Program guidelines - eligibility

Eligibility

Criteria

To be eligible for the grants you must:

Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (Confirmation of Aboriginality [CoA] is required)
Not currently own a home at the time of applying
Currently reside and intend to purchase a home in Victoria
Have an individual or household income of no more than at $245,000 per annum (max. 4 applicants)
Have documented pre-approval from a financial provider.

Combined applications

Up to four applicants may purchase a home with family and friends (shared ownership). Where this is the case, grant distribution will be considered according to applicant/s eligibility status.

If one applicant fits the eligibility criteria, the primary applicant receiving the grant must:

meet all eligibility criteria*; and 
obtain at least 25% ownership of the property being purchased.

* Only the primary applicant must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and hold a CoA. If multiple applicants identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, only one CoA is required.

Required Documents and Information

Applicants will need to provide documentation to show that they meet the Eligibility Criteria. If there are multiple applicants, all applicants will need to supply their respective support documents.

Copies of supporting documents that support your proof of address and identification must be certified by an approved certifier to support your application. A list of approved certifiers can be found: Certified copies of original documents | Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria.

Documentation Required

Eligibility Criteria	Proof Documentation
You must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.	Confirmation of Aboriginality. Must provide one of the following: A letter from a Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) confirming acceptance of a person as a member of the LALC. The letter must be on the LALC letterhead and signed by either the LALC chairperson, board members, or chief executive officer. A letter of confirmation from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO). The letter must be on the ACCO letterhead and signed by either the ACCO chairperson, board members, or chief executive officer. A letter of confirmation from an Aboriginal organisation. The letter must contain common seal. A letter of confirmation from an Aboriginal organisation. The letter must be on the organisation letterhead and contain an Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN). A combination of the four above options.
Currently reside in and are purchasing a home in Victoria (must be certified)	Provide one of the following: A copy of the applicants Victorian Drivers License – both sides, Proof of Age card, Residential Rental Tenancy Agreement
Have an individual or household income of no more than at $245,000 per annum	Provide proof of income. Documentation required depending on type of employment income source: Full-time employed: a latest tax return. Part-time employed: a latest tax return and/or Centrelink Annual Statement, if applicable. Centrelink recipient: a Centrelink Annual Statement only. The previous year’s tax return may be used up until 31 October of the current tax year. The Program may require additional documentation to verify income where previous years income does not align with the income declared in the application.
Have documented pre-approval from a financial provider.	A copy of a Mortgage Loan pre-approval letter from your financial provider.

Previous name/s

If you have changed your name and your documents have different names, please provide a copy of the document(s) that shows your name change:

Marriage certificate
Registration of name change (deed poll)
Adoption certificate
Another official document (such as a statutory declaration)

You might need to submit extra documentation, like a statutory declaration, if the documents you give us do not match your date of birth.

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