Who can get public housing

If you want to apply to live in public (social) housing, you need to meet certain criteria.

Criteria you need to meet

Age and residency

Age

You must be 16 or older.

Residency

If you're getting a main benefit from us (e.g. Jobseeker Support), you meet the residency criteria.

If you don't get a main benefit from us, you need to meet one of these residency criteria:

• you're a New Zealand citizen
• you have a resident visa or permanent resident visa and have lived in NZ continuously for at least 2 years since getting it
• you're recognised as a refugee by Immigration New Zealand
• you're recognised as a protected person by Immigration New Zealand, or
• you either:
  • have a Christchurch Response Visa, or
  • get a Special Needs Grant because you came to New Zealand on a temporary visa to be with your NZ partner and your relationship ended due to domestic violence.

  Serious housing need

  You must have a serious housing need. This means we'll look at things like:

  • your current housing situation, including:
    • the property's physical condition
    • if the property has basic living facilities
    • over-crowding
    • how secure your tenancy is

    Income and assets

    Generally you need to have:

    • income under:
      • $782.43 a week (after tax) if you're single with no children
      • $1,205.22 a week (after tax) if you have a partner or children

      If you have income or assets worth more than this, you may still qualify for public housing. It depends on your situation.