Services Australia Rent Assistance Rates & Thresholds Table (2026)
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is an untaxed supplementary income support payment. To receive the maximum fortnightly payment, your rent must reach or exceed the rent ceiling threshold.
| Living Situation | Min. Fortnightly Rent for CRA | Rent to Get Max Payment | Max Payment / Fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (Living Alone) | $152.00 | $433.60 | $211.20 |
| Single Sharer (No Children) | $101.33 | $289.07 | $140.80 |
| Couple (Combined) | $246.40 | $511.47 | $198.80 |
| Family with 1–2 Children | $200.06 | $530.83 | $248.08 |
Key Rules: The Sharer Rule, Qualifying Payments & Board
THE SHARER REDUCTION RULE
Two-Thirds Maximum Rate Cap
If you are single without dependent children and share major facilities (kitchen, living room, bathroom) with flatmates, your CRA threshold and maximum cap are legally reduced to 2/3 of the single rate.
QUALIFYING CENTRELINK PAYMENTS
Automatic Add-On to Income Support
You must receive an eligible payment: JobSeeker Payment, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (DSP), Carer Payment, Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, or Family Tax Benefit Part A.
BOARD AND LODGING (MEALS INCLUDED)
The Two-Thirds Rule for Lodging
If your rent payment includes meals and utilities (board and lodging), Services Australia treats two-thirds (66.67%) of the total payment as eligible rent, excluding the food component.
TAX-FREE STATUS
100% Untaxed Supplementary Payment
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is completely exempt from Australian income tax and does not count as taxable income on your annual ATO individual tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign a lease to receive Rent Assistance?
A formal tenancy lease is standard proof, but if you don't have a lease (e.g. sub-letting or paying board to family), you can provide a Centrelink Rent Certificate (SU336 form) signed by the head tenant or landlord.
What happens if my rent increases or decreases?
You must notify Services Australia within 14 days of any change to your rent or address via myGov or the Centrelink app to ensure your payment adjusts accurately without incurring an overpayment debt.