Priority social housing assistance is available if you are:
- experiencing domestic and family violence
- engaging in family restoration from out-of-home care.
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.
Applying for priority social housing assistance
As someone who is experiencing domestic and family violence or engaging in family restoration from out-of-home care, you will need to provide evidence to support your need for urgent housing. You can find more information on the Evidence requirements information sheet.
Your evidence should be included in your application for social housing and show:
- your current risk of homelessness to yourself or a household member
- that the lack of appropriate housing impacts your ability to have children restored
- an inability to resolve your housing need in the private market.
Useful documents include:
- evidence of the number of people in the 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. This could include Family Court papers, a Warrant of Possession or Apprehended Violence Order.
More information from you will help us to better assess the application. We may also request additional information, or an interview with you.
Next steps
We will contact you with the results of your application. If you are successful, we will add you to the NSW Housing Register, in the priority category.
You can also get in touch with us (or your provider) to update your details or to check on application.
Alternatives to social housing
If you are not eligible for social housing, you may be eligible for other supports. These include:
- private rental supports
- short-term temporary housing for up to 3 months.