For many workers, losing a job means struggling, including losing the ability to pay rent or a mortgage. JobWatch data shows that some workers calling for employment information are often managing housing costs that leave little room for a drop in income or loss of a job.The Employment and Housing Security Project, which started in May 2025, set out to understand the scale of that risk among people who contact JobWatch for help.
April 30, 2026
In May 2025, JobWatch added two questions to its call intake process as part of the Employment and Housing Security Project:
These questions help JobWatch identify callers who may be at risk of losing their housing, so the right information and referrals can be provided early.
National data shows that housing stress affects a wide range of Australians. In 2024–25, an estimated 1.26 million low-income households were in housing stress, defined as spending more than 30% of their disposable income on housing (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, citing ANU Centre for Social Policy Research, 2025). Research from housing campaign Everybody’s Home has also found that rental stress is not limited to low-income earners, with people earning around $70,000 per year spending more than half their income on the national median unit rent.
For many workers, their income covers their rent or mortgage each month. If that income reduces or stops suddenly, housing costs don’t. JobWatch’s data shows that workers experiencing problems at work may also be managing housing costs that leave little room for a drop in or loss of income.
Getting support early, before a job is lost may help. JobWatch can explain your rights at work, which may help you resolve a workplace problem, keep your job, or recover money you are owed. Positive outcomes for workplace issues ensure job and consequently housing security.
If you are in Victoria and are worried about your job or your housing, the following services may be able to help.
Free and confidential telephone information and referral for workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.
Phone: (03) 9662 1933 or 1800 331 617 (free call for regional callers)
Website: https://www.jobwatch.org.au
Provides free legal information and advice for renters in Victoria, including rental stress information.
Website: tenantsvic.org.au/contact-us
Launch Housing’s Private Rental programs provide people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness with practical assistance to establish and maintain private rental tenancies. This includes information, advice, advocacy and in some cases financial assistance.
Phone: 9466 0100 (Collingwood) or 8598 1188 (St Kilda)
Website: https://www.launchhousing.org.au/get-help/financial-support/
If you are already having difficulty meeting rent or mortgage payments, a free financial counsellor may be able to help you understand your options.
Phone: 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)
Website: ndh.org.au
Victoria’s homelessness access point. Connects callers to local housing services and crisis accommodation.
Phone: 1800 825 955 (available 24 hours, 7 days)
Search for housing, food, legal and financial support services near you.
Website: askizzy.org.au
What can I do if I am worried about losing my job and my housing?
Getting information and support early can help. JobWatch can explain your rights at work, which may help you resolve a workplace problem, keep your job, or recover money you are owed.
If you are concerned about your housing, Tenants Victoria can provide advice for renters, and Opening Doors (1800 825 955) connects people to housing support services across Victoria.
If you are already having difficulty meeting rent or mortgage payments, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) provides free and confidential financial counselling.
I’ve lost my job and I can’t pay rent. What are my options?
If you have already lost your job, there are several services that may be able to help depending on your situation. If you think your dismissal was unfair or unlawful, JobWatch can explain your options. You may have rights under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) or other laws. Call (03) 9662 1933 or 1800 331 617 (regional callers).
If you are struggling to meet rent or mortgage payments, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) provides free and confidential financial counselling. Tenants Victoria can provide information if you are a renter, and Opening Doors (1800 825 955) can connect you to housing support services across Victoria.
How do I know if I have an employment law claim?
If you have been dismissed, had your hours cut, not been paid correctly, or experienced other issues at work, you may have rights under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) or other laws. The first step is to get information. JobWatch can explain your options. Call (03) 9662 1933 or 1800 331 617 (regional callers) for free and confidential information.
This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Contact JobWatch to discuss your specific situation.
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