Commonwealth Rent Assistance and NDIS housing
How Commonwealth Rent Assistance works alongside your NDIS housing, who can get it, and how it interacts with SDA rent and the Disability Support Pension
What is Commonwealth Rent Assistance?
Who is eligible for CRA?
How does CRA interact with SDA rent and the DSP?
How do you claim CRA, and what do you need?
Can you get CRA in every kind of housing?
Common mistakes that reduce or stop your CRA
What to check when you move into SDA
Frequently asked questions
What is Commonwealth Rent Assistance?
CRA is a regular Centrelink payment from Services Australia that helps people on qualifying income-support payments, like the Disability Support Pension, meet the cost of rent. It's separate from the NDIS but important for participants because most pay rent, including in SDA and supported housing.
Can I get CRA if I live in SDA?
Often yes. CRA is available in many housing settings including SDA, community housing and private rental, provided you receive a qualifying payment and pay rent above the threshold. In SDA, your CRA is factored into your Reasonable Rent Contribution.
How does CRA affect my SDA rent?
The SDA Reasonable Rent Contribution is calculated as 25% of the maximum basic rate of the DSP plus 100% of your CRA. So your CRA effectively flows to your SDA provider as part of the rent you pay, separate from the SDA payment the NDIS makes for the dwelling.
Is CRA part of my NDIS plan?
No. CRA is a Centrelink payment governed by Services Australia, not the NDIA. It's a different system with different rules, so you claim it and update your rent details through Services Australia, not the NDIS.
Who is eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance?
Generally, people who receive a qualifying income-support payment (such as the Disability Support Pension) and pay more than the minimum rent threshold for their circumstances. Services Australia assesses eligibility and sets your rate, which is indexed twice a year.
Does CRA reduce my Disability Support Pension?
No. Commonwealth Rent Assistance is paid on top of your DSP, not taken out of it — it is an additional payment to help with rent. Your overall Centrelink rate still depends on the usual income and assets tests, but receiving CRA does not lower your pension.
What happens to my CRA if I move house?
Your CRA is reassessed for your new address and rent, so tell Services Australia as soon as you move. If your new rent is higher you may receive more, up to the maximum rate; if it is lower, or you move into public housing, your CRA may drop or stop.
Can I get CRA if I share a home in a SIL arrangement?
Often yes, if you pay rent above the threshold, but a shared-rent rate may apply because you live with others who are not your partner or dependent children. Only the rent portion counts — any amount you pay for board or meals is treated separately.