Change in assessable income and assets
When the client has a change in income or assets, this may affect their continued eligibility for social housing, MSD will need to:
- decide whether the change affects the rate of Income Related Rent
- review the rate of Income Related Rent if required
- record the change in the system.
When there are changes to the client's Income Related Rent or an applicant's priority on the social housing register, see:
- Income Related Rent Change in circumstances
- Register management and referrals Change in circumstances.
A client's continued eligibility for social housing will be reviewed when the client is selected for tenancy review. For more information see:
From 1 July 2023, most types of Child Support are included as assessable income when MSD calculates a clients Income Related Rent or an applicant's priority rating. For more information see:
- Income Related Rent Child Support included in assessable income from 1 July 2023
- Register management and referrals Reviewing clients on the register.
Example 1
Sandra is getting Sole Parent Support, she has 2 young children. Sandra's new partner moves into the property, and she is aware of the need to tell MSD about her situation.
Her new partner has income and assets greater than the income and asset limits set for social housing eligibility.
Although they move to the market rent rate (and Sandra's benefit is cancelled), Sandra's continued eligibility for social housing will not be reassessed at this time.
The household needs to be selected for a tenancy review before their continued eligibility is reviewed.
Example 2
Roger has received $60,000 from his late grandmother's estate which he put into a savings account. Roger is currently paying market rent.
Roger has assets greater than the asset limits set for social housing eligibility and is aware he needs to tell MSD about his situation.
Roger's continued eligibility for social housing will not be reassessed at this time.
When Roger is selected for a tenancy review, his continued eligibility will be reviewed.
