Housing Establishment Fund (HEF)

Housing Establishment Fund (HEF) is allocated by office of housing to various community agencies to assist people with rent arrears, rent in advance, removalist or storage costs.  HEF is not available to pay rent on public or transitional housing properties.  Approval for HEF depends on your situation and whether funds are available at the time of application.  Your rent must not exceed 55% of you income.  You need to contact your local Transitional Housing Manager and speak to a Housing Information and Referral worker to discuss you eligibility.  You will be required to provide supporting documents before an eligibility assessment can be completed.

AHAG is allocated HEF funds via Supported Housing Limited for PLWHA in receipt of Disability Support Pension (DSP).  If you are not in receipt of this benefit AHAG can refer you to your local Transitional Housing Manager to apply for HEF.

Bond Loan Scheme

Bond loans are interest-free loans from the Office of Housing that can be used to cover the cost of a private rental bond. You can only use these loans for bonds; they cannot be used for rent in advance or moving costs.  You must apply for the bond loan prior to signing a lease on a private rental property.  Applications can be lodged and approved at your local Office of Housing office.

The full amount of the bond loan must be paid back at the end of your tenancy. If your landlord withholds some of the bond because of unpaid rent or damages, you are still required to repay the full amount of the bond loan.

You are eligible to receive a bond loan if:

• you meet the bond loan income and asset eligibility limits 
• you are a permanent resident of Australia
• your share of the rent is not more than 55 per cent of
• your gross (before tax) weekly income
• you do not own or part own a house, flat or unit
• you have repaid any previous bond loans
• you do not owe any money relating to previous or current public tenancies.

There are exemptions to some of these criteria.  For more information contact AHAG.

David Williams Fund  (DWF)

The David Williams Fund (DWF) office is located at the Positive Living Centre, 51 Commercial Road, Prahran. Victoria. 3181.  Contact the DWF worker on 9863 0444 to make an appointment.  The fund provides financial assistance to PLWHA experiencing financial hardship and can assist with purchasing essential items.  To apply you must be a member of the Positive Living Centre and provide supporting documentation with your application.  A decision is made on the following week as to whether DWF can assist with your request.

Level of assistance depends on degree of need, level of demand, availability of funding and past assistance.  AHAG can assist you to complete a DWF application.  The DWF worker will advise you by mail of the outcome of your application.