3.8.1.40 Notification, Verification & Recipient Obligations for RA

Notification obligations

RA recipients must meet all the notification obligations and requirements associated with the pension, benefit or allowance they are receiving.

Explanation: RA recipients must be qualified for and receiving a social security pension, benefit or allowance, or FTB Part A at greater than the base rate, in order to receive RA.

Notifiable events for RA

RA recipients must inform Centrelink when there is a change in their circumstances, for example:

• there is a change of residential circumstances, such as change of address, rent amount variation, move to government housing, or
• they marry or become a member of a couple (1.1.M.120), or
• they separate from their partner (1.1.P.70), or
• they start or stop sharing their accommodation with others.

Explanation: This is important even if the event does not affect the rate of RA payable to the recipients as this may change if rates or thresholds change in the future.

Verification

The recipients must confirm the amount of rent they are paying to Centrelink with a current lease or tenancy agreement, Rent Certificate or Rent Declaration.

Note: Some recipients may be paid RA without documentary evidence, on financial hardship grounds (2.2.13.20).

Some recipients are exempt from having to verify the amount of rent they pay. They are:

• people living in exempt accommodation, i.e. boarding style accommodation, refuges (1.1.E.168),
• people living full-time in a non-Commonwealth funded bed in residential care facilities (3.8.1.60) (4.6.4.30), and
• people in retirement villages.

Policy reference: SS Guide 2.2.13.20 RA - Verification Required, 3.8.1.10 Qualification for RA

FA Guide 3.1.4.30 Rent Assistance

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Last reviewed: 2 August 2010