Payment

If a client qualifies for an Emergency Housing Grant, MSD can pay for the actual and reasonable costs of adequate emergency housing. MSD must also consider the supplier status of the emergency housing accommodation before deciding to pay.

It is important to only grant the Emergency Housing Grant for the number of nights of accommodation the client needs. Generally 7 days would allow them to stabilise their situation and take active steps to find other accommodation. MSD does not need to routinely grant 7 nights per application.

If the client still has an immediate emergency housing need at the end of the grant period, MSD can assess their eligibility for another payment. Some clients who have been paid for more than 7 nights of emergency accommodation may be able to get a longer grant of up to 21 nights, where appropriate.

Note Emergency Housing Grants should be paid directly to the emergency housing supplier.

Clients who are not already in emergency housing must apply for an Emergency Housing Grant before they incur any cost for emergency housing.

A client’s immediate emergency housing need is based on the 7-day period is assessed from the date of their application for emergency housing.

If a client applies late for an Emergency Housing Grant, MSD can only grant it from the date of their application.

Example - client applies late for an Emergency Housing Grant

Mason applies for an Emergency Housing Grant 30/11/2024, he advises MSD he checked into the emergency housing accommodation 28/11/2024.

Mason meets the qualifications for an Emergency Housing Grant. MSD approves the grant for 7 nights from 30/11/2024 (the date of application).

Note if a client does not attend their appointment to apply for an Emergency Housing Grant, MSD is unable to grant it until they attend their next appointment.

A client accessing emergency, transitional or contracted emergency housing can be approved a Security Deposit Grant before they move into the accommodation.

However, payment of the security deposit to the supplier can only be made if:

• the supplier makes a claim that it is needed to cover the actual costs incurred for loss or damage and
• the client agrees to the amount claimed or has failed to check out

Note security deposits are always recoverable from the client.

If a client leaves their emergency accommodation early, they should notify MSD as soon as they can.

The unused portion of their Emergency Housing Grant may be refunded to MSD by the supplier. This depends on the supplier's refund policy.

If a client leaves early and does not notify the supplier or MSD (and/or leaves their belongings in their room and is uncontactable), the supplier may not be able to re-sell the room or refund us (regardless of any refund policy).

The supplier may be able to accommodate a new client for the remaining period of the previous client's Emergency Housing Grant.

In these circumstances, MSD will need to make a separate grant and payment to the accommodation supplier for the new client.

MSD will also need to seek a refund of the previous payment if the supplier agrees to refund the payment.