Housing assistance for people with a disability
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Housing for people with disabilities is available through the Department of Housing’s housing assistance program. People with any type of disability, either physical, intellectual, sensory or psychiatric, which affects their housing need, can apply to receive assistance to find appropriate housing.
Eligibility
To be eligible for housing assistance, you must meet certain conditions. See eligibility for housing assistance for more information. Income criteria for applicants with disabilities may vary from those listed: please enquire at your nearest Department of Housing office.
Can someone help me with my application?
Yes. If you have difficulty expressing your housing needs, a friend or an advocate can help you apply for housing. The department is able to provide an interpreter if you require one.
How do I apply?
Contact your nearest Department of Housing office to make an appointment for an interview to discuss your eligibility and housing needs, for example:
- where you want to live;
- how many bedrooms you are entitled to; and
- specific housing needs you or your household may have.
Please also advise the department that you wish to be identified as having a disability.
Departmental staff will advise which documents you need to bring to the interview, for example, proof of identification forms, evidence of your household’s income, evidence of citizenship or residency, evidence of any specific housing needs and supporting documentation to verify your urgent housing circumstances.
If you are eligible for housing assistance, you may be contacted by an occupational therapist employed by the department to discuss your housing requirements.
The department assists clients with disabilities by:
- modifying dwellings to meet the needs of clients;
- assessing requests for an additional bedroom for a live-in carer or a bedroom to store disability-related equipment;
- arranging individual tenancy agreements for people who are sharing housing in order to share support funding; and
- having an occupational therapist assess individual needs. This information is then passed on to the department to ensure that suitable housing is provided.
Types of housing
The department has a variety of housing options from which you can choose. Housing ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to family houses is available. The type of housing you may be eligible for will depend on your needs, your household composition and the availability of housing in the areas of your choice. See housing types and bedroom entitlements for more information.
How long will I have to wait?
Your application is placed on the register of need. Enquire at your nearest Department of Housing office for details.
If you require housing urgently, you can apply to the department for housing that meets specific needs. Contact your nearest Department of Housing office to discuss your needs. See eligibility for Housing Assistance - Specific Needs for further details.
What if I need to keep a pet in my home?
If you need a pet because of your disability, the department will consider your application. However, you will need a letter from a counsellor, doctor, member of the clergy or family member containing suitable evidence to support your application. To apply to keep a pet in departmental properties, complete the 
pet application (116Kb) form.
What if my needs are not physical?
The department considers the housing needs of all applicants with a disability if that need is for:
- health and safety reasons;
- independence; and
- quality of life.
You'll need to discuss your housing need with departmental staff when you apply for housing assistance.
What if my circumstances change?
You must tell the department as soon as possible so changes can be considered in allocating you housing assistance. See while you are waiting for housing assistance for more information.
What if I need a room for a live-in carer or room for equipment?
If you require an extra bedroom for:
- a live-in carer;
- special equipment;
- health issues; or
- other support needs,
these will be considered on application.
Awaiting support
If you require support to assist you to live in your own home, you can still apply for housing. Allocation of housing is not dependent on the guarantee of support, but you may wish to defer your application if support is unavailable when you have reached the top of the waiting list.
Home modifications for existing tenants
If you are a Department of Housing tenant, you can apply for home modifications if disability or health restricts your ability to do normal household activities. Modifications are available if either you or someone in your family has a disability.
There are several types of help available such as changes to bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, or the installation of grab rails and ramps.
The aim of modifications is to maximise your independence and safety in your home. However, some modifications may not be possible.
Contact your nearest Department of Housing office to have your needs assessed by an occupational therapist. See modifications to your rental home for more information.
Fact sheets that will help you to apply for housing assistance
Ask your Department of Housing office for a copy of the following fact sheets to help you make your choices:
- Eligibility for housing assistance
- Applying for housing assistance
- Types of housing
- Bedroom entitlements
- Housing Assistance – Specific Needs
- Pets in departmental properties
- While you are waiting for housing assistance
- Modifications to departmental properties.
Further assistance
For further assistance, please contact your local Department of Housing office.
Last updated 14 June 2007
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