Contents
Assessment of eligibility : Contents

Introduction

The ability to access suitable, adequate, affordable and sustainable housing can negatively impact on a client's ability to maintain an adequate lifestyle and to meet the basic needs of the household members.

The MSD (the Ministry) is responsible for:

  • confirming a client's eligibility for social housing
  • assessing their need for social housing
  • determining their priority ranking for social housing and
  • determining their housing needs (housing requirements)

MSD administers social housing and Income Related Rent.

A client does not have to be getting a benefit to qualify for social housing or Income Related Rent.

When the client is assessed as needing social housing assistance they are referred to a social housing provider, either Kāinga Ora or a Community Housing Provider.

The Social Allocation System

Clients who are determined at risk (priority A) or in serious housing need (priority B) are eligible for social housing. Housing need is determined as part of the Social Allocation System (SAS).

The Social Allocation System:

  • is the assessment tool used to process applications for social housing and
  • makes sure social housing is available only to those in the highest need who do not have alternative housing options

For more information see:

Legislation

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Housing needs describe the property requirements (which include particular types of houses or areas) the prospective tenant requires for their household circumstances. This may include:

Social housing providers are housing providers, which include Housing New Zealand and community housing providers.

Community housing providers are approved, registered and regulated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

A social housing provider can provide properties for tenants who are eligible for social housing and for subsided rent through Income Related Rent.

Housing need refers to households lacking their own housing or living in housing which is inadequate, unsuitable or unaffordable, and who are unable to meet their housing needs (property requirements) without assistance.

Note to be eligible to be allocated social housing a client must be assessed as being at risk (A priority) or have a serious housing need (B priority).