Australia Increases Rent Assistance by 10% – Find Out If You Qualify

The Australian Government has provided a major relief to millions of people living on rent, with a 10% increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) starting in 2025. This decision is aimed specifically at helping low-income people who are suffering from rapidly rising rents in the private rental market.

If you are already covered by a government support payment (such as Age Pension or JobSeeker) and paying rent, you will receive this extra money automatically—there is no need to apply for it separately.

What is Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)?

Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a non-taxable government assistance given to Australians who are renting a private home or living in community housing.

This assistance is added to your regular support payment (such as Age Pension, JobSeeker, etc.) to help you manage your rent costs to some extent.

Keep in mind: If you’re living in government housing (i.e. public housing), you won’t receive CRA.

What’s changing in 2025?

From 2025, the government has increased the maximum CRA payment amount by 10%. This is intended to provide financial relief to people struggling with rising inflation and the rent burden.

Rents have risen significantly in many parts of Australia over the past year, and this change has been made to make CRA more effective.

$800 April Stimulus Check – Eligibility Criteria and Payment Date Details

What does this increase mean?

With this 10% increase:

• A single person can get up to an extra $23 per fortnight.
• Couples with children can get about $21 more per fortnight.

Who is eligible for this CRA increase in 2025?

You may be eligible for this additional payment if:

You are receiving any of the following Centrelink payments:

• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension
• JobSeeker Payment
• Carer Payment
• Youth Allowance
• Austudy or ABSTUDY
• Parenting Payment
• Special Benefit

And you live in private rented or community housing.

Your rent is above the minimum levels set out below:

• Single person: more than $149.60 per fortnight
• Couple: more than $242.40 per fortnight (in total)

5 Zodiac Signs with the Most Powerful Weekly Horoscopes (April 7–13, 2025)

If you meet all of these conditions and are already receiving CRA, you will automatically start receiving payments at the new rate.

Updated CRA payments for 2025 (per fortnight)

How to apply or update rent information?

If you are already receiving CRA, there is nothing to do. The new rate will apply automatically.

If you are a new applicant or your rent has changed, follow these steps:

• Log into your MyGov account that is linked to Centrelink.
• Provide your new rent information (upload a rent agreement or receipt).
• Submit a claim and check the status on the Centrelink portal.
• Remember: as your rent changes, you need to report it so your payments are accurate.

Why is this change important in 2025?

Housing affordability has become a serious problem in many cities and rural areas in Australia. Rapid rent increases in the private rental market have been hitting low-income earners hard.

This 10% increase is not just symbolic, but it will provide hundreds of dollars of additional relief a year.

Whether you’re a pensioner living alone, a student in a shared house, or a family with children, this support can ease the pressure on your pocket.

Conclusion

This 10% CRA hike made by the Australian Government in 2025 is a big and commendable step. Given the rising rents and cost of living, this relief was very much needed.

This change is not just financial aid, but a positive sign that the government is understanding the needs of the common people. If you are eligible, this relief will reach you without any additional hassle.

FAQs