Housing assistance helps people meet their basic human need for shelter and security and can also improve living standards, health and well being and participation in society. Housing assistance is available to many Australians who need help in finding suitable housing and who may struggle to meet housing costs. This could be caused by a range of factors including affordability, family conflict, domestic violence, discrimination, disability or health status. 'Housing assistance in Australia' provides an overview of the types, extent and benefits of government assistance available to homeowners and renters as well as to people experiencing homelessness, and to specific population groups.