The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.H.74 Homelessness

Usage

This definition is applicable for the purposes of income management only.

Definition

The most widely accepted definition of homelessness in Australia describes 3 kinds of homelessness:

primary homelessness, such as sleeping rough or living in an improvised dwelling,
secondary homelessness, including staying with friends or relatives and with no other usual address and people staying in specialist homelessness services, and
tertiary homelessness, including people living in boarding houses or caravan parks with no secure lease and no private facilities, both short and long-term.

Last reviewed: 3 July 2017

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.