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Prior debts with the Department of Housing

A prior debt is the term given when you owe money to the department after you received some form of housing assistance in the past. The money owed may be for rent or maintenance or for a bond loan.

Can I apply for housing assistance if I have a debt with the department?

Yes, you can still apply for housing assistance and be placed on the register of need, but the department may decide not to house you until the debt has been fully repaid.

You can arrange to pay off the debt in small repayments while you are waiting to be housed.

Does my waiting time start from when my debt is fully paid?

No. Your waiting time starts when you lodge your application form.

While you are paying off your debt, you continue to move up the register of need, but you will not be offered a home until the debt has been fully repaid.

How do I know if I have a debt with the department?

On your application form for housing, you are asked to provide details about any previous assistance provided by the department. Staff will check to see if a debt exists, and if so, you are notified.

If you are not sure if you have a debt before you lodge an application, check with your nearest Department of Housing office.

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How do I make my repayments?

To make repayments, ask your nearest Department of Housing office for a payment card. Use this card to pay at any Australia Post office or agency.

Alternatively, you can have your payments to the department paid straight from your Centrelink payments (except for Family Tax Benefit A and B), bank, building society or credit union account. Because this is done automatically, it saves you time and effort and gives you the assurance that your payments are made on time every time.

This service is completely free of charges from the department or Centrelink, however your financial institution may charge you a transaction fee.

See income declaration within How to apply for housing assistance to apply for this service.

What do I do if I have repaid all the debt?

Advise the department when your debt is repaid, so an offer of housing can proceed once you reach the top of the register of need.

Keep all your receipts because departmental staff may need to verify they have all the correct and latest records.

What if my debt was from many years ago?

It doesn't matter how old the debt is - it must be fully repaid before you will be housed.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, contact your nearest Department of Housing office.