Rent Assistance (RA) 108-18092658

A-Z list of Rent Assistance (RA) terms, screens and coding options

This A to Z has general information about RA terms, screens and coding options. Use Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen and assessing Rent Assistance to update accommodation and rent on a customer's record.

Term	Description
Accommodation Details (AC) screen	The AC screen includes information on: the address type (for example, the accommodation details are for a temporary address) the relevant date (date of event) for the accommodation details if the accommodation details are for the: customer only, or customer and their partner the type of ownership the customer has over the accommodation, if any the type of rent paid, if any if the customer is sharing the accommodation rent payment information, this includes: total rent paid for the property the amount paid by the customer (or the customer and their partner), and the frequency of rent payments if the customer needs to and/or has provided evidence of the rent paid, along with the type of verification if the customer is a government sub-tenant who qualifies for RA the reason and date the customer vacated their home, if relevant if the customer meets conditions of a savings provision for RA See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
BOA - Board and Lodging	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer pays board and lodging: board (meals) on a regular basis, and lodging (accommodation) The customer cannot identify the lodging amount. The system will assess two-thirds of the total board and lodging amount to count as rent for RA. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Changes to accommodation circumstances	Update a customer's accommodation details when the customer advises of a change in any of the following: their address the amount of rent they pay, or their living arrangements (for example, people moving in or out of the household) See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
COA - Chg Address/Accom Circs - 14 days to verify	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. The system will automatically issue a Rent Certificate (SU523HD). Rent Assistance (RA) will be paid. Customer has changed address or accommodation circumstances: for income support payments and ABSTUDY customers who receive, or will receive, RA with ISP/ABY. This includes changes to rent or sharer details without a change of address. Do not use COA for customers who meet the reduced verification of rent rules for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers who currently receive RA with FTB and advise of the change within 14 days. This includes changes to rent or sharer details without a change of address. Do not use COA for customers who meet the reduced verification of rent rules The customer has 14 days to verify their rent details. If the customer has not verified rent details within 28 days, the AC screen Verification field updates to NVE - Not Verified. RA payments will stop. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Community housing organisation versus state housing authority	Make sure community housing tenants are correctly identified and not incorrectly assessed as State Housing Authority tenants. State Housing Authority = Type of rent code Government Rent (GOV) State Housing Authorities provide rental accommodation to people at a subsided or market rate. Customers who lease from a state or territory housing authority pay government rent and are not eligible for RA, regardless of the rent amount they pay. Government rent includes customers who are the primary tenant and pay rent through the Transitional Housing Management (THM) program in Victoria. View the definition for Government rent to see a list of the state housing authorities. In this index, for more information see - GOV - Government rent (State Housing Authority) Community Housing Organisations = Type of rent code Other Housing Org (OHO) People who rent from community housing organisations may be eligible for RA. Community housing organisations may receive state and commonwealth funding to help provide community housing. Community housing organisations are legally separate entities to state or territory housing authorities. Customers who lease from a community housing organisation do not pay government rent. In this index, for more information see - OHO - Other Housing Org. (Community housing organisations).
Customers experiencing or at risk of homelessness	It is the responsibility of all Services Australia staff to make sure customers who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness are given additional support and information to: lodge a claim for an income support payment if they are not on payment apply for a formal review a decision, if they disagree with it code a Homelessness Indicator on the customer's record if the customer consents consider if they need an: internal referral to an agency specialist external referral within the community, such as emergency accommodation or welfare agency help The Resources page has a link to the Payment and Service Finder, which provides appropriate referral options.
DEE - Deemed interest	Home Ownership field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer has a deemed interest in a residence. The customer: has a right to the use of a home for life, or has created a life interest or a right of occupancy in a private home for their own benefit See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
DEF - Defence Force Housing	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is paying rent to a Defence Force housing organisation and the customer is the primary tenant. This includes when the rent amount is rebated. RA is payable on the customer's net rent figure after any subsidy is paid. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
DOE - Date of Effect	Date of effect (DOE) is the date the change will affect the customer's eligibility for payment or their rate of payment. The system uses Date of Event (DOV) and Date of Receipt (DOR) to determine the DOE. See Notification Handler (NOHL) for more information.
DOE for RA - ABSTUDY	ABSTUDY customers are required to advise a change in circumstances within 14 days of the event occurring. The reassessment of the customer’s eligibility and/or entitlements will occur from the date of the change in circumstances, even if the customer has not notified within 14 days. See Change of circumstances for ABSTUDY customers for more information.
