Relief fund launches to support Canberrans experiencing rental stress

2023-04-17

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

Read the full release at → https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/rattenbury/2023/relief-fund-launches-to-support-canberrans-experiencing-rental-stress