Apply for priority housing

This page has information about priority housing in the Northern Territory.

Who can apply

You must be eligible for public housing to apply for priority housing.

You can apply for priority housing if you are:

• homeless
• at risk of homelessness
• experiencing domestic or family violence
• have serious medical or social problems.

If your application is approved you will go on a waiting list.

It may be months or years before you get an offer of housing.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply.

Step 1: Check you are eligible

Read the section Who can apply above

Step 2: Read the application form

Read the information at the beginning of the housing application form so you understand what you need to do.

• Housing application form DOCX (532.6 KB)
• Housing application form PDF (1.1 MB)

Step 3: Collect the documents you need

You will need to provide documents to support your application and prove your need for priority.

As well as all the information needed to apply for public housing, you may also have to provide the following:

• letter from your doctor or medical specialist
• letter from your social worker or support agency
• copy of a current domestic violence order or a police report.

Step 4: Fill in the form

Fill in the housing application form, including part D - Request for priority housing or transfer.

• Housing application form DOCX (532.6 KB)
• Housing application form PDF (1.1 MB)

Step 5: Take your application form to a housing office

Take your form and supporting documents to your local housing office.

Ask the housing officer to check your application form.  They will tell you if you need to provide any more information.

They may also ask you to make an appointment to go through your application and the information you have provided to help them assess your need for priority housing.

If your application is approved

You will be sent a letter to confirm your application has been approved and you will be placed on a waiting list.

You will be offered accommodation when you reach the top of the wait list and a suitable property becomes available.

If your application is not approved

You will be sent a letter explaining why your application has not been approved.

All applications that are not approved are automatically reviewed a second time before this letter is sent to you.

The letter will also tell you how to appeal the decision.

You can also ask to remain on the general housing wait list and you will be offered accommodation when it is your turn.

Short term accommodation

If you need immediate help, the ShelterMe website offers an online directory with information about accommodation options and support services across the NT including:

• crisis
• transitional
• short term
• low cost options
• supported accommodation
• and other services.

Other options include applying for an interest free loan to get into a private rental accommodation.

You can also look in the Yellow Pages for hostels, boarding houses or motels in your area.

Contact your local housing office for more information.