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Rent Choice Veterans

Last published 17 Jul 2024

Rent Choice Veterans provides short to medium-term private rental assistance for former members of the permanent Australian Defence Force who do not have a stable and safe place to live.

In partnership with RSL LifeCare, Rent Choice Veterans supports veterans and their families by:

  • helping them find a safe and affordable place to rent
  • paying a portion of their rent for up to 36 months, and
  • referring them to services for education and employment support, to help them become financially independent.

Who is Rent Choice Veterans for?

You may be eligible for Rent Choice Veterans if you are:

  • an ex-member of the permanent Australian Defence Force
  • homeless or at risk of being homeless
  • an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
  • committed to pursuing education, training and employment
  • engaged with RSL LifeCare, and willing to stay engaged, and
  • on a low to moderate income.

How can I access Rent Choice Veterans?

Speak with your RSL LifeCare Housing Officer about completing an online Application for Housing Assistance and a referral to Rent Choice. Go to rsllifecare.org.au.

Is there an income test?

To receive Rent Choice Veterans, you must be within moderate income limits, which depends on your household size, type and total gross household income.

When we calculate your subsidy, we include the full amount of Commonwealth Rent Assistance as income, even if you haven’t applied for it or are not receiving it.

You must let us know within 28 days if there are any changes to your circumstances, including changes to income.

Is there an assets test?

You can receive Rent Choice Veterans if you have assets that you can’t access right now because of circumstances beyond your control. For example, you might be waiting on a superannuation or rehabilitation and compensation payment.

What help will I receive?

A Rent Choice Veterans subsidy is calculated according to your income. For the first 12 months, you pay 25% of your weekly household income plus 100% of any Commonwealth Rent Assistance you may be entitled to.

Once you have paid your share of the rent, we pay the rest directly to the landlord or agent. This is called a subsidy.

The amount you pay will gradually increase after 12 months, but we’ll chat to you about that closer to the time.

RSL LifeCare will help you to achieve your employment and educational objectives. The goal is for you to get a job and increase your income, which will help you to rent privately without our help after Rent Choice Veterans ends.

When your income increases, your share of the rent will be adjusted accordingly.

You may also receive:

  • Get Started: up to $850 to help pay a holding deposit on a property and costs associated with searching for and securing private rental accommodation such as transport costs, clothing and haircuts and photocopying ID.
  • Brokerage: to help pay for goods and services to set up a new home such as furniture, moving costs and study costs.

You can also apply for other types of private rental assistance, including:

  • Tenancy Facilitation: help to search and apply for private rental properties.
  • Private Rental Brokerage Service: help for eligible clients with complex needs to secure and sustain private rental accommodation.
  • Bond Extra: a guarantee of up to $1,500 over the rental bond amount that may be paid to landlords or agents if there are rental arrears and/or property damage when a Residential Tenancy Agreement ends.
  • Rentstart Bond Loan: an interest free loan to help pay up to four weeks’ bond.
  • Advance Rent: a grant to help pay for 1-2 weeks rent in advance at the start of a tenancy.

How will I know if a property is affordable?

A subsidy will only be approved for a property that is affordable. A property is considered affordable if the rent is no more than 50% of your income plus any Commonwealth Rent Assistance you may be entitled to receive.

You might receive a bigger subsidy in certain areas where the rent is higher.

How long will I receive help for?

Initially, the subsidy will be paid for three months and can be paid for up to 36 months (maximum). Every three months, we will review your need for the subsidy and see if you need more support.

Helpful contacts

If you need more information or support, contact or call:

You can also visit facs.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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Last updated: 16 Jul 2024