1. What is Rent Assistance?

Rent Assistance is a supplementary payment for people who rent in the private market and receive certain income support payments. The amount depends on your rent amount, household type, and whether you're single or partnered.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Rent Assistance formula:

Where:

• \( Max\ Rate \) — Maximum payment rate for your situation
• \( Rent\ Paid \) — Actual rent you pay per fortnight
• \( Threshold \) — Minimum rent amount before assistance starts

Explanation: Assistance is the lesser of either the maximum rate or your rent paid above the threshold amount.

3. Importance of Rent Assistance

Details: Rent Assistance helps low-income households afford private rental accommodation. The rates and thresholds are updated annually and vary based on family situation and number of dependent children.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all amounts in dollars per fortnight. The calculator will determine how much assistance you may be eligible for based on the 2024-2025 rates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is eligible for Rent Assistance?
A: You must be receiving certain payments like Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or JobSeeker Payment and paying rent above the threshold.

Q2: How often are payments made?
A: Rent Assistance is paid fortnightly along with your main income support payment.

Q3: What counts as rent?
A: Payments to a landlord, real estate agent, or board and lodging payments may qualify. Mortgage payments don't count.

Q4: Are there different rates for different areas?
A: No, rates are national but vary by family situation (single, couple, with/without children).

Q5: When do the rates change?
A: Rates are typically indexed in March and September each year.