Immediate emergency housing need

A client has an immediate emergency housing need if, on the date of application for an Emergency Housing Grant, or during some or all of the next 7 nights, they:

• cannot remain in their usual place of residence (if any) and
• will not have access to other accommodation adequate for the needs of the client, their partner and dependent children (if any)

MSD must consider if the client can remain in their usual place of residence.

It may not be appropriate for the client to remain in their usual place of residence when remaining there would create or increase any risk to the wellbeing of the client, their partner, or dependent children (if any).

For example, a client needs to leave their usual place of residence as they are experiencing family violence.

MSD needs to consider if the client, their partner and dependent children (if any) have access to other accommodation adequate for their needs, even if it is only in the short-term.

This includes accommodation they can access from their own resources or other sources of assistance.

When the client does not have access to other accommodation adequate for their needs, MSD will need to check the availability of transitional housing providers before the client can get an Emergency Housing Grant.

Note the circumstances of the client, their partner, and dependent children (if any) must be considered when deciding if the client has access to other adequate accommodation.

If a client has access to other accommodation adequate for the short-term, but they are declining to stay there without a good reason, they do not have an immediate emergency housing need.

MSD cannot pay an Emergency Housing Grant if the client is not considered to have an immediate emergency housing need.