Lyla Lindsey
Australia has a range of housing support options available for those who need them. The Australian Government's $1.5 billion Housing Support Program (HSP) is a measure designed to help achieve the National Housing Accord's target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over 5 years from 1 July 2024. There are three streams under the HSP, which aim to support the delivery of increased housing supply by funding projects that deliver enabling infrastructure and provide amenities to support new housing development or improve building planning capability. Additionally, social housing is available for people on low to moderate incomes who have a housing need. This includes public housing properties managed by Homes NSW and the Aboriginal Housing Office, and community housing properties managed by not-for-profit, non-government registered community housing organizations. To apply for housing support, you can submit an application form online or by phone, providing evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria.
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for housing support
General Eligibility Criteria
When applying for social housing, individuals can choose to receive offers from any social housing provider, a specific provider, or a community housing provider. The eligibility criteria for social housing focus on assisting clients with low incomes who need support to live independently or find affordable housing in the private market.
To be eligible for housing support, applicants must demonstrate their ability to sustain a successful tenancy, provide evidence of their income, and show that they meet the general eligibility criteria for housing assistance. This includes providing evidence of any former debts to a social housing provider and any ongoing medical conditions or disabilities that impact their housing needs.
State-Specific Requirements
Queensland
In Queensland, applicants for public and community housing must meet specific criteria. They must either live in Queensland or prove a definite need to move to the state. Additionally, they must not own or part-own any property in Australia or overseas.
To be eligible, applicants must have at least one acceptable reason for needing to move, such as homelessness, the likelihood of becoming homeless, or experiencing domestic or family violence. They must also demonstrate at least one financial need, showing significant financial difficulties in meeting their housing needs.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, the eligibility criteria for social housing concentrate on assisting clients with low incomes. Applicants must provide proof of their income, and there are income eligibility limits and assessment rules. Permanent residents with no income can apply, and certain expenses, such as those due to a disability or medical condition, may result in a higher income limit.
South Australia
In South Australia, eligibility for public housing is determined by meeting specific conditions, including income and asset limits. Former tenants of public or Aboriginal housing whose lease agreements were ended for reasons other than antisocial behaviour can register but may face a waiting period before being rehoused.
Individuals with outstanding debts to the SA Housing Trust can register but will not be offered public housing until they have an active arrangement to repay the debt. Similarly, bankrupt individuals with outstanding debts can register but may only be offered housing in Aboriginal communities under certain conditions.
It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria may vary across different states and housing providers in Australia. Applicants should refer to the relevant state or housing provider's website for detailed and up-to-date information.
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Evidence requirements for the application
When applying for housing support in Australia, several evidence requirements must be met. The specific requirements may vary depending on the state and individual circumstances, but here is a general overview:
Financial and Asset Information:
- Provide evidence of all liquid assets owned by you and your household members, including bank statements, investments, and property ownership.
- Demonstrate your household's income falls within the eligibility limits.
- If applicable, provide information on any former debts owed to a social housing provider.
Medical Conditions and Disabilities:
- If you or a household member has a medical condition or disability that impacts your housing needs, submit relevant evidence. This could include a medical report from your doctor outlining the nature and seriousness of the condition and how it affects your current housing situation.
- You may also need to provide written advice from an occupational therapist or other health or support providers, detailing how the condition restricts your daily living activities.
- A support statement completed by you, an advocate, or a support worker/health professional outlining your specific needs and situation may also be required.
Current Housing Conditions:
- If your current housing lacks essential facilities or has health and safety issues, you may need to provide confirmation from a relevant community or support agency that your living conditions are inappropriate.
- For health and safety issues related to the structural condition or size of the property, you can submit documentation from the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) or a report from a qualified tradesperson/building inspector.
- If you need to move due to issues with your current housing, provide evidence of the reasons, especially if it lacks access to essential services or transport.
Residency and Citizenship:
- Prove your residency in the state or territory you are applying to, or establish a need to live there.
- Provide evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
Additional Requirements:
- If you are applying for a Rentstart Bond Loan, you must have already found a property to rent.
- If you are Aboriginal, or someone in your household is, you may be eligible for Aboriginal housing and can choose to be listed for this option.
- If you have a guardian, administrator, or support person helping with your application, ensure you have the necessary documentation outlining their role in supporting you.