DOE for RA - Family Tax Benefit	Customers claiming RA for a past period must claim ongoing Family Tax Benefit (FTB) instalments to be paid RA, unless they are not eligible for FTB instalments. The DOE for RA when paid with FTB depends on the date the customer verifies their rent details. If the customer verified their rent details: by 30 June of the lodgement year (for example, by 30 June 2020 for an event that occurred in the 2018/19 financial year) by the FTB claim extension end date, or within 52 weeks of being notified of the original decision RA arrears can be backdated to the date of event. If the customer does not verify their rent details within any of the above periods, RA arrears are limited to the beginning (1 July) of the financial year before the financial year in which the customer verified the change in circumstances. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
DOE for RA - notification reporter	Result of increase in RA If notified event within 14 days, the later of: date of event, or date of notification If notified outside 14 days, the later of: date of event, or date of notification Result of decrease in RA If notified event within 14 days, the later of: date of event - if processed in same entitlement period as event the first day of the entitlement period after the event - if processed during the first entitlement period after the event, or the day after the end of the notification period - if processed later than the entitlement period after the event If notified outside 14 days, the later of: date of event
DOE for RA - stimulus customer	Result of increase in RA Notified with report for entitlement period of event: date of event Not notified with report for entitlement period of event: date of notification Result of decrease in RA Notified with report for entitlement period of event: date of event Not notified with report for entitlement period of event: date of event
DOE for RA - FTB customer	Result of increase in RA Verified before the end of the financial year after the financial year in which the change occurred: Date of event Verified after the end of the financial year after the financial year in which the change occurred: The beginning of the financial year before the financial year in which the customer verified the change in circumstances Result of decrease in RA Verified before the end of the financial year after the financial year in which the change occurred: Date of event Verified after the end of the financial year after the financial year in which the change occurred: Date of event
DOR - Date of Receipt	Date of Receipt (DOR) is the date the information or the document was received. For a scanned image, the DOR is the date the document was received. This may not be the same date it was scanned. See Date of receipt for more information. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
DOV - Date of Event	Date of Event (DOV) is the date a change of circumstances or notifiable event actually occurred. As a general rule, the DOV for a claim is the date the claim was lodged. However, some claims allow backdating. See Date of receipt for more information. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information
E036AT	E036AT shows as ‘Address type not recorded for AC DOV - check ADH for correct type’ Error message E036AT shows in an address update: When a customer receives Rent Assistance (RA) and the relevant address recorded on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen is manually ended on the Address Details (ADS) screen for a date in the past, the AC screen will automatically update with a provisional line of Not Verified – NVE with the date of event as the address end date +1. Error message E036AT shows in any update: When processing any update, error message E036AT will show if the customers circumstances meet the following conditions, the customer: is receiving RA, and has an address type that is ended, and has a current accommodation entry for the ended address type with an event date that is greater than the address end date See Rent Assistance (RA) address has ended and Error E036AT for processing information.
EXB - Exempt - Customer in Boarding Style accom	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer lives in boarding style accommodation, such as: boarding houses guest houses hostels, or hotels This also applies to customers who are: living in disability housing: and their living arrangement meets the definition of exempt accommodation whether or not there is a written agreement, such as a lease ABSTUDY secondary students: approved for the away from home rate boarding in a hostel or at boarding school, and the boarding institution provides the official board charge See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
EXC - Exempt - Customer is f/t in non Cmwlth Res Care	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer lives in: in a care facility (permanently or temporarily) and eligible for RA. For example: a nursing home type patient an unfunded place in residential care supported accommodation a detoxification, rehabilitation, or mental health facility in a care facility temporarily for at least 14 days to: receive a substantial level of care (other than respite care) access specific medical treatment not available where they live The customer does not have to provide verification of the rent details. The sharer's rate of RA will not apply. See Rent Assistant (RA) for care receivers for eligibility and Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
EXE - Exempt	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Use this code when the customer is living: in 'refuge type' exempt accommodation (a refuge, crisis or emergency accommodation which is short term), and the verification field is Exempt as customer is living in a refuge - EXR in a care facility (temporary or permanent) and eligible for RA and the verification field is Exempt as customer full time in non-Commonwealth Residential Care – EXC. For example, nursing home, an unfunded place in residential care, supported accommodation and rehabilitation centre or similar institution with a dependent child/ren and they: get RA with their income support payment (excluding DSP/CP) they are single, and sharing accommodation See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Exempt accommodation	People living in exempt accommodation are exempt from: the application of the sharers rate of rent assistance, and having to verify the amount of rent paid Exempt accommodation is: boarding style accommodation which includes a: boarding house campus guest house hostel hotel private hotel rooming house lodging house, or similar premises 'refuge type' accommodation; that is, a refuge, crisis or emergency accommodation which is short term and generally not more than 3 months in a care facility (permanently or temporarily) and eligible for RA. For example: a nursing home type patient an unfunded place in residential care supported accommodation a detoxification, rehabilitation, or mental health facility in a care facility temporarily for at least 14 days to: receive a substantial level of care (other than respite care) access specific medical treatment not available where they live Factors to consider when deciding if a person lives in exempt accommodation are: the name of the accommodation management of premises employment of staff daily management house rules payments for utilities private accommodation lease arrangements bonds, and availability of accommodation For more information about deciding if the accommodation is exempt, see References page.
Exempt sharers	This includes single customers who are: receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP) receiving Carer Payment (CP) paying board and lodging who have not provided a breakup of the amount paid for lodgings verse board (meals). A person who pays for lodging only or has provided the lodging component, are considered a sharer unless they are exempt for another reason living only with a recipient child/ren living in a caravan, boat or mobile home on their own living in exempt accommodation See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for more information.
