From September 20, 2025, Australians receiving Centrelink Rent Assistance will see a new increase in their benefits.
The maximum payment for singles will rise to $215.40 per fortnight, marking another adjustment in line with the cost of living indexation. Couples and sharers will also see updates, although the highest payments will remain slightly lower than single rates.
This payment boost, while modest, is crucial for low-income renters struggling with rising housing costs.
Rent Assistance is a non-taxable supplementary payment provided to eligible individuals who already receive income support from Services Australia.
Details of the September 2025 Increase
The new maximum payment rates will apply from September 20, 2025, and are automatically adjusted without requiring new applications.
- Maximum for singles: $215.40 per fortnight (an increase of $3.40).
- Maximum for couples combined: $203.50 per fortnight.
- Sharers: Lower maximum rates apply, reflecting shared living arrangements.
Centrelink Rent Assistance Benefit Overview 2025
| Centrelink Rent Assistance Details | Information (2025) |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Authority | Services Australia |
| Category | Rent Assistance – Social Welfare |
| Effective From | September 20, 2025 |
| Payment Type | Non-taxable supplement |
| Maximum Amount (Single) | $215.40 per fortnight |
| Maximum Amount (Couple combined) | $203.50 per fortnight |
| Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Eligibility | Low-income Australians renting privately or in community housing |
| Adjustment Basis | CPI and cost-of-living indexation |
Eligibility for the Rent Assistance Hike
You may qualify for Rent Assistance if you:
- Are living in rental accommodation (private rentals, community housing, or boarding).
- Pay rent above the minimum threshold set by Services Australia.
- Receive an eligible Centrelink benefit such as JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, or Age Pension.
- Do not own your home or live in a property owned by a close family member.
- Are not living in a government-subsidized aged care facility or prison.
To receive the full $215.40, singles must be paying more than $152 in rent per fortnight.
How to Apply for Rent Assistance
For most people, Rent Assistance is automatically assessed when you apply for another Centrelink payment. However, if your circumstances change, you must update your details.
Steps to apply:
- Log in to your MyGov account linked to Centrelink.
- Navigate to Apply for Rent Assistance.
- Fill in your details including your landlord’s information, lease agreement, and rent amount.
- Upload necessary documentation for verification.
- Submit your claim and track progress via your Services Australia dashboard.
If your rent increases, you must update Centrelink immediately to avoid underpayments.
Payment Rates for September 2025
| Living Arrangement | Maximum Payment (Fortnightly) |
|---|---|
| Single | $215.40 |
| Single, sharer | $141.33 |
| Couple, combined | $203.50 |
| Couple separated due to illness | $212.00 |
| One of a couple temporarily separated | $199.80 |
Key Things to Remember
- Payments are automatic if you already receive Centrelink and meet eligibility criteria.
- To get the maximum rate, you must pay rent above the set threshold.
- The hike applies from September 20, 2025.
- Always update rent details in MyGov to ensure correct payments.
The $215.40 Centrelink Rent Assistance Hike from September 2025 highlights the government’s effort to support low-income Australians amid rising housing costs.
While it may not cover the full burden of rent increases, it offers critical financial relief for pensioners, families, and jobseekers.
By ensuring eligibility, updating rent details, and opting for direct deposit payments, recipients can maximize their benefits and reduce financial stress during tough economic times.
FAQs
Eligible singles paying rent above the threshold while receiving a Centrelink payment will receive the full $215.40.
No. Couples receive a combined maximum of $203.50 per fortnight, with adjusted rates for illness or separation.
No. If you already qualify, the increase is automatic. You only need to update Centrelink if your rent changes.