Social housing

After submitting your application:

• Assessment: Your application will be reviewed based on urgency and need.
• Updates: You’ll receive email and SMS updates from Homes NSW.
• Added to the waiting list: If approved, you will be added to the NSW Housing Register.

To check the status of your application or make changes, contact Hume Housing or any Housing Pathways provider.

When you reach the top of the list, you will receive one or two reasonable offers of suitable housing in your selected locations. Declining a reasonable offer may result in removal from the waiting list.

For more information or assistance, contact your local housing provider.

As a social housing customer, you can apply for a transfer to another property, if your home is no longer suitable for your needs.

Check Eligibility: Before starting your application, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a Social Housing transfer which include:

• You are at risk
• You are under occupying your current home
• Your current home no longer meets your needs due to a medical condition
• There has been a family breakdown
• You are experiencing serious harassment
• There is severe overcrowding in your home
• You or your partner has been offered a job in a location it is impractical to travel to
• You can demonstrate compassionate reasons e.g. need to move closer to support networks or special facilities
• Moderate overcrowding in your current home

Contact Your Housing Provider: If you’re already a social housing customer, the first step is to reach out to your current housing provider or local housing office. They will guide you on the specific steps and the transfer process. If you are not currently a customer, you will need to apply for Social Housing first.

Gather Required Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents to support your application, such as identification, proof of income, and any other paperwork relevant to your current housing situation.

Submit an Application: You can submit your application through your local housing office or online via the NSW Government’s Housing website. Be clear about why you need a transfer, such as changes in household circumstances, health needs, or the condition of your current property.

Wait for an Assessment: Once your application is received, it will be assessed based on your circumstances, eligibility, and the availability of suitable housing. You may be asked for additional information during this time.

Follow Up: Stay in touch with your housing provider to track the progress of your transfer request. If there are delays, ask for an update or clarification on the next steps.

If you live in social housing, you’ll likely be eligible for a rent subsidy. This means your rent is generally calculated as:

• 25% of your gross household income, plus
• 100% of any Commonwealth Rent Assistance you receive.
• This approach ensures rent remains affordable while considering your financial situation.

Click here for more information on rent subsidies.

Waiting times for social housing vary significantly based on the allocation zone you select when completing your application. Additionally, applicants with approved priority housing needs are placed ahead of those without priority, which can further impact waiting times.

To improve your chances of being allocated a home sooner, consider choosing to be housed by either Housing NSW or a Community Housing Provider.

For detailed information about waiting times, visit the Interactive Expected Waiting Times Dashboard.

Your waiting time for social housing depends on several factors, including:

• Availability of Homes: The number of suitable vacancies and the total social housing properties in your chosen allocation zone.
• Demand in Your Area: The number of other approved applicants looking for the same type of property in your zone.
• Housing Preferences: Whether you are open to public housing, community housing, or Aboriginal housing (if eligible).
• Priority Applications: Applicants with approved priority housing needs are placed higher on the list, which may affect your position.

Being flexible with your preferences and allocation zone can help improve your chances of being housed sooner.