Priority social housing assistance is available for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
Applying for social housing assistance
To be eligible for social housing you must:
- meet Australian residency requirements
- have income and assets within the eligibility limits
- be able to meet the responsibilities of tenancy with or without supports.
For information about how to apply, visit applying for social housing.
Assessing your eligibility for priority social housing
As someone who has experienced institutional child sexual abuse you do not need to show that you have an urgent housing need to be eligible for priority social housing assistance. However, if you can show us an urgent housing need, you may be given higher priority.
Your evidence should be included in your application for social housing and show:
- a successful application to the National Redress Scheme, or that you have accepted an offer of redress, or
- a civil compensation payment in relation to institutional child sexual abuse, and
- an inability to resolve your housing need in the private market.
Useful documents to help us better assess your application include:
- a letter from the National Redress Scheme, confirming a successful redress claim
- a letter confirming a civil compensation payment in relation to institutional child sexual abuse
- evidence of the number of people in your home (for large families)
- a letter from a support worker, advocate or health professional
- evidence of any unsuccessful attempts to rent a home
- associated medical assessments
- referrals from support providers
- supporting legal documentation.
We may also request additional information, or an interview with you.
Private rental alternatives to social housing
If you are not eligible for social housing, you may be eligible for other support, visit help renting in the private market.
All clients who have nowhere safe to stay can either attend their local Homes NSW Housing Social Housing Management Transfer (SHMT) CHP office or phone Link2Home on 1800 152 152 (24 hours a day).
Contact Homes NSW
Phone: 1800 422 322
National Redress Scheme
Phone: 1800 737 377
Online: National Redress Scheme