The Ongoing Eligibility policy allows the department to consider whether a household has improved its circumstances and no longer needs housing assistance subsidised by the Queensland Government.
This policy was introduced in November 2006 to help determine those people with the greatest housing need and ensure they continued to be supported for the duration of their need.
In November this year, households deemed ineligible for ongoing housing assistance were sent a letter giving them six months to vacate their departmental property.
Households are ineligible for ongoing assistance in the following circumstances:
High income
If the combined gross income of the tenant/s and spouse exceeds $80,000 per year, these tenants can afford to meet their own housing needs in the private market.
Property ownership
If a household owns or part owns property, they can use this property to house themselves.
Failure to provide requested information
If the household fails to return requested information to enable their eligibility for ongoing housing assistance to be assessed, they are deemed ineligible for housing assistance. They may also be required to pay the market rent for the property until they provide the requested information or vacate the premises.
Anyone found to be no longer eligible for housing assistance can ask the department to review their household's individual circumstances. Each case will be considered individually, according to the specific circumstances affecting that household.
For more information about the Ongoing Eligibility policy, please contact your nearest Department of Housing office.
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