Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) in Australia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
CRA is a non-taxable supplement from the Commonwealth, paid on top of your main income-support payment — JobSeeker, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Family Tax Benefit Part A, or Parenting Payment. It's not a separate application; it sits on top of an existing entitlement.
To qualify, your rent has to exceed a minimum threshold (reset each March and September). For a single person with no kids, the threshold is roughly $135 per fortnight. Once you cross it, CRA covers 75 cents of every extra dollar of rent up to a maximum — currently around $188 per fortnight for a single person.
You can't claim CRA if you live in public housing, community housing with income-based rent, or a property owned by a close relative. The arrangement has to be a formal rental — a lease, licence, or board-and-lodging arrangement with a clear rent component.
Payment is automatic once Services Australia has your rent details. You report through your Centrelink online account or by calling the general line.
When does it apply?
- You receive an eligible income-support payment or Family Tax Benefit Part A above the base rate.
- You pay private-market rent above the minimum threshold for your household type.
- You are not in public housing or community housing that sets rent as a percentage of income.
- You are not renting from a parent, child, or partner.
What to Do If You Are Denied Commonwealth Rent Assistance in Australia
- Update your rent details in your Centrelink online account via myGov as soon as you start renting or your rent changes.
- Provide proof of rent — a signed lease, rent receipts, or a Rent Certificate (SU523) completed by your landlord or real estate agent.
- Check the current thresholds on the Services Australia website each March and September, because rates are indexed to CPI.
- Report changes within 14 days — moving house, rent increases, or changes in household composition all affect your CRA amount.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume CRA is automatic — you must report your rent details; it is not paid until Services Australia has confirmed your living situation.
- Don't overstate your rent — providing false information is a criminal offence under the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and can lead to repayment demands and penalties.
- Don't forget to update if you move or your rent changes — incorrect details can create an overpayment debt.
- Don't confuse CRA with state rent relief — CRA is a federal payment, while state-based rental assistance programs have separate eligibility rules.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your state — you'll see how state law differs from Australian federal law.
6 states available
Common Questions
When does commonwealth rent assistance (cra) apply?
You receive an eligible income-support payment or Family Tax Benefit Part A above the base rate.You pay private-market rent above the minimum threshold for your household type.You are not in public housing or community housing that sets rent as a percentage of income.You are not renting from a parent, child, or partner.
What should I do if my Commonwealth Rent Assistance application in Australia is denied or incorrect?
Update your rent details in your Centrelink online account via myGov as soon as you start renting or your rent changes.Provide proof of rent — a signed lease, rent receipts, or a Rent Certificate (SU523) completed by your landlord or real estate agent.Check the current thresholds on the Services Australia website each March and September, because rates are indexed to CPI.Report changes within 14 days — moving house, rent increases, or changes in household composition all affect your CRA amount.
What mistakes should I avoid with commonwealth rent assistance (cra)?
Don't assume CRA is automatic — you must report your rent details; it is not paid until Services Australia has confirmed your living situation.Don't overstate your rent — providing false information is a criminal offence under the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and can lead to repayment demands and penalties.Don't forget to update if you move or your rent changes — incorrect details can create an overpayment debt.Don't confuse CRA with state rent relief — CRA is a federal payment, while state-based rental assistance programs have separate eligibility rules.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.