How to Manage Your Rent Assistance Payment

How to Manage Your Rent Assistance Payment-Change of circumstances

It's important to keep your Rent Assistance payments up to date by informing Centrelink of any changes in your circumstances. Here's what you need to know about managing your Rent Assistance:

1. Confirming Your Rent

To ensure you're receiving the correct Rent Assistance, you may be asked to provide proof of your rent arrangement.

If you're in community housing, ask if your housing provider uses the Electronic Verification of Rent (EVoR) scheme. If they do, they can help you submit a consent form so you don't need to notify Centrelink when your rent changes.

1. Reporting Changes

You must inform Centrelink about any changes that could affect your Rent Assistance within 14 days. This includes changes in:

Your rent costs

Your address or move to a new house

Your name or marital status

Your income or employment status

The number of dependent children in your care

The people living in your household

You can report changes easily through your myGov account. Simply sign in, select Centrelink, and then go to MENU > My details to update your information.

1. When You Don’t Tell Centrelink

Failing to notify Centrelink of changes can lead to being overpaid. If this happens, you'll be required to repay the money. If you intentionally withhold information, you could be charged with fraud.

It's always better to report changes as soon as possible, and it's never too late to correct an oversight. Stay up to date to avoid any issues with your payments.

For more information, you can log into your myGov account or contact Centrelink directly.

Managing Your Rent Assistance Payment: Travel Outside Australia

If you're planning to travel outside Australia, it's important to understand how it will affect your Rent Assistance. The travel rules for your main payment will also impact your Rent Assistance.

1. Travel Rules

If you leave Australia permanently, your Rent Assistance will stop as soon as you depart.

For short-term travel, you can continue to receive Rent Assistance for up to 26 weeks, provided you are still paying rent in Australia and continue to receive your main payment.

1. Check Travel Rules for Your Main Payment

Before you travel, make sure to check the rules for your main payment to determine:

If you can keep receiving your payment after you leave Australia

When and how to inform Centrelink about your travel plans

Australia’s immigration department will notify Centrelink when you leave and return to Australia, so it's essential to ensure your details are up to date.

1. Payments While Abroad

To keep receiving your Rent Assistance or concession card benefits while overseas, you must continue to meet the qualification rules for your main payment at all times.

Make sure you stay informed about your payment conditions before and during travel to avoid any disruptions in your Rent Assistance.