Apply for social or affordable housing

How to apply for social or affordable housing

Mission Australia Housing offers social and affordable housing for people on low to moderate incomes who need a safe, stable place to live. Here's how to check if you're eligible, understand the process, and apply through the right pathway.

Applying for affordable housing

Affordable housing is for people on low to moderate incomes who may not qualify for social housing. It offers rental homes at reduced rates to help you access secure, long-term housing.

You may be eligible if you:

Live in NSW or TAS
Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have a low to moderate income (within limits)
Don’t own or part-own a home
Can manage a tenancy independently or with support

Check income limits for affordable housing in NSW & TAS below:

You can apply directly to Mission Australia Housing. Here’s how it works:

1. Check if you’re eligible

See eligibility criteria for your state.

2. Complete the application form and provide supporting documents

You can:

Apply online (takes about 10–15 minutes)
Request a paper form
Apply by phone if you need help

3. We’ll assess your application

We’ll contact you to confirm we’ve received your form and to advise you of the outcome.

4. If you’re eligible and a suitable home becomes available, we’ll be in touch.

Need help with your application? Call 1800 269 672, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Applying for social housing

Social housing includes public and community housing that offers safe, secure homes for people on low incomes or with complex needs.

It’s usually long-term housing, managed by government or community housing providers like Mission Australia Housing. Properties are rented at reduced rates to help people maintain stable housing.

Eligibility is set by each state or territory government. Generally, social housing is for people on low incomes or those facing difficult circumstances. You may be eligible if you:

Are on a low income
Have experienced homelessness
Need to move due to medical or health needs
Live with a disability and require support
Are escaping family or domestic violence

Check your eligibility and apply for social housing in your state or territory: myGov – Social, Public & Community Housing

You can’t apply directly to Mission Australia Housing for social housing. You need to apply through your state or territory’s housing system.

If you're eligible and we have a suitable home, we may contact you. Apply through your state:

Once your application is submitted:

The state assesses it
If eligible, you're added to the State Housing Register
Mission Australia Housing may offer you a property if there’s a match
Wait times vary depending on your location and housing availability

Looking for transitional housing?

Transitional housing is available for people in crisis or going through major life changes, like homelessness, job loss or family violence. You can’t apply directly, but you can connect with a service that can support you.

Find transitional housing support