EXR - Exempt - Customer in Refuge	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer lives in 'refuge type' accommodation; that is, a refuge, crisis or emergency accommodation which is short term and generally not more than 3 months. The customer does not have to provide verification of the rent details. The sharer's rate of RA will not apply. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
EXV - Exempt - Customer in Retirement Village	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Used when a customer lives in a retirement village and the amount of the entry contribution qualifies them as a non-homeowner. The customer does not have to provide verification of the rent details. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
FBD - Free Board	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Special Benefit (SpB) customer receives free board. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
FBL - Free Board and Lodgings	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Special Benefit (SpB) customer receives free board and lodgings. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
FLD - Free Lodgings	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Special Benefit (SpB) customer receives free lodgings only. This does not include any meals. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Formal rental arrangement	A formal rental arrangement is a formal written agreement. Usually called a Residential Tenancy Agreement (lease), however the name may vary depending on the state. A customer in a formal rental arrangement can provide, and have sighted, a copy of the schedule and/or page(s) containing: name of tenant(s) - must include the customer (and/or their current partner) claiming RA premises the lease relates to - that is, the rental address name and contact information of the landlord/managing agent amount of the rent liability - must include details of any rebated amount Formal rental arrangements do not require signatures. This supports the changes to documents managed digitally allowing all parties to undertake everything in the transaction electronically. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
GFH - Homeowner in Govt funded Aged Care	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer is a homeowner in a government funded bed in an accredited aged care home. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
GFN - Non homeowner in Govt funded Aged Care	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a non-homeowner option. Customer is a non-homeowner in a government funded bed in an accredited aged care home. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
GOV - Government rent (State Housing Authority)	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Primary tenant: Customer is the primary tenant (or leaseholder) paying rent to a State Housing Authority (SHA). Note: customers in Victoria who have a lease with the Transitional Housing Management (THM) program are paying government rent and are not entitled to receive RA. RA is not payable to the primary tenant paying government rent. This is regardless of if the rent is subsidised or paid at market rate. It does not include rent paid to the SHA, if the SHA is only: a property manager, or a rent collector on behalf of another organisation for example, the Aboriginal Housing Office in some states Government sub-tenant: A government sub-tenant may be able to receive RA if the: primary tenant pays market rent, or sub-tenant's income has been taken into account by the SHA when calculating the rent liability See Qualification for payment of Rent Assistance (RA) for more information. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Guest	The customer does not have a legal right over the accommodation. A legal right to share a major area of accommodation can be demonstrated in one of 2 ways: The customer's (and/or their current partner's) name is included on a formal lease or tenancy agreement, or The customer has: a verbal agreement to share, and there is a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) or Rent Declaration (SU336M) proving the customer pays regular amounts of money on a regular basis See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
HAR - Hardship - 28 days to verify	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. The system will automatically issue a Rent Certificate (SU523HD). Rent Assistance (RA) will be paid. Customer advises they are finding it hard to provide verification of rent details in the requested timeframe. When used, the customer has 28 days from the date of coding HAR to verify their rent details. If the customer has not verified rent details within 28 days, the AC screen Verification field updates to NVE - Not Verified. RA payments will stop. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
HOM - Jointly/singly owns or purchasing Home	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer owns or is purchasing a home. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Home based business	A customer must provide specific RA verification documents if: they run a business from their home the lease is in the business name, and they pay rent to the business for private use Documents to verify rent must include all the following: a copy of the lease document/s a copy of the business tax return or profit and loss statement, and a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) signed by a business partner as the landlord. This is as long as this person is not the customer or their partner, or a Rent Declaration (SU336M). The customer (including their partner) cannot sign their own SU523HD If the lease is in the customer's name, confirmation of the amount claimed as a business expense is needed. This is to determine the amount of rent assessable for calculation of RA. Documents to verify rent must include: the business tax return, or a profit and loss statement See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Homeowner	A customer who is not a member of a couple is a homeowner if: they have a right or interest in the principal home, and their right or interest in the home gives the customer reasonable security of tenure in the home A customer who is a member of a couple is a homeowner if the customer or their partner, has a right or interest in one residence. This residence is the: customer's principal home partner's principal home, or principal home of both customer and partner, and customer or their partner's right or interest in the home gives the customer or partner reasonable security of tenure in the home A customer (whether a member of a couple or not) is a homeowner: if the principal home: has been sold, lost or damaged within 12 months, or the customer has an approved extended exemption up to a maximum of 24 months from the time of sale, loss or damage of the principal home and the customer is likely to: apply some or all of the proceeds of the sale to buy another residence, and the residence will be the customer's principal home See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Ineligible homeowner	Ineligible homeowner Customers who own their principal home are not eligible for RA unless they meet certain exemptions. A homeowner who does not meet any of the exemptions is an ineligible homeowner and cannot be paid RA. If one member of a couple is an ineligible homeowner, both partners will be ineligible homeowners., except where one member of the couple has temporarily left their principal home: and they receive ABSTUDY, or for at least 14 consecutive days or more to: provide a substantial level of care, or receive a substantial level of care In these cases, RA may be payable to one member of a separated couple for a temporary address (including term address) even if their partner remains an ineligible homeowner. The following outlines the exemptions that allow a homeowner to be paid RA. Customers who are temporarily away from their home because of a care situation: Providing care: providing a substantial level of care in another private residence for another person. It has to be for at least 14 consecutive days, and have been absent from the principal home for less than 2 years while providing the care Receiving care: are living in a care situation outside their own home other than a retirement village or aged care residence Customers who pay site or mooring fees These are customers whose principal home is: in a caravan on a boat other similar vehicle, or structure Customers who have sold their homes and: will be using the proceeds of the sale to buy, renovate or build another home. These customers are still assessed as homeowners Proceeds can be exempt from the assets test under the sale of home provisions Customers who temporarily leave their principal homes for other reasons A person who temporarily leaves their principal home and pays rent for temporary accommodation, and the reason is: to attend training or education to help them with employment to enable a student child to attend school because the principal home is currently uninhabitable, for example fire, storm damage to go to 'refuge type' accommodation; that is, a refuge, crisis or emergency accommodation which is short term to take refuge in another person’s home as they are affected by family and domestic violence (FDV) For more information see References page.
