Released 17/04/2023 - Joint media release
Canberrans experiencing financial stress or hardship paying their rent can apply for financial assistance from the ACT Government from 17 April 2023 when applications open for the Rent Relief Fund.
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury has announced that Care, a community organisation that assists people on low to moderate incomes or who are experiencing financial difficulty, will administer the Rent Relief Fund.
“The Fund will provide targeted, short-term support for people experiencing financial stress or hardship in the ACT’s private rental sector,” Attorney-General Rattenbury said.
“The Fund is one way we are supporting vulnerable Canberrans and easing the stress for households worrying where next week’s rent will come from.”
If a grant is approved by Care, the applicant can receive a one-off grant for up to four weeks rent capped at $2,500.
The grant is paid directly to the landlord or to the grantor in the case of occupants.
For information on how to apply to the Rent Relief Fund, visit Care’s website (https://www.carefcs.org/) or call 0423 161 727.
The Fund will be open to 30 June 2024.
The ACT Government announced in February that the new Co-ordinator General for Housing will oversee the delivery of the Rent Relief Fund.
Further information on the Fund is available here: https://www.justice.act.gov.au/renting-and-occupancy-laws/rent-relief-fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry:
"The re-establishment of the rent relief fund is an important part of the government’s plan to support Canberrans with the rising cost of living.
“A secure home is a foundation for people’s wellbeing. We know that the cost of housing can be a significant pressure for some households, and this additional support will go to those who need it most.
“Alongside the rent relief fund, the ACT Government is releasing more land, growing and renewing public housing, and reforming the Territory Plan to ensure more housing options for future Canberrans.”
Quotes attributable to Carmel Franklin Chief Executive Officer of Care:
"Care has been providing financial counselling and related services in the local community since 1983.
“The grants which will be available through the Rent Relief Fund will provide valuable assistance to people experiencing rental stress.
“As part of administering the Rent Relief Fund, Care will be able to provide wrap around support from our range of programs – financial counselling, financial capability, consumer law, community loans and community education, as well as referring people to other local support services as needed.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases