The McGowan Government is making the first increase to income eligibility limits for social housing since 2006.
From Monday March 16, 2020, income eligibility limits will increase by $20 per week for single income households and $40 per week for dual income households.
These amounts increase by 25 per cent for households with a person with disability and 40 per cent if the household is living in the North-West or designated remote areas.
The increase affects both public housing and community housing tenancies that mirror public housing income eligibility limits.
The Department of Communities will conduct a more substantial review of the income eligibility limits later this year.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
“I am very pleased to announce an increase to social housing income eligibility limits which ensures those most in need remain eligible for social housing, while recognising there is a limited stock of properties to assist them.
“This change ensures ‘single age pensioners’ with no other income will remain eligible for social housing assistance when Centrelink makes its usual increases to pensions in 2020.
“Households with a person with a disability and those living in the North-West or remote areas will continue to be assessed against a higher income eligibility limit to account for their higher living costs.
“The new income eligibility limits will have no significant financial implications for the State Government, with all costs to be absorbed within current budgets.”
