The two case studies for Michael and Rashmi
below illustrate the varied pathways in being
assisted within the program and the flexibility of
the model in helping them to find alternative
rental accommodation as part of a planned
process of transition from their existing housing
into a new property. Michael was not initially
eligible for brokerage support given his low
Newstart income but identified a solution by
finding house mates to share the rent with and
upon returning to the program was able to be
provided with assistance for the Bond loan. Rashmi
accessed the program to help her move out of an
existing property where her rent was very high and
whilst she was not initially eligible for a loan the
assessment helped her to prioritise her existing
debts and prepare a budget. When she had
resolved her current debts Rashmi was able to be
provided with a loan and assisted into a new
property that was more affordable.
Michael
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Michael was referred by a previous housing client. Michael was living with his brother-in-law at
the time and wanted to find his own place. Michael’s income is from a Newstart allowance and
he found it difficult to afford a property on his own and sharing with others would be his only
option. WCC provided assistance in helping Michael to look for properties and provided him with
details of inspections coming up. Michael was able to find three of his friends who wanted to
share a rental property, which meant his rent would be reduced and he could manage a small
loan. Once Michael located a property WCC assisted him with the application form as well as a
bond loan application. Only two of the friends wanted to apply for the bond loan, resulting in
their application for a bond only successful for part of the amount and short $463.30. WCC were
able to assist with this amount. Along with the housing caseworker Michael was referred to the
settlement team for support as well as the immigration worker for applying for sponsorship for
his family back home. Michael has since paid off the loan
Rashmi
6 contacts
Rashmi presented to WCC as she was seeking a cheaper rental property as she was currently
paying $1738 a month. Rashmi is also dealing with depression and receiving support from a GP
who was organising a referral to a psychologist. Rashmi is currently paying $500 per fortnight
towards debt-cash convertors loan which she took out to pay Christmas expenses. Rashmi was
not in a rush to move out however felt the landlord would sell the house soon and then she will
need to leave. Rashmi wanted a smaller more affordable property. She was keen to pay her
debt off before seeking alternate rental accommodation. Two months later Rashmi was in a
better financial and emotional position and ready to seek another rental property. Rashmi was
able to secure a property and was provided with the loan for rent in advance
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