We provide housing assistance, such as social housing or private housing assistance products, including a bond loan or rental grant, for people exiting correctional facilities.
Our client intake and assessment process will be used to determine which form of housing assistance will best meet your housing needs at the time you exit the correctional facility.
Eligibility
To be eligible for housing assistance you must meet the social housing eligibility criteria and your application must be made within 12 months of your release date.
Note: If your release date is greater than 12 months from the date when you lodge your application, you are ineligible for housing assistance. However, you can reapply once your release date is less than 12 months away.
If your application for housing assistance is approved, your name will be placed on the housing register according to your level of housing need.
See the fact sheet Eligibility for housing assistance for more information.
What evidence do I need to supply with my application?
Your housing needs will be assessed on what your housing circumstances and needs will be when you are released. You will have to demonstrate that you meet all eligibility criteria and provide evidence to verify your release date is within 12 months from the date you lodge your application. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, written evidence of any conditions attached to your release.
Note: If you are on a Court Ordered Parole (for sentences three years or less), you will have a definite release date which you will need to provide evidence of. If your sentence is for longer than three years, you will have a parole hearing to establish a definite release date (also referred to as parole date). The parole date is not a release date. You will need to provide evidence verifying your actual release date.
You will also need to provide evidence to confirm that on release:
- you will be homeless or at risk of homelessness
- you need to live in a specific location in order to access essential services, gain employment, meet cultural obligations, gain access to children or for family/informal support, and you cannot access housing in that location
- you have a need for a particular design and/or size of housing to meet your household's needs and ensure that there are no health and safety risks
- you will be paying an unaffordable amount of your income in rent.
How do I apply for housing assistance?
- Complete the Application for Housing Assistance form and attach the necessary evidence to support your application.
- Mail or fax the application form to your nearest Housing Service Centre for assessment.
We will advise you of the decision in writing or will contact you if more information is required.
Refer to the fact sheet Eligibility for housing assistance for more information.
Need more information?
Please contact the Call Centre on 1300 132 912.
