The Australian Government has confirmed a significant increase to the Commonwealth Rent Assistance payment, set to take effect this month. The Centrelink Rent Assistance Boost September 2025 will see maximum rates rise by 15%, providing further relief for over one million households grappling with soaring rental costs and persistent cost of living pressures.
Centrelink Rent Assistance Boost September 2025
| Key Fact | Details/Statistic |
| Payment Increase | Maximum rates will increase by 15%. Department of Social Services |
| Effective Date | The new rates will apply from 20 September 2025. |
| Eligible Recipients | Over 1.1 million individuals and families already receiving the payment. |
| Purpose | To provide targeted rent relief amid a national housing affordability crisis. |
Government Confirms Major Rent Relief for Low-Income Households
The increase, announced by the Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, represents the largest back-to-back annual rise in the payment’s history, following a similar 15% increase in September 2023. The measure is a direct response to data showing rental prices have continued to climb in major cities and regional areas throughout the past year.
“We recognise that rental stress is one of the most significant challenges facing Australian families right now,” Minister Rishworth said in a statement from Parliament House. “This targeted cost of living support ensures that the most vulnerable in our community receive additional help to keep a roof over their heads.”
The increase will be automatically applied to the accounts of eligible recipients. This means individuals and families already receiving Rent Assistance do not need to take any action to receive the higher payment amount.
Who is Eligible for the Centrelink Rent Assistance Boost September 2025?
Eligibility for Commonwealth Rent Assistance is linked to receiving another primary government support payment and paying a minimum amount of rent. The boost applies to all existing and new recipients who meet these criteria.
Primary Income Support Payments
To qualify for Rent Assistance, an individual or family must be receiving a payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). These include, but are not limited to:
- JobSeeker Payment
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
Minimum Rent Threshold
A household must pay a certain minimum amount of rent per fortnight to be eligible. The amount of Rent Assistance received is calculated at a rate of 75 cents for every dollar paid above this threshold, up to a maximum limit. The government has indicated that these thresholds will also be indexed to reflect changing rental market conditions.
Economic Context: Addressing the Rental Affordability Crisis
The decision to increase the payment comes as rental vacancy rates across the country remain at historic lows, placing upward pressure on prices. According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the rental price index has seen a sustained increase, outpacing wage growth for many low-income earners.
Dr. Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), described the increase as a necessary step but warned more comprehensive action is needed.
“This boost will provide immediate and welcome relief for people struggling to pay their rent,” Dr. Goldie stated. “However, it does not solve the underlying structural driver of this crisis, which is a critical shortage of social and affordable housing. We urge the government to pair this support with long-term investment in housing supply.”
How to Access the Increased Payment
The process is designed to be seamless for recipients. The Services Australia payment system will automatically adjust the fortnightly Rent Assistance rate for all eligible individuals.
Recipients can verify their new payment amount after 20 September 2025 by:
- Logging into their myGov account and accessing their Centrelink online account.
- Using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
- Reviewing their upcoming payment statement.
It remains crucial for recipients to keep their accommodation details updated with Centrelink to ensure they receive the correct entitlement.
The long-term impact of this measure will be closely watched by economists and social policy experts. While providing immediate relief, the national conversation continues to focus on broader solutions to Australia’s housing affordability challenges, including tax reform, planning laws, and a significant expansion of public and community housing stock.
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FAQs
1. Do I need to apply for the September 2025 increase?
No. If you already receive Rent Assistance, the 15% increase will be applied automatically to your payment from 20 September 2025. You do not need to contact Centrelink.
2. How much will my payment increase by?
The maximum rates are increasing by 15%. The exact dollar amount you receive depends on how much rent you pay and your family situation. You will receive 75 cents for every dollar of rent you pay above the minimum rent threshold, up to the new maximum.
3. Will this affect my other Centrelink payments?
No. Rent Assistance is an additional, non-taxable supplement. This increase will not affect your eligibility for your primary payment (like JobSeeker or the Age Pension) or your entitlement to other supplements.
4. Where can I find my current rent assistance details?
You can view your current payment details, including your Rent Assistance rate, by logging into your Centrelink account via myGov or by using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
