A person qualified for social security pension, benefit or allowance, or FTB(A) at greater than the base rate, may qualify for additional Rent Assistance.

The assistance is payable to a person only if they pay at least a minimum amount of rent, which varies depending on their marital status. The assistance is not payable to a person who pays rent to a state housing authority (such as the Office of Housing). The amount of the Rent Assistance varies according to the amount of rent paid, increasing until the maximum Rent Assistance rate is reached. If a person or their partner is paid FTB, then Rent Assistance is paid as an addition to that payment rather than as an addition to the pension.

Special rules apply to single sharers, people who pay board and lodging or live in a retirement village.

Rent assistance is not paid if the person is under 25 and living in the parental home while receiving NewStart Allowance, or under 21 and living in the parental home while receiving a Disability Support Pension.

Rent assistance is paid as part of another payment and may be reduced due to the income test applicable to that payment.