Commonwealth Rent Assistance 2026: How Much Extra Can You Get? (+ Calculator)

Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is a non-taxable supplement paid on top of your qualifying Centrelink payment. From 20 March 2026, the maximum rates per fortnight are: single, no children — $215.40; single, sharing — $143.60; couple, no children — $203.00; single parent with 1-2 children — $253.12; single parent with 3+ children — $286.02; couple with 1-2 children — $253.12; couple with 3+ children — $286.02. These rates were significantly increased in 2024 (15% boost) and continue to be indexed twice yearly.

CRA is designed to help with rent costs but doesn't cover the full amount — it's a supplement on top of your main payment.

CRA uses a simple formula: you receive 75 cents for every dollar of rent you pay above a minimum threshold, up to the maximum rate. The thresholds vary by situation: $152/fn for singles (no kids and sharers), $246.20/fn for couples without children, $199.50/fn for single parents, and $294.98/fn for couples with children. For example, a single person paying $400/fn in rent would receive: ($400 - $152) × 0.75 = $186.00 per fortnight.

A single person paying $500/fn would receive: ($500 - $152) × 0.75 = $261.00, but this is capped at the maximum of $215.40. To receive the maximum CRA as a single person, you need to pay at least $439.20 per fortnight ($219.60/week) in rent.

You must be receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment AND paying private rent above the minimum threshold. Qualifying payments include: Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Family Tax Benefit Part A (at more than the base rate). If you're a couple and both receive a qualifying payment, only one of you gets CRA.

You must be paying rent, lodging, or board for your principal home. Mortgage payments, rent to state housing authorities (public housing), and rent to a close family member generally do NOT qualify.

You must provide a Rent Certificate or have your landlord verify your rent.

If you share accommodation with another person who isn't your partner (such as housemates), you may be classified as a 'sharer'. Sharers receive a lower maximum CRA rate ($143.60/fn vs $215.40/fn for non-sharers). You're considered a sharer if you share a major area of accommodation (kitchen, bathroom, or living area) with someone other than a partner, parent, or child.

However, if you have your own bedroom and share only common areas in a group house, you may still be classified as a sharer. Couples sharing with others are not classified as sharers for CRA purposes.

If you're sharing with someone who also receives CRA, each person is assessed on their share of the total rent — not the full amount.

CRA received a significant 15% increase in September 2024, following the April 2024 Budget announcement. This was the largest single increase to CRA in decades, designed to address the rental affordability crisis. Prior to this increase, CRA had been criticised for not keeping pace with actual rental market increases.

Even after the boost, CRA maximum rates cover only a fraction of average rents in most Australian cities — for example, the national median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $480-$550 per week ($960-$1,100/fn), while maximum CRA for a single person is $215.40/fn. CRA continues to be indexed twice yearly (March and September) in line with the Consumer Price Index.

If you're already receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment, you can add CRA by updating your accommodation details online through myGov, calling 132 850, or visiting a service centre. You'll need your rental agreement and may need to complete a Rent Certificate (SU523). If you're applying for a Centrelink payment for the first time, CRA is assessed as part of your claim.

The short answer? Your landlord may need to verify your rent by signing a Rent Certificate. CRA starts from the date you start paying rent (or the date of your claim, whichever is later).

If your rent changes, update Centrelink within 14 days to avoid underpayment or overpayment. Use our free Rent Assistance calculator to estimate your CRA based on your rent amount and living situation.