Despite this more than 1.3 million Australians received CRA in 2022 to 2023 yet around 42 percent were still in rental stress as rents have grown faster than incomes.
Example Rates Per Fortnight
These are approximate figures used as guides
| Household Type | Min Rent Threshold | Max CRA |
|---|---|---|
| Single no dependents | 150 | 212 |
| Single with 1 to 2 kids | 196 | 249 |
| Couple with 3 or more kids | 290 | 282 to 666 |
CRA is calculated as 75 cents per dollar above the threshold until the cap is reached.
How To Apply And Manage CRA
You do not need to lodge a separate claim. CRA is assessed automatically when you apply for or update your Centrelink payment. You may be asked to provide proof of rent such as a tenancy agreement or a completed Rent Certificate.
Keep your details updated using your myGov account or the Express Plus Centrelink app so payments match your current rent.
Key Points To Remember
- You must be on a qualifying payment and pay rent above a threshold
- CRA covers 75 cents per extra dollar of rent up to a capped amount
- Rates increased in 2023 and 2024 but no new boost came in the 2025 budget
- You do not apply separately CRA is added automatically if you are eligible
- Millions benefit from CRA but many still face rental stress
