Rent relief
Tenants in the ACT may be able to apply for financial assistance to pay their rent.
What it is
The Rent Relief Fund gives grants to help tenants who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship. A grant can be up to 4 weeks rent and a maximum of $2,500.
Who can get it
You may be eligible if you are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship and live in a private occupancy or tenancy.
You are in rental stress when you:
- pay more than 30% of your income in rent, and
- have less than $5,000 in liquid assets, excluding superannuation.
You are in severe financial hardship when you:
- pay less than 30% of your income in rent, and
- have less than $3,000 in liquid assets, excluding superannuation.
You need to have lived in the property for at least 3 months, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
You must have a gross household income in the following limits:
- First adult - $61,322
- First sole parent - $64,498
- Each additional adult - $23,460
- Each child - $20,343
The grant will be paid directly to your landlord or grantor.
If you are approved for a grant, you need to wait at least 12 months before applying again.
How to apply
You need to apply through Care Inc. You can go to their website to apply for rent relief.
Further support
- Care: For financial counselling, support and advice if you are in rental stress or in rental arrears.
- Legal Aid ACT: For free legal advice about tenancy and occupancy issues.
- Canberra Community Law: For free legal advice on social housing and Centrelink eligibility.