[newphase]

I haven't rented in 18+ years so was hoping someone may be able to answer my question/s.

I was looking online at centrelink re rent assistnace when you own a home also and it was vague, it kind of said no but hinted that in certain currcumstance it is possible if you move and do not intend to return for 12+ months.

I am looking at selling up my current place, buying my Mum and sis a unit in my name, then moving to regional VIC, maybe NSW (border town) and renting. My Mum wont be paying rent but the minimal mortgage left ($50k or so) and I will probably have to kick in $50 a week also to help them pay it....Mym Mum is a career for my sister, both on pensions.

So I ask, could I get rent assistance in this instance? Obviously I'll need to visit Centrelink or luck a call to someone their, but in the mean time...anyone with an answer would make me happy...assuming it is a good answer lol(waiting on a call back re another question 3 days later).

[kerrie23]

Sure you could qualify for rent assistance if you are renting, however the property that you own will become an asset. So if your property is worth a decent figure you may find yourself out of the ballpark for any benefits depending on what you would be applying for. The 12 month thingy applies when you have cash from the sale of a property and intend to spend it on another property that YOU will live in - it is exempt from the assets test for 12 months.

RA is paid with pensions, benefits and Family Tax Benefit. For RA to be paid with FTB you must be under the limit to receive more than the base rate of FTB.

[newphase]

Thanks for the reply Kerrie23. I wont have any money over, and it wont be an expensive property I buy for my Mum and sis either.
Current I receive almost full FTB A & B.

[*JAC*]

Yes, you will receive rent assistance if you rent and own another home (and you qualify with your income).