Rental assistance

Evie n Rhys · Senior Member

Rental assistance

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

Ask Centrelink and they will be able to help you with all the details on how to apply and also if you are eligible.
Cheers
David

Evie n Rhys · Senior Member

Thanks, I think she was hoping to get information without having to run the gauntlet of centre link. She is in a chair and it's not easy.
Thanks for that
Tess

RosieW · Guru

I'll have a look and get back to you this week.......

rockylizard · Guru

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'.

However, despite all that, you really need to discuss it with Centrelink to ensure your personal circumstances allow you to claim. This site will assist with further information - http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/rent-assistance

Cheers - John

GaryKelly · Guru

Thanks again, John... the white knight rides to the rescue again (even though someone else asked the question). This time I copied and pasted your response to my documents for future ref. :)

Evie n Rhys · Senior Member

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I'll try to make sense of it and explain it all to her. Perhaps I should take her in to an appointment.
Many thanks
Tess

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I have just sent you a PM Evie n Rhys.

Cheers - John

nallingtoon · Senior Member

asked about this at our Centrelink office last week when I retired they gave me a bundle of rental forms and freepost envelopes and were very helpful

Neil

werkin · Veteran Member

We also got the rental assistant forms and centre link we have found to be really helpful and must admit not to slow as we expected them to be, just take a book or something to read and be prepared to stay that way you can be pleasantly surprised
Werkin

ozjohn · Guru

You should also note that Caravan Park operators are note legally bound to sign the rental assistance forms, so make sure you get a receipt showing dates stayed and amount paid.
Ozjohn.

graham (chickenman) · Senior Member

You may not know , if you are in a outer area like Woomera, Roxby downs, Alice spring and other areas in Australia that are zone 2 and 2, you get a zone allowance, zone b for a single is $18.20 p/f extra but only if you stay in that area for a month or so.

Can find this info in centrelink page.

Ontos45 · Guru

nallingtoon wrote:
asked about this at our Centrelink office last week when I retired they gave me a bundle of rental forms and freepost envelopes and were very helpful

Neil

Had to update my rental assistance form at Yeppoon Qld. Centrelink office and was told there that they had stopped handing out multiple forms now as they were being miss-used. From now on you have to present yourself at a Centrelink office and explain your circumstances. If approved you will be given a form to be filled out and if you have a current receipt it can all be done at the time (the receipt must have a caravan park etc. heading). Otherwise the part "B" section must be filled in and sent to Capital Centrelink office...takes weeks.

This may only apply to Central Qld.

graham (chickenman) · Senior Member

Can also update your rent assistance by phone they do it on the spot but then they post you a form to be filled out and to be returned is I think 15 days or so.

I find centrelink very helpful, but have to wait in line on the phone, but can get a call back if you request when your next in line.

rockylizard · Guru

Ontos45 wrote:
Had to update my rental assistance form at Yeppoon Qld. Centrelink office and was told there that they had stopped handing out multiple forms now as they were being miss-used. From now on you have to present yourself at a Centrelink office and explain your circumstances. If approved you will be given a form to be filled out and if you have a current receipt it can all be done at the time (the receipt must have a caravan park etc. heading). Otherwise the part "B" section must be filled in and sent to Capital Centrelink office...takes weeks.
This may only apply to Central Qld.

Gday...

That is very interesting and thanks for the information - worth keeping in mind and being aware.

However, I have tried to figure out how a person could "mis-use" a Rental Certificate (rental assistance form).

Centrelink will NOT pay rental assistance WITHOUT Part B of the form completed and signed by the "landlord or person you pay rent to" (even if you have the receipt) or a Lease or Tenancy Agreement attached. There is the concession afforded to those who live in a boarding house etc etc. Perhaps it is those who cheat.

A copy of Part B is attached.

I don't ask for multiple forms anymore - I scan the most recent blank form I get from them when I hand in my completed and signed form and then I have the ability to print a copy if I stay at more than one place in that week. That way I can make sure the Part B is completed by the person at the place I pay my site fees. I drop the completed and signed form off at a Centrelink office in the town I stay in (or pass through) and they usually sit me down for a while and then key the information into their system while I wait. Payment comes in the next pension payment.

Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 13th of May 2014 11:44:01 AM