Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Couple — separated due to illness
Equivalent to approximately $15.39 per day ($215.40 ÷ 14 days).
Couples separated due to illness can each receive up to $215.40 per fortnight in Rent Assistance — the same as the single rate. Because you are living apart for health reasons, each person's rent is assessed individually rather than as a combined couple. Rent Assistance is indexed in March and September.
Rate Details
Each member of a couple separated due to illness is assessed individually and may receive Rent Assistance at the single rate if they each pay rent separately.
| Rent threshold (assistance starts) | $152.00/fn |
| Rent ceiling (maximum reached) | $439.20/fn |
| Maximum Rent Assistance | $215.40/fn per person |
How it's calculated
You receive 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the threshold, up to the maximum. Rent below $152.00/fn receives no assistance.
If you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, different Rent Assistance rates apply.
Other Rent Assistance rates
Rates verified against the DSS A Guide to Australian Government Payments and Services Australia . Last verified: 2026-02-25. View DSS rate schedule →
General guidance only. Verify your entitlements with Services Australia on 132 300 or at servicesaustralia.gov.au .