01 September 2023
From 1 September 2023, more Islanders can access social rented homes in Jersey, following
changes to the Affordable Housing Gateway eligibility criteria.
In July, the Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr, published his “Roadmap for improving access to social housing in Jersey”, which outlined a detailed series of steps to widen
access to social housing and to improve the way it is managed and promoted.
Islanders aged over 35 without children can now apply for social housing. Previously it
was 40 years or older. Eligibility to access social housing continues to be at age 18 for households
with children, but for households with no children, the age of eligibility has traditionally been much
higher.
Income thresholds are also increased, to better reflect the needs of Islanders who may
need help with housing costs. Those who qualify for two-, three- and four-bedroom homes can
now benefit from limits which range from £61,956 per year (single applicant and one child) up to
£92,079 per year (joint applicant and three children or more).
Additional support is also being provided to Islanders in separated families. A “second” household
is now eligible to apply for a home with one additional bedroom, to accommodate child stays. Until
now, only the “first” household has been eligible to access additional bedrooms for children.
Grandparents who provide care for their grandchild(ren) with additional needs are also now eligible
to request a transfer to a two-bedroom home.
The Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr, said: “As Andium Homes continues
on its journey to deliver 3,000 new homes by 2030, we are now in a position to start relaxing some
of the criteria around social rented housing and I’m absolutely committed to better supporting
those who are struggling.
“There are many Islanders who don’t have the advantage of family money, family property or the
‘bank of mum and dad’ and it’s a priority for me to ensure that they are not left behind and have a
bright future living here in Jersey.”
Islanders can apply for affordable rented housing via the form on www.gov.je/housinggateway
The Housing Advice Service can be contacted on 01534 444444 or by emailing
housingadvice@gov.je
gov.je