Informal rent verification	The customer may have an informal renting arrangement when: no formal written lease or tenancy agreement is provided, or the customer (and/or their current partner) is not named as a leaseholder or tenant on the: formal written lease, or tenancy agreement The customer may provide one of the following for their current accommodation: a signed Rent Certificate (SU523HD) (no other Rent Certificates are acceptable), or a Rent Declaration (SU336M), along with further documentary proof of rent paid if possible such as: rent receipts bank deposit slips bank statements Generally, an SU336M will only be accepted when the customer is unable to obtain their landlord's signature on the SU523HD, or from travellers who move regularly. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Lease or tenancy agreement	To verify a formal renting arrangement, the customer can provide a current: written lease, or tenancy agreement The agreement must be in accordance with state or territory requirements. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Legal right to share a major area of accommodation	A customer can demonstrate a legal right to share a major area of accommodation in one of 2 ways: The customer's (and/or their current partner's) name is on a formal lease or tenancy agreement, or The customer has: a verbal agreement to share, and a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) or Rent Declaration (SU336) proving the customer pays regular amounts on a regular basis If there is no evidence the customer has a legal right over the accommodation, the customer is a guest, not a sharer. See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
LHO - Lives elsewhere	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer owns a home but lives elsewhere. When the customer sells their principal home but intends to use the proceeds to purchase or build another: the proceeds of the sale are asset test exempt, and the homeowner assets test still applies The customer must be intending to purchase or build within the next 12 months. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
LIF - Bequeathed Life Interest	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer has the right to the use of a home for life. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
LNK - Link of 2 customers	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This option is non-enterable by staff. This rent verification code will automatically apply when 2 customers are linked on the MS screen. Services Officers must review the customer’s accommodation circumstances and update the ACS screen and/or rent verification field as required. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) or Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
LOD - Lodgings only	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer can identify an amount of money for the provision of a room in shared or exempt accommodation. Lodging does not include meals. Lodging includes when the customer lives with and has a rental agreement (generally verbal) with: the homeowner the primary tenant (a person named on the lease) the person who has entered into a verbal rental agreement with a landlord (there is no written rental agreement for the residence) Customers living in exempt accommodation may pay for a room and pay a 'service fee or charge'. The rental agreement or receipt may list the fee or charge separately. If the payment of the fee or charge is a condition of occupancy, the amount is to be included in the customer's lodging amount. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
LWP - Lives with Parents	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Single young customer is living with their parent/s. Generally, single young customers who live with their parents do not qualify for RA if they are receiving: Youth Allowance (YA) - and is dependent or an accommodated independent person JobSeeker Payment (JSP) and under 25 Disability Support Pension (DSP) under 18 and is dependent DSP, aged 18 to under 21 ABSTUDY under 22 and is dependent or an accommodated independent person ABSTUDY aged 22 to under 25 See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Members of a religious order	Members of a religious order are treated the same as other customers for RA. See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
MNT - Maintenance fees for Nursing home/Retirement Village	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is a: care receiver paying accommodation fees (amount for meals etc can be separated) in a care facility and eligible for RA non-homeowner paying fees to a retirement village in lieu of rent See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
MOO - Mooring fees	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is paying rent to secure a boat or vessel. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NAS - Does not live in shared accommodation	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is not a sharer for RA purposes if one of the following applies: The customer is single and living alone. This includes when the customer: has the exclusive legal right to a bathroom, kitchen and bedroom may share an accommodation areas such as the laundry is the sole tenant living alone in private accommodation The customer is single with dependent child/ren and receives RA with their primary benefit and not with Family Tax Benefit (FTB) The customer shares accommodation only with a partner and/or their dependent child/ren The customer is sharing their accommodation with a person/s other than their partner and/or dependent child/ren, and the customer has the exclusive right to use a bathroom, kitchen and a bedroom, or another person/s use the same bathroom, kitchen and/or bedroom but they have no legal right to do so. This other person is a 'guest' The customer lives alone in a caravan, boat or mobile home in a caravan park or marina, even if they share a major area of the accommodation, for example, a bathroom See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)	NRAS aims to increase the supply of new, affordable rental dwellings. Customers paying rent under NRAS are subject to the same RA eligibility criteria as other customers. Rent paid to occupy a home built under NRAS is not considered government rent. NRAS dwellings are mostly owned by investors, non-profit organisations and community housing providers. Eligible individuals and families lease the properties at least 20 per cent below the market rate. The Government does not select tenants or maintain a waiting list for homes supported by NRAS. The tenancy manager does this. The tenancy management organisation allocates the NRAS dwellings to tenants. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NCL - New Claim - 14 days to verify	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. The system will automatically issue a Rent Certificate (SU523HD). Rent Assistance (RA) will be paid. Income support payment or ABSTUDY new claim granted and customer's accommodation circumstances are being updated. Note: this code is not required when a tenancy agreement has been provided and there is enough information contained within the claim to determine entitlement. The customer has 14 days to verify their rent details. If the customer has not verified rent details within 28 days, the AC screen Verification field updates to NVE - Not Verified. RA payments will stop. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Net rent rules	The net rent rules relate to the following fields on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen: Total Household Rent and Freq Net Rent and Freq When claiming RA, the total combined rent payable by each member of the household cannot exceed the total rent paid. A primary tenant's rent will reduce for RA purposes by the amount they charge another tenant. This applies regardless of who is sharing the accommodation, including: other family members, or a person who is not a Services Australia customer The income from boarders and lodgers may be assessable if the other person is not an immediate family member. See Net rent rules for Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
