Sherry
Australia’s Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) will increase by around A$17 per week (about A$34 per fortnight) effective from 20 September 2025, reflecting the biannual CPI-based indexation.
Thousands of low-income households are set to benefit from this additional support as rental costs continue to climb.
What Is Commonwealth Rent Assistance?
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a non-taxable supplement for Australians already receiving Centrelink support—such as Age Pension, JobSeeker, or Family Tax Benefit—and paying rent above a set threshold.
It assists with rent-related financial pressure and is adjusted twice annually, in March and September, in line with inflation trends.
Who Is Eligible for the September Increase?
You qualify for the A$17 weekly boost if you:
- Receive an eligible Centrelink payment
- Pay private rent above the current assistance benchmark
- Automatically receive assistance—no reapplication is required
How Much Will You Receive?
Here’s a breakdown of the fortnightly assistance before and after indexation
| Household Type | Fortnightly Assistance (Before) | Increase (~A$34) | New Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | A$212.00 | A$1.00 | A$213.00 |
| Single Sharer | A$141.33 | A$0.53 | A$141.86 |
| Couple (combined) | A$199.80 | A$0.80 | A$200.60 |
| Single + 1–2 children | A$249.20 | A$0.98 | A$250.18 |
| Single + 3+ children | A$281.54 | A$1.12 | A$282.66 |
Collectively, renters could receive up to A$884 more annually following indexation.
Payment & Indexation Timeline
The updated CRA rates take effect on 20 September 2025, as part of the standard biannual indexation process along with March increases.
Why This Matters
- Housing affordability relief: Many renters are under strain from rapid rent increases. This increase, though modest, offers essential cushioning.
- Aligned with cost-of-living: The boost follows similar increases in pensions and pensions-related benchmarks to match inflation.
- Automatic adjustment: Eligible households receive this support seamlessly—no action required.
Suggestions for Renters
- Verify Centrelink details: Ensure your income and rental info are current.
- Monitor payments: Confirm receipt by late September.
- Budget wisely: Incorporate the increase into your monthly planning.
- Report changes: Inform Centrelink of rent changes to maintain eligibility.
From 20 September 2025, eligible renters will receive approximately A$17 more per week in Commonwealth Rent Assistance, amounting to nearly A$884 extra annually.
This adjustment supports households facing rising housing costs. Ensure your rental and income details are up to date to receive the full benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to reapply to get the extra rent assistance?
No—no additional application is required; the increase is automatically applied to eligible recipients.
Q2: Why does the assistance start from September instead of August?
CRA is indexed every 20 March and 20 September, based on CPI and wage indexes—not August
Q3: What if my rental cost increases after the indexation?
Report rent changes to Centrelink as soon as possible—your assistance may be recalculated accordingly.