Emergency Housing: Contents
Determining maximum per night rates
Only actual and reasonable costs for emergency housing accommodation can be paid.
As a guideline, in most areas, the following maximum limits should be applied.
Maximum payment rates
Accommodation type | Hostel (e.g. backpackers/night shelter | Motel |
Single/couple without children | Up to $40 each per night | Up to $140 per night |
Sole parent with 1 child | Not applicable - would not house children in a hostel | Up to $140 per night |
Couple with 1 child Sole parent with 2 children | Not applicable - would not house children in a hostel | Up to $175 per night |
Couple with 2 or more children Sole parent with 3 or more children | Not applicable - would not house children in a hostel | Up $260 per night |
Paying a rate higher than the maximum rates
There are some circumstances when MSD can pay above these rates.
For example:
- when there is no adequate accommodation to meet the needs of the client and their immediate family within the rate. This could be due to the actual accommodation rates in the area (e.g. night rates in major cities may be higher than the guideline)
- there are no available places at motels in the area within the per night guideline amount (this may be due to an event on in the area, that has increased the per night rate)
- where essential features required by the client and their partner and dependent children (if any) have increased the per night price above the maximum. For example:
- requirement for cooking facilities
- wheelchair accessibility
- the location of the cheapest accommodation means it is an unreasonable distance to travel for schooling, work, or medical needs