NHH - Lives in a Nursing Home	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer who is a homeowner and living permanently, or temporarily for at least 14 days, in a care facility: multi-purpose service facility non-subsidised (unfunded) bed, in an accredited aged care home, or non-accredited aged care National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) hospital as a nursing home type patient awaiting admission to an aged care home a detoxification clinic, rehabilitation centre, mental health facility or similar See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NHN - Non homeowner Lives in Nursing Home	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a non-homeowner option. Customer who is a non-homeowner and living permanently, or temporarily for at least 14 days, in a care facility: multi-purpose service facility non-subsidised (unfunded) bed, in an accredited aged care home, or non-accredited aged care National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) hospital as a nursing home type patient awaiting admission to an aged care home a detoxification clinic, rehabilitation centre, mental health facility or similar institution See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NHO - Non homeowner	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is a non-homeowner, and no other circumstances apply. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NMR - Primary Tenant does not pay market rent	Government Sub-tenant field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. A customer is a government sub-tenant if: the accommodation is provided by a State Housing Authority (SHA) they share with a person who is the primary tenant (or lease holder), and they are not named on the lease The Government sub-tenant field would be updated with Primary Tenant does not pay market rent - NMR when the customer is a government sub-tenant who does qualify for RA because their income has been taken into account by the SHA when calculating the rent liability for the residence. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
Non-homeowner	A non-homeowner does not have a right or interest that gives them reasonable security of tenure in their residence. RA may be payable. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NRP - No rent paid	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer does not pay any type of rent for their accommodation, and is not a Special Benefit (SpB) customer receiving: free board free lodgings, or free board and lodgings See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NRT - Net rent assessed	Staff are not to use this option. It may still appear on some customer records. NRT was used when the customer: was a primary tenant paying rent in the private rental market, and the rent was reduced/adjusted due to the contribution to gross/total household rent of another tenant(s) To select the correct option for these customers see Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
NVE - Not Verified	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Rent Assistance (RA) will not be paid Customer has not verified the rent details recorded on the AC screen within the allowable timeframe. This includes situations when the customer: chooses not to provide verification, or has not provided the requested rent verification by the due date (automatic system updates) Use NVE to stop paying RA, for example, where verification is suspicious. A Rent Certificate (SU523HD) will not issue. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
OHO - Other Housing Org. (Community housing organisations)	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Use this code when the customer is paying rent to a community housing organisation and they are a: primary tenant named on the lease agreement, or primary tenant with an informal agreement Community housing organisations are separate entities to state or territory government housing authorities. Customers renting accommodation from a community housing organisation may be eligible for RA depending on the: help they get, and amount of rent they pay Community housing organisations include (but are not limited to): Aboriginal housing organisations Transitional housing programs - generally short term housing for people who are homeless Housing co-operatives Disability housing Note: customers in Victoria who have a lease with the Transitional Housing Management (THM) program are paying government rent and are not entitled to receive RA. If a customer identifies as renting from a community housing organisation this should be trusted in the first instance. In very limited cases the community housing organisation may: manage the property for the state or territory housing authority, and pass the rent collected onto the state or territory housing authority In these cases, if the customer is the primary tenant, because the rent collected goes to the state or territory housing authority, the customer is regarded as paying 'Government Rent', and are not entitled to RA It is expected that if a community housing organisation manage the property for and pass the rent directly onto the state or territory housing authority, they will inform the customer that they are paying 'Government Rent'. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Online services - obtaining SU523HD	Customers registered online may get a copy of a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) via the Request a document option online. The SU523HD is available online from the day after making the change to the customer's record. It will stay available online for 19 weeks. Customers may view, print and save a copy of the form. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
OTH - Owns home but can't be classified by above	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer owns home but no other classification codes apply. Use this option rarely. Customers normally fit into another category. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
OTH - Other	Type of rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer pays rent not covered by any other reason. Use this option rarely. Customers normally fit into another category. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Payment of RA when partnered	How RA is paid to members of a couple depends on the payment received and their circumstances. If more than base rate of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A is received, RA is paid with the FTB payment, regardless of relationship status If both members of a couple receive a benefit, each will receive half of the RA If both members of the couple receive a pension, each will receive half of the RA If only one member of a couple receives a pension and the other person a benefit, the pensioner recipient receives all of the RA for the couple If one member of a couple receives a benefit and the other person has no entitlement, RA for the couple is paid with the benefit at the full member of a couple rate If a couple are illness separated, temporarily separated or respite care separated then each member of the couple may receive RA assessed on their individual circumstance A Jobseeker transitional rate (JTR) customer will receive half (50%) of the couple RA rate and the pension partner will receive the full (100%) couple RA rate. This means that the couple will receive 150% of the couple RA entitlement while the customer receives JTR See Qualification for payment of Rent Assistance (RA) for more information.
