RENTERS who risk losing the roof over their head due to loss of income through the pandemic may be eligible for a one-time payment of $1,500 to cover accommodation and to save their tenancy.
Previous rent relief grants, available across April 2020 to March 2021, assisted more than 33,000 Victorian renters to stay in their homes. Emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness have received a necessary $45M boost as well.
Eligibility criteria for the current grant is strict to ensure assistance reaches those people and families who are most at risk. To be eligible for the grant you will need to:
• Have lost income as a result of the pandemic on or after May 27, 2021
• Have less than $2,000 in savings (excluding superannuation)
• Have a single income of less than $1,208.85 per week, or $1,813.46 as a couple, aligning to an annual income limit of $62,860 for singles, and $94,300 for couples
• Provide proof of a rent reduction agreement for a period after May 27, 2021
• Be paying more than 30 percent of your income in rent
For more information, visit housing.vic.gov.au/help-renting/rentrelief
If you or someone you know is in immediate need of crisis or emergency accommodation, please contact the statewide after-hours service on 1800 825 955 (free call) Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.
