The ACT Government has restored the Rent Relief Fund it cancelled last year to the community sector’s dismay.

A new $5.2 million Housing Crisis Support Fund offers short-term grants covering up to four weeks’ rent, capped at $2,500, like the previous fund, and a $250 Crisis Support Payment to help with essential household expenses such as utilities, insurance, and basic furnishings. It is expected to help more than 3,300 Canberrans through crisis support payments and rental subsidies.

Housing peak body ACT Shelter and the broader community sector strongly advocated for this kind of support to return, CEO Corinne Dobson said.

“We welcome the Government listening to the evidence and responding to clear community need. Reinstating this crisis support payment, together with sustained action across the housing system, are vital to ensure more people can access and remain in secure, stable and affordable housing over the long term.”

ACTCOSS CEO Dr Devin Bowles was also “pleased that the ACT Government has listened to the sector and responded”.

“Supporting people in acute financial stress to remain in their home is one of the most impactful investments a government can make,” Dr Bowles said.

“The Housing Crisis Support Fund will provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable renters experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship. This relief is critical when we know the increasing cost-of-living means choices between going hungry or keeping a roof over your head.

 “The fund will reduce pressure on Canberra’s limited social housing, so it is a significant and impactful financial investment for the ACT Government. The security of being able to stay where you live is fundamental to wellbeing and staying out of crisis.”

The Housing Crisis Support Fund is part of a new $7.4 million funding package in this year’s ACT Budget to help Canberrans facing cost-of-living pressures.

Food relief services will receive more funding to support increased demand, due to pressures from fuel supply disruptions and broader economic impacts.

Charities have reported new families seeking help every month — including full-time, white-collar workers who can no longer afford meals, rent, or mortgage. 36 per cent of Canberrans found it difficult to buy food last year, and demand for food relief has increased by a quarter; some services saw demand increase by 75 per cent.

“Community organisations are on the frontline of supporting Canberrans through rising cost of living pressures, and we’re backing them to continue that vital work,” Suzanne Orr MLA, minister for disability, carers, and community services, said. “By strengthening food relief and emergency assistance, this Budget ensures people can access the essentials they need, when they need them, with dignity and respect.”

 “Any additional funding for food relief services is a timely response to community concern while pressures from fuel supply disruptions are stretching services where demand has been far exceeding supply,” Dr Bowles said.

The Education Equity Fund — which helps students with school-related costs such as uniforms, books, excursions and extracurricular activities — will be expanded by $977,000. In 2025, the fund helped more than 6,200 students.

“The Education Equity Fund eases financial pressures on families, so students don’t miss out on school experiences such as excursions, sports activities, and music lessons,” deputy chief minister Yvette Berry MLA said. “There are Canberrans doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures, and the Education Equity Fund can help families right now.”

The Budget also provides extra funding for the Emergency Material and Financial Aid scheme, which helps people facing sudden financial pressure. The money will help community organisations delivering the scheme and Canberrans affected by fuel supply disruptions.

The Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate has been permanently increased to $800 a year. This helps around 40,000 people every year pay for utilities.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome recognition that too many Canberrans are under pressure from rising rents and broader cost-of-living increases,” Ms Dobson said. “Relentless cost-of-living pressures, a persistently tight rental market, and an uptick in unemployment are combining in ways that are hitting the most financially vulnerable households hardest, particularly those already struggling to keep up with rent… Even small amounts of timely assistance can be the difference between a household staying securely housed or falling into homelessness.”

“Food security, stable housing, and access to education and essential services are fundamental to the wellbeing of our community,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “They are priorities we will always invest in. At a time when many are doing it tough, we want the community, particularly the Canberrans experiencing hardship, to know we’re focused on providing real, practical support to help people get through difficult times.”