Waiting for housing assistance
When you are accepted as eligible for housing assistance, your application is placed on the register of need for the areas you have listed for.
Firstly, you will need to decide:
- the type of housing you wish to live in; and
- where you would like to live (nominate six suburbs).
These choices determine which waiting lists you join.
How long will I have to wait until I get a home?
Your housing application is placed on the register of need in a queue behind people who have chosen their suburbs before you. You will have to wait until your name reaches the top of the register of need for the areas you have listed for before you are offered a home.
The department cannot tell you how long your wait will be. As a guide, however, they can tell you how long the last person with the same preferred areas as you, had to wait for a home.
Waiting times are affected by several factors, including:
- the number of homes that become available in the suburbs you have selected;
- the number of people listed for housing that meets specific needs in the area you want to live in;
- the number of people who have applied before you and want to live in your selected suburbs;
- the number of people who have selected other areas, but have decided they want to move across to the same areas as you; and
- the construction or purchase of more housing in the area you would like to live in.
These factors can change very quickly.
What if I need housing urgently?
If you require emergency housing, contact the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service or your nearest Department of Housing office for a list of emergency housing providers.
In special circumstances, the department may consider offering you a home as soon as possible - this is known as Housing Assistance - Specific Needs.
If your circumstances are serious and you cannot wait, contact the department to discuss your needs.
Can I change the areas I have listed for?
Yes, you can change your mind about where you want to live up until the time you're offered housing. Any waiting time you have already earned for one area, still counts for the new areas you select.
What if I no longer need housing assistance?
If you no longer need housing assistance, ask the department to remove your name from the register of need.
Last updated 07 July 2005
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