Making a Homelessness Application

How to officially ask your local council for help if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Relevant for:

Currently Homeless

At Risk

Important Warnings

Do not leave your current accommodation voluntarily without council advice, or you may be found "intentionally homeless".

You can make an application to any council, but it is usually best to apply where you have a "local connection" (e.g., lived there 6 months, work there, family there).
The council must accept your application if you have reason to believe you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
You do not need to be sleeping on the street to be considered homeless. You can be homeless if your home is unsafe, you are sofa surfing, or facing eviction.

The council cannot turn you away without taking an application if you are eligible.
You have the right to emergency accommodation if the council thinks you might be homeless, eligible, and in "priority need".
You have the right to a written decision on your application.