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Social Housing

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About this service FAQs

Social Housing in Victoria

Social housing is for people on low incomes who need housing. Unison provides long-term social housing in Melbourne’s inner city, north, west, and Geelong. Our homes include apartments, units and houses for individuals, couples and families who meet social housing eligibility limits and who are approved, or can apply to register for, the Victorian Housing Register. We are committed to ensuring tenants gain access to the support, resources and opportunities needed to sustain their housing, feel at home, and connect with their local community.

Please note: Eligibility for social housing is assessed by Housing Victoria through the Victorian Housing Register, not by Unison. Read our Social Housing FAQs to find out more.

Social Housing FAQs

What is social housing?

Social housing provides rental housing for people on low incomes. It includes both public housing and community housing.

  • Public housing is managed by Housing Victoria.
  • Community housing is managed by not-for-profit organisations, like Unison.

Please note: while Community Housing organisations manage social housing properties, we do not assess eligibility. Applications are managed by Housing Victoria.

Who is eligible for social housing?

To be eligible for social housing, you must live in Victoria and meet certain income and asset limits. Eligibility is assessed by Housing Victoria, not Unison. Visit the Housing Victoria website to view eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for social housing?

You can apply for social housing online through the Victorian Housing Register. Wait times for social housing are often long, and applications are evaluated by Housing Victoria. You can find instructions on how to apply on the Housing Victoria website.

Can Unison assist me with applying for social housing?

If you live in Melbourne’s West, our Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Team can assist you with getting on the Victorian Housing Register and applying for social housing. Please contact us or visit us to find out more.

Seddon

  • Call: 03 9689 2777 (Mon–Fri, 9am-5pm)
  • Drop-in: 112-122 Victoria Street, Seddon VIC 3011 (Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm)

Werribee

  • Call: 03 9216 0300 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
  • Drop-in: 70 Cottrell Street, Werribee VIC 3030 (Mon–Fri, 9am-1pm)

Alternatively, you can fill out a short needs assessment online by completing the IAP Application Form.

If you are outside these areas, call the Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line on 1800 825 955 (open 24/7) for help.

What happens if I don’t meet the requirements for social housing?

If you’re not eligible, consider other housing options like affordable housing. Affordable housing is secure rental housing offered to low to moderate income households. To apply for Unison affordable housing you can view our listings on realestate.com.au and click the “Get in touch’ button. If you are unsure about whether you are eligible, fill-in our self assessment form.

What types of properties are available in social housing?

Properties range from apartments to houses, varying in size and location.

How long will I have to wait for social housing?

Wait times will depend on a number of factors, including preferred location, the number of applications already on the Victorian Housing Register, the priority of housing needs, the number of homes in demand in your area and special location requirements. If you want to follow-up the progress of your housing application, please contact Housing Victoria.

How long can I stay in social housing?

Social housing offers what’s called security of tenure, which means that the tenant has the right to stay in their home without being asked to leave, so long as they meet the legal obligations of their tenancy.

How much rent do you pay in social housing?

Depending on the type of tenancy rent is usually set at 25% or 30% of the total assessable income of all household members over 18 years of age, plus any relevant charges.

Is there any support available while I’m in social housing?

The Tenancy Plus Support Program offers assistance to public housing renters who need support or financial help. Services include help with sustaining tenancies and accessing other support services.

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