What is the Tenancy Assistance Program (TAP)?

The Tenancy Assistance Program (TAP) is here to help individuals and families at risk of losing their homes due to financial hardship, mental health challenges, domestic violence, or other complex issues.

TAP provides tailored, wrap-around support stabilising tenancies and mortgages, focusing on early intervention and prevention. We aim to address the root causes of housing instability before they escalate, offering services that promote long-term housing security and resilience. This includes support for individuals in private rentals, public housing, and those seeking to establish tenancies.

TAP Services

Our dedicated TAP workers provide comprehensive support to clients, including:

• Housing Information and Guidance: Expert advice on housing options and resources in the Canberra area.
• Understanding Financial Agreements: Assistance with navigating mortgage and home loan conditions and lease agreements.
• Referral and Advocacy: Connections to essential services for legal, financial, and employment support.
• Tenant Representation: Support at ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearings and negotiations with landlords, real estate, and lenders.
• Personalized Case Plans: Customized goals and action steps to meet housing needs and ensure stability.
• Integrated Wrap-Around Support: Connections to mental health services, family support, and life skills programs for comprehensive assistance.

Testimonials

“Thank you a million times thank you from the bottom of all our hearts…you make miracles happen to our family this Christmas.” – TAP client & recipient of the Safer Families Grant.

“I received wonderful support from my case worker. She helped me in so many ways. She was very personable and really listened to me. She gave me strength to feel positive and hope that my new life with me daughter’s will get better. I felt safe and respected while taking with her…I still think of [her] often and I will never forget how much my life changed with her knowledge and support.”

Success Story

When a client was referred to the TAP, she was just a week away from her ACAT hearing. With TAP’s support, she navigated the hearing process successfully. To improve her financial stability, TAP assisted her in applying for JobSeeker to supplement her income, which was only around $600 per week after tax.

Understanding the importance of clearing rental arrears, TAP connected her with Care to complete her back taxes, allowing her to pay off outstanding rent and maintain a positive rental history. She was also referred to Toora and secured a place in one of their share homes, providing her with a stable living environment.

Determined to find her own private rental, she was initially approved for the Canberra Accommodation Centre but faced challenges with upfront costs. Now, with additional financial support, a new application is being submitted, bringing her closer to achieving her long-term housing goals.

TAP continues to provide guidance, ensuring she has the resources and support needed for a secure and independent future.

TAP Walk-in Service

Drop by the TAP Walk-in Service for a friendly chat with our team! We’re here to support all community members with tenancy advice, available services, and workshops to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Simply walk in and explore all of our support services available to you. You can sign up below to let our team know your needs in advance.

Register Here

🗓️ Date & Time: Every Thursday from 1pm – 4pm

📍 Location: Woden Community Hub, Westfield Woden

Click here to see upcoming TAP Walk-in Sessions.

A Commitment to CALD Communities

TAP is dedicated to serving culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and supporting clients facing housing stability barriers. TAP creates a secure network to keep families safe and housed by focusing on holistic and culturally responsive support.

Want to know more?

You can contact our team through OneLink, where an assessing officer will discuss your situation and what assistance you need. They can provide information and connect you to support services, including TAP.

Call: 1800 176 468
Email: info@onelink.org.au
or visit www.onelink.org.au. 

Our Partners

TAP is funded under the Community Services Directorate. 

We partner with Care Consumer Law, Care Financial Counselling, Care Financial Capability and Vinnies Home Energy Tune-Up.

If your organisation is interested in partnering with us to support the Tenancy Assistance Program, please reach out to us at TAPNetworking@wcs.org.au.