Housing for seniors application forms are available on this page, from the Council’s Invercargill and Bluff offices or by phoning (03) 211 1777 and asking for a form to be posted to you. Also available on this page is a link to the Housing Care Service information booklet and to a map showing the location of units.
Once the application form is completed, arrange a meeting with Housing Care to discuss your application and suitability, and any questions you may have. You will be advised whether your application has been approved and, if so, what priority it has been given (urgent, primary or secondary).
All applicants will be subject to additional assessment relating to compatibility with existing Housing Care neighbouring residents in terms of safety, privacy and suitability of the accommodation offered.
Rents
Weekly rents depend on the type of unit rented and the facilities provided (one bedroom or bedsitter etc).
The waiting list
If your application is successful, your name will be placed on our waiting list. Unfortunately, it is impossible to say how long you will have to wait before we can offer you a suitable unit. Your application will be prioritised according to the following guidelines:
Primary Eligibility
In order to be given this priority the applicant must:
- Be 60 years or more; and
- Have an on-going housing need and be on a permanent benefit and /or have special needs/health issues and their income is within the income limit:
- Their assets are within the primary asset limit of $23,000 or secondary asset limit of $50,000 (which doesn’t include furniture and personal effects or usually a car).
- May be at risk in their current accommodation.
Secondary Eligibility
In order to be given this priority the applicant must:
- Be 55 years or more;
- Have an ongoing housing need and be on a permanent benefit and /or have special needs/health issues and their income is within the income limit:
- Their assets are within the primary asset limit of $23,000 or secondary asset limit of $50,000 (which doesn’t include furniture and personal effects or usually a car).
These applications will be considered for eligibility depending on individual circumstances.
Note on priority:
Where possible those tenants who have been on the waiting list the longest will be allocated a unit first. The only exception is Urgent Need.
Where an applicant has an urgent housing need or is at risk in their current housing, Council’s Housing staff will treat the application with urgency and give preference where the applicant is willing to accept accommodation in any unit.
Allocation of units
When a unit is vacated it will be offered to the next applicant on the list for whom it would be suitable. The applicant usually has two days to decide whether to accept. However, an extension may be given in certain circumstances.
If you refuse a unit, Council reserves the right to give your application a lower priority.
The Council is reluctant to allow shifts between units unless this will significantly improve the well-being of the tenant applying for the shift. You should, therefore, consider carefully before accepting a unit.
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