Gday...

I update my "residential/home address" online on the day I arrive at my next place - whether I am going to claim rental assistance or not. Obviously when I camp with no fees, there is nothing to claim. Centrelink do not action anything until they get a claim form.

If I am camped at a place where I am paying fees and want to claim rental assistance then I complete the Rental Assistance Form, have it signed by the 'owner/manager' of the venue and lodge it with Centrelink.

Centrelink do not pay the rental assistance on your online updating - they only pay rental assistance upon receipt of the completed and signed form. The dates you record online for moving to a 'new home address' allow Centrelink to know when to start and finish your Rental Assistance Payment aligned with the form/s you lodge.

I usually lodge the form personally at the next Centrelink office I pass by. I do not post the form in anymore as it takes sometimes weeks before it is updated.

You can only claim Rental Assistance if you do not own a house - whether that is your 'usual' residence or one you own and rent out. However, when you are travelling full-time your caravan is considered as "owning a home" and you are ALWAYS living in your "own home" when you claim. DO NOT note your "residential/home address" online as 'Temporary home address' - always tick the box for 'New Home Address'.

Cheers - John

 

I am going to open Pandora,s box, can someone tell me why is it that some people on the road claim rent assistance and why are they entitled to it,I read in a prieviest post if you own your own house your not entitled to get rent assistance,why am I the house owner not entitled to get rent assistance,my wife and i worked our buts off to own our own home,and we like to travel around like you rent assistance people but we are not entitled to get it.

 

lance C

Useful info, John. Thanks for posting.

Wirroff wrote:

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 100% agree with you there mate. If you can claim rent assistance then you shouldn't be able to afford to travel. My wife and I worked YEARS to pay for our house and have now rented it out to be able to go 'on the road'. Bludgers need not apply.

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Gday...

Thanks for the character assassination  

I too worked for YEARS to pay for my house AND lifestyle AND the kids Uni etc etc etc.

I am a self-funded retiree and had the pleasure of being able to retire well before the "retirement age" - worked hard to be able to do that too and saved and invested wisely (thankfully). The house was sold and invested rather than rented out. So now I have passed "retirement age" I am only eligible to qualify for a very small part age pension - good for the healthcare card and some rent assistance.  

I feel that the small amount that rental assistance provides when I am not camping without fees is a pittance - but every little bit counts.

Cheers - and happy travelling to all - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Sunday 1st of December 2013 04:45:24 PM

It comes close but our house in Hervey Bay doesn't attract a huge rent ($270 per week less RE commissions). We are finding that, even with free camping, we are approximately $100 out of pocket each week which has to come out of our savings at present as we don't feel the urge to work yet!

No doubt, before long, we will have to partake in some work to top up the savings again (spending money stresses my wife out!) and this we had already envisaged. Depending on where you are, most houses rent out at roughly $350-400 a week and this would be plentiful.

Cheers,

Paul & Val

PS It wasn't character assassination, it was an observation based on the facts given.

So to clarify please - if you own your own home, you CAN"T claim the rent assistance is this correct?? BUT for those who do claim and get the assistance - if you are renting out your home or dont own a house - your van / RV becomes your home and more often than not, you own it - so how then, can people claim the assistance?? I am Very confused on this matter. I only ask as we are in the process of claiming assistance, but not sure how the system works. Some get it - others dont