The maximum amount of rent assistance is adjusted twice-yearly, in March and September, in line with movements in the cost of living. *Note: - Most pensioners who pay rent and have dependent children will have their rent assistance paid by the Family Assistance Office as part of their Family Tax Benefit.
If you don't complete your review by the due date, we'll stop your Rent Assistance. Your Rent Assistance will start again if you complete your review and you're still eligible. You'll need to reclaim Rent Assistance if it's been over 28 days since the due date on your letter.
An increase to the maximum rate of Rent Assistance was announced in the Budget, starting from 20 September 2023. It's subject to legislation. We'll let you know more soon.
Services Australia will automatically assess you for Rent Assistance if you pay rent and you're getting certain payments. You'll need to give Services Australia proof of your rent arrangements to get Rent Assistance.
Does rental income affect pension every time? The answer is no—rental income does not affect pension every time, not when you are in care.
The Work Bonus income bank is useful for pensioners who wish to work, particularly those who undertake intermittent or occasional work. Note: from 1 December 2022 to 31 December 2023, a one-off, temporary credit of $4,000 applies to Work Bonus income bank balances.
Around 1.6 million NSW households and 320,000 small businesses are eligible for a new National Energy Bill Relief payment in financial year 2023-24. Eligible low-income households, pensioners, self-funded retirees, families and carers will receive a one-off $500 bill relief payment towards their electricity bills.
Centrelink has very wide powers to thoroughly investigate deposits that have been made into your account. For example, it has the power to obtain your information from other government agencies as well as accessing information from banks, building societies and credit union accounts.
Now to the crux of it all: how far back will Centrelink back pay rent assistance? Typically, Centrelink can back pay up to 12 months.
Latest Age Pension changes (from 20 March 2023)
Single: $1,064.00 per fortnight (approximately $27,664 per year) Couple (each): $802.00 per fortnight (approximately $20,852 per year) Couple (combined): $1,604.00 per fortnight (approximately $41,704 per year)
The first full payment at the new rates of pension will be payday 6 April 2023. The maximum rate of single service pension will rise by $37.50 to $1,064.00 per fortnight and the maximum rate for couples will increase by $28.20 to $802.00 per fortnight (each).
This information is accurate as of 9 May 2023. This measure will increase the maximum rates of Rent Assistance by 15 percent.
As part of the strategy for addressing homelessness, weekly payments of social security benefits can now be made for the most vulnerable recipients, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Receiving income support benefits on a weekly basis is voluntary.
Aussies on Commonwealth Rent Assistance got a cash boost in the federal budget , with Treasurer Jim Chalmers increasing the maximum rate by 15 per cent. This will put an extra $31 per fortnight in the bank accounts of Aussies who may be struggling to find an affordable property .
board. the provision of meals and accommodation on a regular and continuing or indefinite basis. lodging. the provision of a room that the recipient can access as required on a continuing or indefinite basis.
There are no laws limiting the amount of cash you can keep at home. This makes sense as many businesses, especially retail stores, keep large amounts of money with them merely as floating cash.
You must tell us about any lump sum you get, even if you think it's exempt from the income test.
The rent threshold is $140.40. For every $1.00 of rent paid that is over the threshold, the single pensioner will receive $0.75.
Rates of Rent Assistance
Rent Assistance is payable at the rate of 75 cents for every dollar of rent payable above the rent threshold until the maximum rate of payment is reached. Rent thresholds and maximum rates vary according to a customer's family situation and the number of children they have.
If you're a pensioner currently receiving support through Centrelink, you may be eligible for extra help with bills and medicine costs through the Pension Supplement. This supplement is a combined payment of Pharmaceutical Allowance, Utilities Allowance, GST Supplement and Telephone Allowance.
Full Age Pension income threshold increases by: Singles threshold $204 per fortnight, increase is $14 per fortnight, $364 per annum. Couples threshold $360 per fortnight, increase is $24 per fortnight, $624 per annum.
The Government has provided two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. Around half of those that benefit are pensioners. These payments will support households to manage the economic impact of the Coronavirus.