Together Home: High Needs Packages

High Needs packages are available across NSW for individuals aged 18 years plus who are being supported through the Together Home program may require additional support.  

This may involve situations where it becomes evident that a current Together Home support package is not meeting the needs of an individual, and further funding is required, or, an individual requires additional supports whilst waiting for an NDIS or HASI package.    

Priority access will be given to:    

• Individuals who identify as Aboriginal or/both Torres Strait Islander    

• Individuals over 55 yrs.    

• Individuals under 24yrs    

• Females    

• Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+    

Homelessness NSW is facilitating the application process for high need support packages through the High Needs panel.  The panel includes representatives from DCJ, Health, NDIA, Aboriginal representatives and a person with lived experience. The role of panel members is the prioritisation and allocation of funding.   

How to make a referral.   

Click here for updates on packages allocated to date

It is essential that all individuals referred to the panel have provided informed consent and that a VI-SPDAT has been completed. Referrals will be accepted from district Client Referral Assessment Groups (CRAGS) or Community Housing Providers funded for the Together Home program    

The referral process is designed to capture all the key information that is required by the panel to assist decision making and should include:    

• A copy of the Client engagement and nomination form used to refer the individual to the Together Home program    

• Completed HNP referral form    

• Completed HNP budget template      

• Any other supporting documentation  

Please click here to COMPLETE A REFERRAL  

If you require further information, or have any concerns, please contact  highneedspackage@homelessnessnsw.org.au

Useful information

Click here to access the HIGH NEEDS PANEL FACT SHEET

Click here for the BUDGET TEMPLATE FACTSHEET

If you require further information, or have any concerns, please contact  highneedspackage@homelessnessnsw.org.au 

Watch the Together Homes High Needs Panel Information Webinar and Q+A with speakers from DCJ, NDIS Click here for the presentation. 

Case Study Example 
 

Click here to read TANYA’S STORY 

Click here to view anEXAMPLE REFERRAL for Tanya 

Here are some examples which demonstrate good and bad practice in completing a budget template for a high needs package 

Tanya EXAMPLE OF A GOOD BUDGET TEMPLATE 

Tanya EXAMPLE OF A WEAK BUDGET TEMPLATE 

Key dates for panel meetings

18 SEP 2020	High Needs Package Referrals Round 1 open Closing date for referrals 18th September 2020
1 OCT 2020	High Needs Panel First Meeting
23 OCT 2020	High Needs Package Referrals Round 2 open Closing date for referrals 23rd October 2020
5 NOV 2020	High Needs Panel Second Meeting
27 NOV 2020	High Needs Package Referral Round 3 open Closing date for referrals 27th November 2020
10 DEC 2020	High Needs Panel Third Meeting

Homelessness NSW aims to provide acknowledgment that a referral has been received 5 days prior to every panel meeting. Referring agencies are provided details of decisions within 5 working days of a panel meeting taking place.