3.8.1.50 Continuation, variation or termination of RA

Summary

RA is a supplementary payment added to a social security pension, benefit or allowance, or FTB Part A. The rate of RA paid may change and in some circumstances the payment will be cancelled.

Continuation of RA

Ongoing payment of RA depends on the person being qualified for a social security payment or more than base rate of FTB Part A and paying private rent of an amount equal to or above the applicable threshold.

Variation of RA

The rate of RA paid to a person can change and can occur as a result of:

• a change in the amount of rent paid
• a change in marital status, or other family circumstances
• in the case of single recipients, whether the sharers provisions apply, or
• a change in the RA thresholds and/or rates (Note: In March and September the rent thresholds and maximum rates are indexed to reflect changes in the CPI.)

Termination of RA

RA ceases to be paid when a person no longer qualifies for RA or the payment it is paid with. RA can also be cancelled when an RA recipient does not respond to a request from Services Australia (Centrelink) for information about their accommodation circumstances (this includes a general request for verification of rent) within 14 days of the request. A request for information may follow a:

• change of address
• rent update
• change in marital status, or
• review of the person's payment initiated by Services Australia (Centrelink).

RA can be restored and arrears paid when the required information is provided however this depends on whether the person remains qualified for the payment, whether there are any changes to their circumstances and when the information is provided.