In early 2025, the Australian Government introduced a significant change aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure faced by renters. This change comes in the form of a 10% increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), which directly benefits low-income Australians who rent privately or live in community housing. The boost is designed to help renters manage the rising cost of housing and provide additional financial relief to those struggling with escalating rental prices.
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If you’re a renter receiving government support, you could be eligible for this extra cash—and the good news is that existing CRA recipients don’t need to reapply. The increase will be automatically applied to your payments. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this 10% CRA boost and how it can benefit you.
What Is Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)?
Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) is a non-taxable payment designed to assist Australians who rent privately or live in community-managed housing. It’s added to other income support payments such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Disability Support Pension, and others. CRA is not available for individuals living in public (government) housing—it’s targeted specifically at those renting from private landlords or community housing providers.
The goal of CRA is to help renters meet the cost of rent, ensuring they can maintain secure housing without sacrificing their basic needs like food, utilities, and healthcare.
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What’s Changing in 2025?
In 2025, the Australian Government has raised the maximum CRA payment rates by 10% to provide additional financial relief for renters facing the rising cost of living. This increase is part of a broader government initiative to help address rental stress and the soaring cost of private rental properties across the country.
The 10% increase translates into higher fortnightly payments for eligible renters. Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- A single renter without children could see an additional $23 per fortnight.
- Couples with children could receive an extra $21 per fortnight.
This increase aims to ease the strain on low-income renters, particularly in areas where rental prices have surged.
Who’s Eligible for the 2025 CRA Boost?
To qualify for the 10% CRA boost in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Receiving a Qualifying Centrelink Payment:
You must receive one of the following Centrelink payments:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Carer Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy or ABSTUDY
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
2. Paying Rent Above the Minimum Threshold:
- Singles: Must pay more than $149.60 per fortnight in rent.
- Couples: Must pay more than $242.40 per fortnight in rent.
3. Renting Privately or Through a Community Housing Provider:
- Renters in private housing or community-managed housing are eligible, but those in public housing are not.
If you meet these conditions and are already receiving CRA, the increased payment will be applied automatically—there’s no need to reapply. However, if you’re new to CRA or your rent details have changed, you’ll need to update your information with Centrelink.
Updated CRA Payment Rates for 2025
As a result of the 10% increase, the maximum CRA payments for 2025 will be as follows:
| Household Type | Previous Max (Fortnightly) | New Max (Fortnightly) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $189.20 | $212.00 |
| Single, with children | $222.40 | $244.64 |
| Couple, combined, no children | $178.00 | $199.80 |
| Couple, combined, with children | $211.20 | $232.32 |
These updates reflect the 10% increase and are aimed at helping renters keep up with the rising costs of renting in many parts of Australia.
How to Apply or Update Your Rent Information
If you’re already receiving CRA, you don’t need to do anything—your payments will automatically increase according to the new rates. However, if you’re a new applicant or need to update your rent details, follow these steps:
- Log in to your MyGov account linked to Centrelink.
- Update your rent details with a current rental agreement or rent receipt.
- Submit your claim or update your information.
- Monitor changes through your Centrelink account to ensure you receive the correct payment.
It’s important to report any rent changes promptly to ensure accurate CRA payments.
Why This Boost Matters for Renters in 2025
The 2025 10% CRA increase comes at a crucial time when many Australian renters are facing high housing costs. Rent prices across cities and regional areas continue to rise, putting pressure on low-income individuals and families. This increase in CRA provides essential relief, helping renters to better manage their budgets and reduce the strain caused by ever-higher rental prices.
Whether you’re a single pensioner, a student living in shared housing, or a family trying to balance your rent with other expenses, this increase can make a noticeable difference in your finances. With more money in your pocket, you can focus on other essential areas of your life, without being overwhelmed by the stress of rising housing costs.
Conclusion
The 2025 CRA boost represents an important step in addressing rental stress and helping low-income Australians cope with the rising cost of living. The 10% increase will provide essential financial relief to those who need it most, including singles, couples, and families in the private rental market. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you don’t need to take any action—Centrelink will automatically apply the new payment rates.
Stay informed about your CRA payment and keep your rent details updated to ensure you receive the maximum assistance available. The boost is an essential lifeline for renters, offering crucial financial support at a time when it’s needed most.