PLT - Purchased life tenancy	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a non-homeowner option. Customer pays for a life interest or right to accommodation for life. This applies if the customer is: paying for a life interest or right to accommodation for life living in a private residence that is to be their principal home, and assessed as being a non-homeowner See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
PRI - Private rent	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is the primary tenant (or lease holder) and paying rent in the private rental market. This rent can be paid to a landlord or through a property manager/real estate agency. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
PMR - Primary Tenant pays market rent	Government Sub-tenant field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. A customer is a government sub-tenant if: the accommodation is provided by a State Housing Authority (SHA) they share with a person who is the primary tenant (or lease holder), and they are not named on the lease The Government sub-tenant field would be updated with Primary Tenant pays market rent - PMR when the customer is a government sub-tenant who does qualify for RA because the primary tenant pays market rent. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
QOL tool AC screen step question	The Quality On Line (QOL) tool step question options for the Accommodation Details (AC) screen are as follows: Home ownership status incorrect Net Rent details incorrect Accommodation details field incorrect impacting payment correctness Sharers status field incorrect impacting payment correctness Type of rent field incorrect impacting payment correctness Rent verification field incorrect impacting payment correctness No Incorrect coding of Home ownership status or Net Rent details is a critical error. The activity will be returned for correction. Incorrect coding of the following AC screen fields will result in a critical error when the coding impacts payment correctness: Accommodation details field Sharers status field Type of rent field Rent verification field If incorrect coding in these fields does not impact payment correctness, the 'No' option is selected and the activity is released with feedback for staff corrective action. The Resources page has examples of common AC screen coding errors that do not impact payment correctness.
Rate of RA	RA is paid at a rate of 75 cents in the dollar for every dollar of rent paid over the threshold amount, up to the maximum RA rate payable. RA thresholds and maximum rates payable are calculated based on a customer's circumstances. The maximum rates and rent threshold amounts vary, depending on the customer's family circumstances, including: accommodation type if the customer is single or partnered the number of dependent children in the family For single customers without children, the maximum rate also varies according to whether or not accommodation is shared with others. If a customer receiving an income support payment or ABSTUDY has their maximum payment rate reduced because of income or assets, the maximum basic rate of payment reduces first, then other payments, including RA. Customers affected by a rate reduction due to income or assets may still receive some payment of RA. See Rates and Thresholds for more information.
RCO - Residential Costs Option	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. For customers who have their residential charges paid, and they are: receiving ABSTUDY or ABSTUDY PES, and living in a residential college or hostel during an academic year See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Reason Home Vacated	Reason Home Vacated field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This field is used when the customer has vacated a home they still own or has sold it and is claiming an asset exemption for the home or sale proceeds. RA may be payable if the reason the customer has left the principal home they own is: to receive care for an illness to provide care for another person to enter aged care it has been sold and the proceeds will be used to purchase, build or renovate another home to attend training or education to help them with employment to enable a student child to attend school the principal home is currently uninhabitable they have moved to 'refuge type' accommodation (crisis situation) to take refuge in another person’s home as they are affected by family and domestic violence (FDV) See Rent Assistance (RA) for care receivers, Temporary accommodation and Rent Assistance (RA) and Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) for processing information.
