Apply for priority housing

You must be eligible for social housing to apply for priority housing in the Northern Territory.

You can apply for priority housing if you:

• are a young person transitioning from the care of Territory Families
• are homeless
• are experiencing domestic or family violence
• are experiencing serious social issues
• have a serious permanent medical condition.

If your application is approved, you will go on a waiting list.

Depending on the location and type of housing you need, it may be years before you get an offer of social housing.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps:

Step 1. Check you are eligible

Check you meet the above criteria.

Step 2. Read the application

Read the information at the beginning of the housing application so you understand what you need to do.

Application for social housing DOCX (532.6 KB)
Application for social housing PDF (1.1 MB)

Step 3. Collect the documents you need

You will need to provide documents to support your application and prove your need for priority.

As well as all the information needed to apply for social housing, you may also have to provide a:

• letter from your doctor or medical specialist
• letter from your social worker or support agency
• copy of a current domestic violence order or a police report.

Step 4. Fill in the application

Fill in the application, including part B - request for priority housing or transfer.

Application for social housing DOCX (532.6 KB)
Application for social housing PDF (1.1 MB)

Step 5. Take your application to a housing office

Take your application and supporting documents to your local housing office.

Ask the housing officer to check your application. They will tell you if you need to provide any more information.

If more information is required, the housing officer will return your application to you. They will ask you to return and submit it when you have all the documentation required for assessment.

They may also ask you to make an appointment to go through your application and the information you have provided to help them assess your need for priority housing.

If your application is approved

You will be sent a letter to confirm your application has been approved and you will be placed on a waiting list.

You will be offered accommodation when you reach the top of the wait list and a suitable property becomes available.

If your application is not approved

You will be sent a letter explaining why your application has not been approved.

All priority applications that are not approved are automatically reviewed a second time before this letter is sent to you.

The letter will also tell you how to appeal the decision.

If you're eligible for general housing, your application will be added to the general housing wait list and you will be offered accommodation when it is your turn.

Short term accommodation

If you need immediate help, the ShelterMe website offers an online directory with information about accommodation options and support services across the NT including:

• crisis
• transitional
• short term
• low cost options
• supported accommodation
• other services.

Other options include applying for an interest free loan to get into a private rental accommodation.

You can also look in the Yellow Pages for hostels, boarding houses or motels in your area.

For more information, contact your local housing office.