Centrelink · 4 min read
Your pension and Rent Assistance
The price you pay to move in can change how Centrelink treats you for the Age Pension and Rent Assistance. Here’s the general idea.
If you pay more than the limit
You'd be treated as a homeowner for the Age Pension. Your entry payment isn't counted in the assets test, and Rent Assistance isn't paid on the fees.
If you pay the limit or less
You'd be treated as a non-homeowner for the Age Pension. Rent Assistance may be paid on the rent and fees.
In a land lease community
You own the home, so you're a homeowner for the Age Pension. Because you don't own the land, Rent Assistance may be paid on the site fees.
For couples
As a couple, you'd be treated as homeowners for the Age Pension. This assumes you each pay half the entry payment.
Where you’ll see this
Each village page has a short “Pension and Rent Assistance” guide, and the compare page has one line for each village. They’re worked out from the village’s price alone.
This is general information, not financial advice. Services Australia makes the final decision. The limit used is $267,000, from 1 July 2026. Services Australia’s free Financial Information Service can check your situation.