REC - Lives with recipient child only, no RA	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. For customers exempt from sharers' rate of RA as they are living only with a recipient child/ren. This is when the customer is a single parent living only with child/ren who: receive a Social Security payment, ABSTUDY, a Service Pension or Veteran Payment, or Youth Allowance (YA) student, and do not receive RA See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Reduced verification for Rent Assistance	Reduced verification for rent assistance started on 27 September 2013. It allows the customer to have their rent details verified without providing verification documents. Reduced verification for rent assistance can be applied when: the customer has not been selected for an RA Profile review or Accommodation Circumstance Intervention (ACI) notifies a change in sharer status and/or gross/total household rent or net rent amount only; for example, is not changing address the current address information was previously verified on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen with either a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) and/or a lease agreement. Verification field is Verified (Formal) - VEF or Verified (Rent Certificate) - VEC there is no reason to doubt the advice given by the customer the update results in RA arrears of less than $100 in total, from the date of event to the date of receipt. In assessing this rule disregard any additional arrears that may now be payable as a direct result of processing delays, and this is the first, second or third time the rent amount has been verified without documents in a 12 month period See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Relationship qualifier codes	Rent Assistance can be assessed and paid individually to each eligible member of a couple who have been assessed and coded with one of the following Relationship qualifier codes on the Marital Status (MS) Screen. ILB - Ill Sep/Both Left Home ILC - Ill Sep/Left Home ILP - Ill Sep/Ptnr Left Home TEB - Tmp Sep/Both Left Home TEC - Tmp Sep/Left Home TEP - Tmp Sep/Ptnr Left Home PSB - Psych Care/Both L/Home PSC - Psych Care/Left Home PSP - Ptr in Psych Care RA can be assessed and paid individually to each member of the couple when: one of the relationship qualifier codes listed above is recorded on the MS screen neither member of the couple is an ineligible homeowner (exception applies) they each pay rent for a different address they each qualify for RA for their separate address/temporary address the rent amount each person pays is above the relevant rent threshold for their circumstances Note: where one member of a couple is an ineligible homeowner, both members of the couple are treated as ineligible homeowners, and neither can be paid RA, except where a person has temporarily left their principal home: and they receive ABSTUDY, or for at least 14 consecutive days or more to: provide a substantial level of care, or receive a substantial level of care In these cases, RA may be payable to a person for a temporary address (including term address) even if their partner remains an ineligible homeowner. See Temporary accommodation and Rent Assistance (RA). Rent Assistance can be assessed and paid to a person whose partner is in respite care or gaol and one of the following relationship qualifier codes have been coded on the Marital Status (MS) Screen. REC - In Respite Care REP - Ptnr in Respite Care GAC - In Gaol GAP - Ptnr in Gaol Note: customers can continue to receive Rent Assistance for their principal residence for up to 52 days, while in respite care if they: enter into respite care continue to pay rent for their principal home See Qualification for payment of Rent Assistance (RA) for eligibility criteria information
Relationship status	A customer's relationship status (that is, single or partnered) must be determined for RA purposes. Assess a customer's relationship status by asking the Living Arrangements question set when a customer advises: they are moving in with another person, and there is no change in their relationship status See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Rent Certificate (SU523HD) (no other types accepted)	A Rent Certificate (SU523HD) is used to verify a customer's rent details for RA. No other Rent Certificates are acceptable. The SU523HD is pre-filled with the customer's accommodation details. It states the customer's: name address and address type homeowner status rent type, rent amount and frequency sharing arrangements total rent paid for the property, and the date of the change of circumstances An SU523HD is generated and issued to a customer when a new claim is granted or they advise of a change in their accommodation circumstances, for example, a change of address. In some circumstances, a Service Officer may have to issue an SU523HD. For example, SU523HD has been misplaced, or incorrectly completed by a customer/landlord. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Rent Certificate Re-issue Fast Note	When more information is needed for rent verification and a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) is re-issued, create a DOC using the Rent Certificate Re-issue Fast Note.
Rent Declaration (SU336M)	A Service Officer may decide it is unreasonable for the customer to approach their landlord. If the customer is unable to provide a signed Rent Certificate, they can lodge a Rent Declaration (SU336) instead. See Rent Assistance (RA) verification.
