How much is Commonwealth Rent Assistance in 2026?
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Maximum Rent Assistance per fortnight (single, no children)
Effective 20 March 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
The maximum Rent Assistance for your family situation is shown in the data block and table above. It is paid every two weeks, on top of your main payment.
You do not automatically get the maximum. Rent Assistance is worked out from how much rent you pay above the rent threshold. The more rent you pay above the threshold, the more you get, up to the maximum. The next increase is on 20 September 2026.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance rates in full
| Family situation | Max payment /fortnight | Rent threshold | Rent for max payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $219.40 | $154.80 | $447.34 |
| Single — Sharer | $146.27 | $154.80 | $349.83 |
| Partnered — Illness separated | $219.40 | $154.80 | $447.34 |
| Partnered — Temporarily separated | $206.80 | $154.80 | $430.54 |
| Couple | $206.80 | $250.80 | $526.54 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Commonwealth Rent Assistance — SSAct
| Family situation | Max payment /fortnight | Rent threshold | Rent for max payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single — 1 to 2 children | $257.88 | $203.28 | $547.12 |
| Single — 3 or more children | $291.48 | $203.28 | $591.92 |
| Partnered — Illness or temporarily separated — 1 to 2 children | $257.88 | $203.28 | $547.12 |
| Partnered — Illness or temporarily separated — 3 or more children | $291.48 | $203.28 | $591.92 |
| Couple — 1 to 2 children | $257.88 | $300.58 | $644.42 |
| Couple — 3 or more children | $291.48 | $300.58 | $689.22 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Commonwealth Rent Assistance — FAAct
More on Commonwealth Rent Assistance
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
How much is Commonwealth Rent Assistance: common questions
- How much Rent Assistance can I get?
- It depends on how much rent you pay and your family situation. You get 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the rent threshold, up to the maximum for your situation. For a single person the rent threshold is $154.80 and the maximum is $219.40. The full table on this page shows every family situation.
- How does the 75 cents rule work?
- For every dollar of rent you pay above the rent threshold, Rent Assistance pays 75 cents, up to a maximum. So if your rent is below the threshold you get nothing, and once your rent is high enough to reach the maximum, paying more rent does not increase your payment.
- When does Rent Assistance go up next?
- Rent Assistance is indexed on 20 March and 20 September, along with pensions and allowances. The next increase is on 20 September 2026. This page updates to match.
- Do I need another payment to get Rent Assistance?
- Yes. Rent Assistance is added to a qualifying payment, such as an income support payment or more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A. It is not a payment you can get on its own. It also does not have its own income test; it reduces as your main payment reduces.
- Is Rent Assistance taxable?
- No. Rent Assistance itself is not taxable. It is paid with your main payment, and whether that main payment is taxable depends on which payment it is.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.