This section explains how to make a homelessness application. The council has duties to help certain groups of homeless people.
If you have any problem making your application, you should get advice immediately. The council may have a legal responsibility to help you. Use our directory to find an advice centre in your area.
What if I become homeless outside office hours?
If you are homeless outside office hours, the council should operate an out of hours service that you can contact. You can get details of these services in your area from Shelter's free national helpline, or they may be listed in our Advice Services Directory. The type of emergency service provided varies between different councils.
Where should I apply?
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you should normally apply to your local council's housing department. However, there may be times when this is not possible, for example, if you have to leave the area you normally live in because you are at risk of violence or abuse.
You do not have to apply to your local council. You may want to move to another area, for example, to be near friends or relatives. Any council must accept a homelessness application from you. It should not refuse to accept an application because you are from outside the area. Later, it is possible that the council may refer you to another council. This might happen if you don't have a local connection with the area you have applied to in terms of the legal rules. However, before referring you, the council must look at the rest of your circumstances.
If you are thinking of applying to an area with which you have a minimal connection, you could discuss this with a local advice agency (use our directory to find one). They may help you consider the advantages and disadvantages of this.
Which office of the council?
The council may have a specific office that deals with all homeless applicants. It may deal with homeless applicants in several different offices. Sometimes councils get other organisations, such as a housing association, to deal with homeless applicants. However,the council always retains overall responsibility for the service. Details of your local council can be found in our Advice Services Directory. The main council switchboard will be able to give details of who to contact to make a homelessness application.
When should I apply?
Councils only have to accept applications from people who are legally classed as homeless, or who are threatened with homelessness within 28 days. You should be considered to be threatened with homelessness if, for example:
- you have been given a valid notice by your landlord which expires within 28 days
- you are due to be discharged from an institution (eg hospital or prison) within 28 days and have nowhere to go
- you have been asked to leave by friends or family within 28 days.
If it is not likely that you will become homeless within 28 days, the council must still give you advice and assistance about avoiding homelessness.
Can anyone make an application?
The council has to accept a homelessness application from any person who is legally in the UK except for people whose age, learning disability or illness means they cannot understand the application process. It is up to the council to decide whether a person is able to understand the application process.
What if I've already made an application?
If you have applied to the council as homeless on a previous occasion, you may be able to make a new application if the council considers that there has been a change in your circumstances. If you are in this situation and you have problems making an application, get advice.
How do I apply?
You can make a homelessness application to the council in a number of different ways:
- in person
- by telephone
- in writing
- in any other format.
Most councils prefer people to apply in person. They normally ask you to fill in an application form and attend an interview. The application form may also include a declaration, which you must read, sign and date to confirm that the information you have provided is correct. To withhold or give false information is a criminal offence and may result in a prosecution.
What will the interview be like?
Councils try to interview homeless applicants as quickly as possible. You may be offered an interview straight away. Or the council may make an appointment for you to come back. If you are homeless immediately, the council should deal with you on the same day. Interviews are usually at the council offices. The council may visit you at home if you have mobility problems or practical difficulties in getting to the council offices.
What should I take to the interview?
The council will need to check out the details of how you have become homeless and your personal circumstances. It helps if you take all relevant documents with you to the interview. This might include:
- identification such as birth certificate(s) or passport(s) for everyone in your household
- proof of income (eg benefit book or wage slips)
- child benefit book
- proof of pregnancy
- tenancy agreement
- eviction notice served by landlord
- court possession papers
- a letter from anyone who has asked you to move out (eg your parents).
If you can't get this information together before your interview, the council should still consider your application.