RSP - Respite Care fees	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer is paying respite care fees to a respite care provider in lieu of rent. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
RVL - Upload Rent Verification Required	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. The system will not issue a Rent Certificate (SU523HD). Rent Assistance (RA) will not be paid. Used when an FTB customer updates their accommodation circumstances online and they: indicate they or their partner are named on the lease agreement need to provide rent verification are currently receiving RA with FTB and they notify the change of circumstances more than 14 days after the change occurred, or are not currently receiving RA See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
RVE - Reverify Rent - 14 days to verify	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Used for Rent Profile Reviews, and will prepopulate when the customer has 28 days to re-verify their rent details. The 28 days is to allow for: 7 days postage time 14 days to provide verification 7 days for return postage and processing time See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
RVR - Rent Verification Required	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. The system will automatically issue a Rent Certificate (SU523HD). Rent Assistance (RA) will not be paid. Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers must provide rent verification. This includes when the customer: is claiming FTB has a change of address or accommodation circumstance notified outside 14 days is not being paid RA at the time of the change RVR can be used for all customers where the Service Officer: suspects the details provided are fraudulent , or has updated accommodation details and process supports that verification is needed before additional payment, of RA is appropriate details about the decision to apply RVR must be recorded in a DOC Note: when RVR is the current rent verification code on the AC screen for the customer and RA would be payable with their income support payment, the online service will continue to apply the RVR code for any accommodation updates submitted by the customer. This is to make sure that payment of RA is not made until acceptable rent verification has been received and updated. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
SEP - Separated due to ill health	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This option is non-enterable by staff. This rent verification code will automatically apply when certain relationship qualifier codes are is recorded on the MS screen. Services Officers must review the customer’s accommodation circumstances and update the ACS screen and/or rent verification field as required. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) or Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Sharer	A customer is a sharer if all of the following apply: is single has no dependent children the customer and one or more other people have the legal right to share at least one major area of accommodation. This can include a: kitchen bedroom bathroom is not an exempt sharer does not reside in exempt accommodation See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Sharers' rate	The sharers' rate of RA addresses the inequity in payment rates between: singles customers who share, and members of a couple The sharers' rate reflects the cost of living benefits for customers sharing accommodation. It is capped at two-thirds the maximum rate payable to single customers living alone. A sharer's rate of RA will vary based on how much rent they pay over the threshold amount, up to the maximum RA rate payable. See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
SHH - Shares accommodation with homeowner	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer rents a room in a home which is the principal home of the owner of the property. See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
SHR- Lives in shared accommodation	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer and/or their partner has a legal right to the use of major areas of the household and shares their accommodation with a person/s other than their partner and/or dependent child/ren. The person/s the customer is sharing with is not the homeowner and has a legal right to the use of major areas of the household. See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
SIT - Site Fees	Type of Rent field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer pays rent for the use of a site for a caravan, tent, mobile home, transportable home or other moveable structure. See Type of Rent field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
SRH - Lives in a Special Residence	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a homeowner option. Customer who is a homeowner living in a special residence, such as a: granny flat retirement village sale - leaseback home The customer pays an Entry Contribution (EC) for accommodation rights, usually for life. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
SRN - Non homeowner Lives in Special Residence	Home Owner field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This is a non-homeowner option. Customer who is a non-homeowner living in a special residence, such as a: granny flat retirement village sale - leaseback home The customer pays an Entry Contribution (EC) for accommodation rights, usually for life. See Home Ownership field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
Temporary address and Rent Assistance	Rent Assistance (RA) is not payable for customers who temporarily leave their principal home, except in special circumstances. See Temporary accommodation and Rent Assistance (RA) for eligibility criteria.
Term/Semester Address	A Term (TER) address should be coded where a customer is living away from home for study. See Temporary change of address Table in Updating address details.
ULK - Unlink of 2 customers	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. This option is non-enterable by staff. This rent verification code will automatically apply when 2 customers are unlinked on the MS screen. Services Officers must review the customer’s accommodation circumstances and update the ACS screen and/or rent verification field as required. See Completing the Accommodation Details (AC) screen including assessing Rent Assistance (RA) or Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
UPL - RA Paying - Rent Verification to be uploaded	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. The system will not issue a Rent Certificate (SU523HD). Rent Assistance (RA) will be paid. Used when a customer updates their accommodation circumstances online and they: indicate they or their partner are named on the lease agreement need to provide rent verification receive or will receive RA with an eligible income support payment or ABSTUDY, or currently receive RA with FTB and have notified the change in circumstance within 14 days The customer has 14 days to verify their rent details. If the customer has not verified rent details within 28 days, the AC screen Rent Verification field will update to NVE - Not Verified. RA payments will stop. RVR can be used instead of UPL for customers where the Service Officer: suspects the details provided are fraudulent, or has updated accommodation details and process supports that verification is needed before additional payment, of RA is appropriate Staff must record details about the decision to apply RVR in a DOC. Note: when RVR is the current rent verification code on the AC screen for the customer and RA would be payable with their income support payment, the online service will continue to apply the RVR code for any accommodation updates submitted by the customer. This will make sure that payment of RA is not made until acceptable rent verification has been received and updated. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
VEC - Verified (Rent Certificate)	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer has provided a Rent Certificate (SU523HD) only. The customer and landlord, agent or person the rent is paid to has signed the SU523HD. This verifies the rent details. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
VED - Verified (Rent Declaration)	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer has provided a Rent Declaration (SU336M) to verify their rent details, or reduced verification of rent provisions apply. See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
VEE - Verified (Electronic)	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. When a customer's rent has been verified as part of the Electronic Verification of Rent (EVoR) process, the system enters 'VEE' in this field. See Determining proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
VEF - Verified (Formal)	Rent Verification field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Customer has provided an acceptable lease or tenancy agreement to verify their rent details to support a change, notified: as part of a new claim as part of an online service update, where they advise they have a lease with their or their partner's name on it for all other cases when accompanied by an acceptable Rent Certificate (SU523HD) See Processing proof of rent for the Verification field on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.
XSH- Exempt from Sharers Rate	Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen. Only use this code when the Verification field is Exempt - Customer in Boarding Style accom - EXB. Customers living in boarding style accommodation who are exempt from: the sharers' rate providing rent verification Boarding style accommodation includes: boarding house guest house hostel hotel rooming house lodging house See Sharer Status field option on the Accommodation Details (AC) screen for processing information.

Operational Information

Rent Assistance (RA) 108-18092658

A-Z list of Rent Assistance (RA) terms, screens and coding options