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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing,
To apply for public housing, you need to prove to the Office of Housing that you:
For more information on eligibility criteria, the application process and expected waiting times, visit the Department of Human Services website. You can access public housing application forms and guides in different languages here.
Demystifying waiting listsThere are four categories or ‘segments’ on the public housing waiting list, but they fall into two main categories:
To be on a waiting list, you must be linked and actively engaged with support services such as Centrelink. Income and asset limits apply and are based on Centrelink Healthcare Card limits for low-income earners. You can find out more about income and asset limits for all four housing segments here (link needed). Segment 1 — Homeless with supportYou are eligible to apply for this category if you or your family are:
A social or housing worker needs to apply on your behalf using the ‘Homeless with Support Application Form’ available here. Segment 2 — Supported housingTo be eligible for this category you must have a physical or mental disability or long-term health problem and currently be living in unsuitable housing. If you are eligible you will be put on the waiting list to receive the high personal support you need, and to have your current housing modified where necessary to ensure that you can live independently. Your support program worker must complete and submit on your behalf the ‘Supported Housing Assessment Form’, available here (link needed). Segment 3 — Special housing needsTo be eligible for this category your current housing must be unsuitable or insecure for any personal, health or family reason such as family violence. In addition, you must be unable to obtain more appropriate housing in the private rental market. The special housing needs category applies to:
Eligibility is assessed against the following categories:
For each of these possible reasons for moving, there are guidelines. Documentation is also required to prove your reasons for moving. Possible reasons for moving are:
You need documentation such as a report from a housing support officer (HSO) that confirms the number of bedrooms in the property, everyone who makes up the household and whether the entire household is appropriately housed. Alternatively, you can supply a report from a relevant community agency or healthcare professional that states your living conditions or housing environment have a detrimental effect on the people living there.
Segment 4 — General housing waiting listThis waiting list is known as the ‘general’ housing waiting list or ‘wait turn’ segment for people who need help, but not urgently. If you earn a low income and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for public housing yourself, and attach the necessary documents, using forms available here (link needed). To make a general public housing application, you will need to prove to the Office of Housing the list of criteria from the post ‘What Housing Options Do I Have?’. In addition, you will need to show that you do not own assets worth more than AUD $30 000. You can find out more from the Department of Housing here (link needed). To find your local Housing Office click here (link needed).
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