Feedback

Emergency housing

If you have nowhere to stay tonight or in the next 7 days, you may be able to apply for emergency housing.

How to apply

  • Step 1 - Contact us to apply

    You can book a phone appointment to talk with us using MyMSD. Once you’ve logged in, select the ‘Book an appointment’ option.

    MyMSD login

    If you can’t use MyMSD, you can call us to book a phone appointment.

  • Step 2 - We'll look at your housing options

    During your phone appointment, we’ll talk with you to understand your situation and how we can help.

    We’ll look at what options you might have, such as:

    • staying with family or friends
    • help if you’re behind in your rent
    • help if you need rent and bond for a new property
    • help with moving and travel costs to shift to another suitable place
    • negotiating with landlords
    • accommodation options you can afford.

    If none of these options can work for you, we’ll look at transitional housing and then emergency accommodation.

  • Step 3 - We'll look at emergency accommodation

    If the options above don’t work for you, you may be able to stay in places such as a hostel or motel for a few days.

    We’ll talk to you about your options and help you, where we can, to find somewhere to stay.

    Once you’ve found a place, let us know so we can talk with you about next steps.

    How much it costs

    We’ll cover the cost of your accommodation for up to 7 days at a time in most cases. If you need to stay longer, let us know and we'll continue to cover the cost if we can.

    You won’t need to pay this money back unless you’re unreasonably contributing to your own need for emergency accommodation.

    How to pay the provider

    We’ll give you a payment card (if you don’t already have one) and load the money onto it. You'll pay the accommodation provider with your payment card (much like an Eftpos card).

  • Step 4 - Keep looking for longer-term housing

    You need to keep looking for longer-term housing.

    We can help you look at your longer-term housing options, including public housing, and other support you might be able to get.

    Help to find a house

linksRelated links

Escaping family violence
Apply for public housing