Hume Community Housing

Social Housing

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Social housing

Social housing is long-term rental housing for people on very low to moderate incomes that may be experiencing ‘rental stress’ in the private market. It can be provided by community housing organisations like Hume, the state government or by Aboriginal housing organisations.

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Affordable housing

Affordable housing exists to provide secure and reasonably priced rental options for individuals and families who are earning low to moderate incomes. It helps bridge the gap for those who find private rental housing too expensive but don’t qualify for social housing.

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Crisis housing

If you are facing a housing crisis in New South Wales, there are emergency accommodation options available to support you. These temporary housing solutions provide short-term relief, helping you secure a safe place to stay while you work on longer-term housing plans.

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Disability housing

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in New South Wales is housing designed specifically for individuals with significant functional impairments or high support needs. It is funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and provides options that allow tenants to live more independently while receiving the necessary supports.

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Transitional Housing

Hume Housing offers transitional housing programs designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. These programs provide short-term accommodation and support services to help participants transition into stable, long-term housing.

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Am I eligible?

To qualify for social housing, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the NSW Government. Read more about criteria, how to apply and other details here.

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Am I eligible?

To qualify for affordable housing, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the NSW Government. Read more about criteria, how to apply and other details here.

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Am I eligible?

To learn more about your options and how to access crisis accommodation, please contact us - we're here to help you during difficult times and ensure you have the support you need.

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Am I eligible?

Eligibility requirements are determined through the NDIS.

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Am I eligible?

To qualify for Transitional Housing you must be experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. You must also have a Commitment to Finding Long-Term Housing. Read more about the criteria and how to apply here.

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My home

Find everything you need to manage your tenancy at Hume, including how to report a repair, make a payment, submit a complaint, and learn about rent, water charges, and other support services. Click on the quick links for more information.

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Our goal is to ensure transparency and help you better understand your rent and water payments, so you feel confident and supported in your tenancy.

Support service finder

Helps connect you with local services and resources tailored to your specific needs, making it easier to access the support you require.

Have your circumstances changed? It’s important you let us know. Visit the Change of circumstances page for more information.

Building an inclusive and sustainable future together

Hume’s mission is to actively create and support sustainable and inclusive communities that thrive.

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What we do

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At a glance

~5000

total properties

$100m+

in property development pipeline

30+ years

What we do

At Hume Community Housing, we don’t just build homes—we create thriving, sustainable communities.

About us

What we do

Who we are

Our impact

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Social housing

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Development & growth

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Find a home

Social housing

Visit section

Am I eligible?

To qualify for social housing, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the NSW Government. Read more about criteria, how to apply and other details here.

Learn more

Affordable housing

Visit section

Am I eligible?

To qualify for affordable housing, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the NSW Government. Read more about criteria, how to apply and other details here.

Learn more

Crisis housing

Visit section

Am I eligible?

To learn more about your options and how to access crisis accommodation, please contact us - we're here to help you during difficult times and ensure you have the support you need.

Learn more

Disability housing

Visit section

Am I eligible?

Eligibility requirements are determined through the NDIS.

Learn more

My home

Visit section

Quick links

Request a repair

Make a payment

Compliments, complaints and appeals

Rent and water

Change of circumstances

Support service finder

Customer employment and training

Request a repair

Our goal is to ensure transparency and help you better understand your rent and water payments, so you feel confident and supported in your tenancy.

Support service finder

Helps connect you with local services and resources tailored to your specific needs, making it easier to access the support you require.

Development & growth

Building an inclusive and sustainable future together

Hume’s mission is to actively create and support sustainable and inclusive communities that thrive.

Visit section

Quick links

What we do

Our projects

Specialist Disability Accommodation

Partner with us

At a glance

~5000

total properties

$100m+

in property development pipeline

30+ years

About us

What we do

Who we are

Our impact

Work with us

Media and News

Publications

Find a home

Social housing

Affordable housing

Crisis housing

Disability housing

Transitional Housing Programs

My home

Request a repair

Make a payment

Compliments, complaints and appeals

Rent and water

Change of circumstances

Support service finder

Resources

Customer employment and training

Our communities

The Hume community

Become a partner

Your voice

Community spaces

Customer events

Senior hubs

Get in touch

Customer feedback

Development & growth

What we do

Our projects

Specialist Disability Accommodation

Partner with us

Looking for emergency accommodation?

Visit our Crisis housing page

1800 004 300

Accessibility

Quick exit

Social housing

Social housing provides secure, affordable rental homes

These homes are for individuals and families who may face challenges accessing private rental housing.

Social housing is managed by the NSW Government, community housing providers, and Aboriginal housing providers. Hume Housing is a registered provider of social housing in NSW.

Types of social housing

Public Housing

Managed by Homes NSW.

Community Housing

Run by non-profit organisations.

Aboriginal Housing

Offers culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Additional support available

Priority Housing

For urgent housing needs, faster placement may be available.

Temporary Accommodation

Assistance for those experiencing homelessness.

Support Services

Connecting you with healthcare, employment, or other support services.

How to apply for social housing

Housing Pathways is the central system for managing social housing applications in NSW.

Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office, and all participating community housing providers, including Hume Housing, share a single waiting list. You only need to apply once to be on the wait list.

Apply online

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online here. An email address is required.

Apply over the phone

Call the Homes NSW Housing Contact Centre at 1800 422 322 (Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm) to complete your application. Have your Medicare and Centrelink details ready.

What are the eligibility requirements for social housing?

To qualify for social housing applicants must:

Identity Proof of identity.

Income and Assets Evidence that your household is within the income eligibility limits.

Residency Proof of residency in NSW or an established need to live in NSW.

Citizenship You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Property Ownership Declare any property owned by you or anyone listed on your application.

Tenancy Capability Show that you can maintain a successful tenancy, with or without support.

Debt Repayments Repayment of any past social housing debts, if applicable.

Medical or Disability Needs Evidence of ongoing conditions that may impact your housing requirements.

Age You must generally be at least 18 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the housing system can feel overwhelming due to the amount of information available. To assist you, we’ve compiled a brief list of frequently asked questions.

If you’d prefer to speak with a member of our Housing Options team, you can reach us at 1800 004 300.

What happens once I've applied for 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.

What do I do if I want to apply for a social housing transfer?

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.

How much rent will I pay?

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.

How long are the waiting lists for social housing?

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.

What can impact the waiting time for housing?

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.

About Hume Community Housing

Hume Community Housing is a Tier 1 community housing provider offering social housing, affordable housing, crisis accommodation, disability housing, and transitional housing programs across New South Wales. The organisation builds new properties, manages over 5,000 properties, and provides tenancy sustainment and management services to more than 9,000 customers.

Industry

Non-profit community housing

Head office

Fairfield, New South Wales, Australia

Company size

51-200

Founded

1994

Social housingAffordable housingCrisis housingDisability housingTransitional housingTenancy managementCommunity housing development

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