National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme provides support to people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

The Scheme was developed by the Australian Government in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The scheme contributes to the dignity and recognition of people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse before 1 July 2018.

Under the Scheme, people can receive a redress payment, counselling and psychological care, and have the option to receive a Direct Personal Response, for example an apology, from the responsible institution.

If you think you may be entitled to support, we encourage you to read more about the National Redress Scheme, including who is eligible and how to apply.

If you receive a redress payment, and are applying for housing assistance or living in public or community housing, you will need to consider how the payment could affect your eligibility or rent.

Applying for housing assistance

If you are applying for social housing or private housing assistance and have received a redress payment:

  • The lump sum redress payment is not included when assessing your income and assets for social housing or private housing products and services (e.g. a bond loan).
  • If you invest your redress payment (e.g. put it into your savings account or use it to buy shares), any income you earn from that investment will be included when assessing your eligibility for housing services.
  • If you use your redress payment to purchase any type of property, you will be ineligible for social housing and private housing assistance. The types of property include:
    • a residential home (e.g. house, flat, unit or townhouse)
    • vacant residential land including rural property
    • a manufactured or transportable home
    • improved or unimproved commercial or industrial property.

If you have received a payment from the National Redress Scheme, talk to your local Housing Service Centre about your individual circumstances and housing needs.

Public and community housing tenants

If you’re living in public or community housing and receive a redress payment:

  • The lump sum redress payment is not included when your rent is calculated.
  • If you invest your redress payment, (e.g. put it into your savings account or use it to buy shares), any income you earn from that investment is included when we work out your household’s rent.
  • If you use your redress payment to purchase any type of property, you will be ineligible for social housing and we will help you transition into the private market. The types of property include:
    • a residential home (e.g. house, flat, unit or townhouse)
    • vacant residential land including rural property
    • a manufactured or transportable home
    • improved or unimproved commercial or industrial property.

If you have received a payment from the National Redress Scheme, talk to your local Housing Service Centre about your individual circumstances and housing needs.