What is Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)?
CRA is an Australian Government payment that helps pensioners with the cost of renting. When you share a home, each housemate qualifies for CRA individually — dramatically reducing everyone's out-of-pocket rent.
Raw CRA payment calculations are based on 75% of the difference between the CRA set 'base' rent and your actual rent — UP TO the CRA set maximum CRA.
Weekly Rent Example: $1,000/4 bed Net $250 p/bed
| Max CRA p/week | Min Weekly Rent for Max CRA | Gross Rent p/week | CRA p/week | Net Rent p/week | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Sharing* | $71.80* | $171.74 | $250 | $71.80 | $178.20 |
| Couples Sharing** | $101.50 | $258.44 | $250 | $95.25 | $154.75 |
* The Govt mandates a 'special' lower maximum CRA payment for Singles sharing as opposed to not sharing.
Rates current as at May 2025. Actual CRA depends on your individual circumstances.