1.1.R.160 Rent (RA)

Definition

For the purposes of RA, rent means amounts paid or payable on a regular basis by a RA applicant or recipient, or their partner, as a condition of occupying their principal home (section 11A(1)). Rent includes amounts paid for:

• lodging,
• accommodation in a care situation, defined in subsection 13(9) of the Act,

Exception: Government subsidised Residential Aged Care is precluded from RA.

• service or maintenance fee for services provided in a retirement village,
• the use of site for, and/or rental of, a:
  • caravan or other vehicle, or
  • mobile home, or
  • transportable home, or
  • tent,
• the right to moor a vessel, and
• a service or charge on certain shared equity accommodation such as some schemes provide for people with disabilities or the elderly.

Example: To cover insurance, rates, maintenance and administration.

Amounts are considered to be paid on a regular basis where they are paid at least quarterly. Some income support recipients who pay rent on a less regular basis can also receive RA.

Example: Amounts for the following are considered to be paid on a regular basis if they are paid at least annually:

• site fees paid for a:
  • caravan or other vehicle, OR
  • mobile home, OR
  • transportable home, OR
  • tent, OR
• service or maintenance fee for services provided in a retirement village.

Act reference: SSAct section 11A(1) Principal home, section 13(2) Amounts are rent...

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.8.1 RA - Qualification & Payability

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Last reviewed: 1 February 2010