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How to submit your application
To submit your application for Australian housing support, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes being a resident of the relevant state or having an established need to live there, being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and demonstrating a financial need. Additionally, you must not own or part-own any property in Australia or overseas. If you are eligible, you can then proceed to submit your application.
There are two ways to apply for housing assistance: online or by phone. Applying online is generally the quickest and simplest way. To apply online, you will need an email address and can start by clicking the "Apply for Housing" link on the relevant government website. You can also apply by phone by calling the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
When submitting your application, you will need to provide evidence for yourself and each person on your application aged 18 or over. This includes evidence of income and assets, residency, citizenship or permanent residency, and any medical conditions or disabilities that impact your housing needs. You may also need to provide evidence of your ability to sustain a successful tenancy and any former debts to a social housing provider. If you have a medical condition or disability, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor, written advice from a health professional, or a support statement completed by you or your advocate.
If you are already a tenant of a social housing provider, you can still apply for housing assistance. Additionally, if you have found a property to rent and only want to apply for a Rentstart Bond Loan, you can complete the Rentstart Bond Loan online application. It is important to note that being eligible for housing assistance does not guarantee that you will be offered a home, as priority is given to those with more urgent and complex needs.
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Housing support for people with disabilities
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government initiative that provides funding for various accommodation options, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), and Group Homes. These options are intended to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
To apply for housing support, individuals can utilise platforms like the Housing Hub, which assists in finding suitable housing options and provides resources and guides to navigate the process. Additionally, organisations like People with Disability Australia (PWDA) offer information, referrals, and advocacy services to help resolve housing-related issues. They can be contacted via their toll-free number, 1800 422 015, or through their website.
When applying for housing assistance, individuals may be required to provide evidence of their disability and its impact on their housing needs. This can include medical reports, advice from health professionals, and support statements outlining their specific requirements. The Disability Housing Information Officer, accessible by calling 1800 643 787, can provide further guidance on navigating housing options and enforcing rights.
In New South Wales, individuals can apply for social housing, which includes public and community housing options. The application process involves submitting evidence of eligibility, such as age, residency, and the need for housing support. The NSW Housing Register maintains a waiting list, and priority is given to those with urgent housing needs. Additionally, emergency temporary accommodation is available for up to three months, or longer in cases of natural disasters.
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Temporary housing options
Temporary accommodation is available for those who are homeless or have an urgent housing need. This includes people escaping domestic and family violence. Temporary accommodation is short-term accommodation in low-cost motels or caravan parks, provided by Homes NSW and some community housing providers. The number of days offered depends on your circumstances and housing needs. There is no entitlement to a specific number of days, but most people find other accommodation quickly and are offered temporary accommodation for a few days, which can then be extended if needed.
You can apply for temporary accommodation by completing an online Application for Housing Assistance form. You will need to let the housing office know as soon as you find somewhere else to stay, as temporary accommodation will not be extended and will be offered to someone else who needs it. You will also need to contribute to the cost of the accommodation unless you are escaping domestic and family violence.
If you are in temporary accommodation, you will need to go into or call your housing provider's office to discuss your housing needs within three nights of your initial temporary accommodation commencing, or within two nights if you are in extended temporary accommodation. You will also need to fill out some forms, including a Change of Circumstances form.
Temporary accommodation can help you find other suitable accommodation, such as crisis accommodation, share accommodation, or a private rental. This might be a short-term option like a place at a Specialist Homelessness Service or boarding house, or a longer-term option like sharing or renting a place.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for housing support in Australia by completing an application form online or by phone. You must be aged 18 or over to apply, although there are some exceptions for 16 and 17-year-olds. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility, including citizenship or residency status, income, assets, and any medical conditions or disabilities that affect your housing needs.
The Australian Housing Support Program is a $1.5 billion initiative by the Australian government to help achieve the National Housing Accord's target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over 5 years from 1 July 2024. The program has three streams, with funding allocated to state, territory, and local governments to increase housing supply and improve planning capabilities.
When applying for housing support in Australia, you will typically need to provide evidence of your eligibility, including:
- Citizenship or permanent residency of Australia.
- Income and assets to demonstrate that your household is within the income eligibility limits.
- Any land or property that you or anyone on your application owns or part-owns.
- Your ability to sustain a successful tenancy, with or without support.
- Any ongoing medical conditions or disabilities that impact your housing needs.
