About the Rent Assistance calculator
Rent Assistance is extra help with rent, paid on top of another payment such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment or Family Tax Benefit above the base rate. It starts when your rent goes over a threshold, and it pays 75 cents for each dollar above it, up to a maximum.
The threshold and the maximum depend on whether you’re single or part of a couple, how many children you have, and whether you share accommodation.
| Single, no children | Threshold $157.80, maximum $223.80 |
|---|---|
| Single, no children, sharing accommodation | Threshold $157.80, maximum $149.20 |
| Couple, no children | Threshold $255.80, maximum $211.00 |
| Single, 1 or 2 children | Threshold $207.34, maximum $263.06 |
| Single, 3 or more children | Threshold $207.34, maximum $297.36 |
| Couple, 1 or 2 children | Threshold $306.60, maximum $263.06 |
| Couple, 3 or more children | Threshold $306.60, maximum $297.36 |
Common questions
Who can get Rent Assistance?
People who pay rent and get a qualifying payment, such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment or Family Tax Benefit above the base rate.
How is Rent Assistance worked out?
Services Australia takes your rent, subtracts the threshold for your situation, and pays 75 cents for each dollar above it, up to the maximum.
What if I pay board or live in a retirement village?
Different rules can apply. Services Australia can tell you whether and how much you could get.
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Rates last checked 5 November 2026. Payment rates from 20 September 2026; limits from 1 July 2026.